I think you should take everything out of the room except for your new pieces. (No plants in there either.) Then post a pic of just that to get ideas from ppl here. Sometimes it's hard to envision where to go when you're looking at old pics and a lot of clutter. I think you can make it work, but must keep it very simple in there!

Congrats on your new items! Adding a mirror and lamps to your server will help and I encourage you to include one of your living plants in the mix (in front of the mirror. Using light reflecting surfaces on your server and on your table will brighten it up. Are the chairs in the first dining photo new?

I agree with aladdintn. Also, open the blinds all the way. :)

The table is begging for a table cloth - white or interestingly coloured. Start there and see what else can be added. At the moment, the room is choking.

I was trying to edit this post and accidentally posted it anyway.

Anyhow, thanks for the comments. I love the Espresso colored dining room which is why I purchased it. The chairs are new as well and they sort of blended with the cabinets.

I posted a picture of the peel and stick tile, to give a better idea of the what the flooring looked like.

The last picture is what the dining room looked like before we moved in. I posted to give an idea of what the space looked like.

The corner cabinet can not be moved. I have removed all of the plants from in front of the window, they are no longer there. So there is more space in there. from whats pictured

I wanted suggestions on how to liven it up a bit. I was considering a mirror and maybe a light grey area rug. The dining room is also connected to the kitchen which we added stainless steel appliances.

Would you all consider maybe a different color of vertical blinds as well?

I would ditch the vertical blinds altogether.

Why can't the corner cabinet be moved?

I agree with Patricia about the corner cabinet going, and a chandelier moving in. And that those plants, which are gorgeous specimens, are just too much for that space. I think you need to change that very dowbeat rug. Think of using clear colours and reflective surfaces and don't forget the art. To get you thinking along these lines ...

Rug: Safavieh-Handmade-Soho-Ivory-New-Zealand-Wool-Rug at Overstock

Art: http://www.dianehuttgallery.co.uk/

Chandelier: aliexpress.com (but no longer available)

Vase: http://m.dynastygallery.com/cat-84-1-128-0/orange-coral.htm

Low green bowl: https://www.aliexpress.com/cheap/cheap-large-crystal-bowls.html

Candlesticks: http://www.ciaobellashop.com/category-s/1340.htm

You could put a pretty runner on the table to break up the dark wood. Can you paint the corner cabinet to match woodwork or walls, since I assume it is built in?

Oops, crossed with a lot of posts there while I was playing .... the more the merrier. Good luck.

PS Love the pics Patricia Hall posted.

PPS, if the corner cabinet really, really can't go, consider painting it to match the walls.

Jenni, with the cabinets, flooring and wall colors I would not choose grey for a rug. Instead, look at creams and warmer colors for a rug.

I am afraid the purchase you made was emotional and now the facts have hit home. This space is very small. It is encumbered by a builtin corner cabinet. Can you return it and pick out a small round glass top table to lighten up space and utilize the space you have more effectively? Measure the floor space you have. Then take 49" off each side and what is left is max size of table. The round that was in the space was too large. Sorry. I can't mislead you into thinking this table and chairs will work in this space.

Hi Jenni, I would opt for a much smaller table, if this one could be returned. I know that is a lot of hassle. The room seems very tight with the large furniture. Even if the house is a rental, you should be able to paint the corner cabinet if you cannot remove it. Paint it the same color as the walls. If you could remove the doors, even just while you live there, paint the inside of the cabinet the color you choose for an accent- a coral or turquoise perhaps? Put under shelf lights in it and use it as a display for glassware or your prettiest serving pieces (no junk, mail or plants!).

If you are set on it, then lighten it up with accents in a color you love. Corals and cinnamons are nice in a dining area but it depends on the color palette through the flow of your rooms. Ivory and glass would be lightening too.

Put a great mirror or collection of mirrors over the buffet. https://www.pinterest.com/explore/mirror-wall-collage/

Use tall buffet lamps with relatively narrow lucite or ivory bases and ivory shades.

Find a contemporary table runner you like- in ivory or bright coordinated color of your choice. Use bright colored napkins, and an interesting centerpiece to bring color. If silver accents are too cold, go for gold.

Light, bright accents. Fill an oblong bowl with tangerines, artichokes, seashells you've collected- artificial if you're concerned about fruit or vegetables rotting before you use them.
Buy an interesting contemporary light fixture that gives plenty of light. You don't have to spend a lot of money on this. Put in a dimmer switch. Make sure the fixture is compatible with a dimmer switch.

Note also, the large scale artwork over the buffet and lighting in the picture below. Only something you love.

I hope you'll post pictures as you pull the room together. Best wishes!

i agree about ditching the corner cab and those blinds (and the fan). You need something that fits nicely inside the frame. Roman blind, woven wood blinds, etc. Those verticals are 20 years out of date and make your room appear smaller.

silhouettes

roman blinds

Oblong silver basket.