is missing the right color, too nursery blue

Mostly, everything else is Way Too Much Brown! Ditch the chocolate curtains and consider painting or replacing coffee table/ottoman and dining chairs, at the very least.

Yeah, I know what a pain it is, but you should pick one shade of blue/gray for all the rooms.

I will use the word “disparate” to describe your space.

I would like to tell you some of my reactions. Please do not take any of this as an insult. You have some good things with which to work, but some must go and some must be rearranged.

It would be difficult to do the entire area at once because your photos don’t give focus to any one space or item.

Window treatments/rod: change

Pendants: reposition

Wall decor: remove/reposition

Throw pillows: change

Rug: change

Quick question: would the living room rug work under the dining table? The one you have now is too small. Easy way to judge is add 3’ all around your table for sizing the rug.

I think the blue walls will work once you change the counters/backsplash to white.

Oh Wah. You're off the rails my dear. I understand the longing to finish an entire floor. Please stop. The cabinetry in kitchen is blurred into to the floor tone. The brown everything in family room and kitchen........not good with ANY blue, and all else is overwhelmingly brown. Save some money, PAY for some serious consultation time with a local design pro to help make you a plan that fits your budget over time and one that you can implement. You're wasting time and money and energy. All of which are yours.

The goal of any project, paint or otherwise......should not be "it doesn't bother so much anymore" Take a break.....: )

Hmmmm, I don’t know who advised you on dark curtains, so I wouldn’t want to contradict, but I don’t think vertical anything anchors a room.

A nice pair of light/white (outline of pattern in rug), lined, possible a chunky linen look would be nice.

These panels are from PBteen and very affordable, plus sale going on now.

Yes, I think too many pendants in one view.

Could you take a picture of just the dining space? And, like I said there are plenty of things in your home with which to work. For instance, the dining chairs are good. Very versatile in style, but the table makes for too much early American…dark and somber.

Thinking a round table for the space.

After studying your pictures, the first thing I would do is change the brown curtains\drapes to white or off-white. Then see what you think. Since you are changing the kitchen counter and back splash, plus dining room won't comment on those...but I am not a blue wall person, I would suggest cream or even light sage green....also I think your over the sink curtain should be higher to cover the whole window....love the style of the light pendant over the sink.

I would change the rod…yeah. I would do my favorite from Pottery Barn in black (living room pendant is going some where else shhhhh.) Can’t see the rod or your windows, hang the rod 3” or so outside window frame an about 3-4” higher than frame.

My favorite rod:

I am by all means not a designer or even close, but if it were my space I would paint the trim around the window white. Just my humble opinion. ;)

I happen to like the blue. :)

Here's what I would do in the kitchen:

• Paint window trim white
• Add crown molding to cabinet tops (and ceiling, if possible)
• Hang a Roman shade or box-pleated valance above window, close to the ceiling
• Change out the white floor register to hickory

@ Susi

I hear ya hon. But I'd still get a bit of help : ) The right person can save you a lot of confusion, and help you max your dollars too!!!