I think your dining area won't take much to bring it into sync with the rest of your house. I'm gonna work on your room, but Houzz is being glitchy and not allowing posts so it could be a while before I get back.


In the meantime, there are two things you need to do. First either get rid of the rug or get a bigger one--the one you have is way too small--and second, raise all your curtain rods so the curtains just kiss the floor.


I like Patricia's idea of changing out seats on dining chairs, adding cushions or reupholstering. This can be a diy project, and a lighter fabric will help tie it into the new kitchen, which looks great. Your hiding spot isn't a very good one- if the microwave were playing hide and seek, it probably would be found :) Is this where the buffet is going? If so, the more narrow, the better. Also, I would stay away from dark wood; mirrored doors might help. I think one of the challenges is that you are bridging the kitchen space, which has some cooler accents (the nickel, countertops, glass pendants) with the warmer space of the dining room- lots of wood. Medium blue is a good color to bridge cool + warm. I would keep this in mind when you go for art on the wall, possible seat cushions, or accessories. A white drum chandelier in brushed nickel might compliment your kitchen lighting and faucet. See this example at lamps plus.com. It also comes in a bronze, which I like for your space- just as an ex. In terms of art, I think I would put one large piece centered in the space next to your dining cabinet, for balance. Pic below from Minted.com. A white frame will add coolness, lightness. Remove the smaller pieces from that wall and from next to window. If possible or at some point, changing out your curtains for cream colored panels that cover a bit more of the wall space next to the window, on each side, will fill out that space nicely while keeping it clean and helping to maximize feel of space. Good luck, and enjoy your new kitchen!

Thank you for your ideas. I love the blue. My only concern is that I have a deep red on an accent wall in the living room and I'm not sure how the blue will tie in.

here is what doesn't work for me. The rug is too small for the table. The cabinet appears just shoved into the corner, and the photos hung on the window wall next to it crammed. Curtain rod is hung too low. I would hang it at least the height between the ceiling and top of the window moulding. Art is too small and the two different shapes don't work well.

Suggestion: I would remove the rug, or get a larger one. Get a nice chandelier( whatever style you fancy), which would add some character to the room. Hang up drapes higher. Ideally remove the large hutch, and microwave. Large art, or two/three art pieces of art, in the same size, not hung too high ( check height recommendations for hanging art. Yours appears a bit too high based on the photos).

Ideally, I think some nice wallpaper would look great in that space. It would make it cozy and interesting, but that may be too much work/cost.

The space is so small, I'd go without the rug. It will make it appear larger. Also, the elephant in the room is...the elephant in the corner. If you could do without, or do two smaller pieces on each end, it would balance the room.

I raised your curtains, added a chandelier, and stole your microwave. Mine is about dead and I needed a new one.

I do not see how you will get a buffet table in this space. I think you need to seriously rethink your storage options.

Wow, what a difference. Ok, I am rethinking everything!

I love groveraxle's changes! Following along to see your progress.

If you painted your hutch to match your cabinets, and tweaked it with some trim, it could look like a charming original built in that inspired your new kitchen.

The hutch was built in to the original kitchen over 50 years ago. Thank you for your suggestion. I have thought of that. It is too large for the room but all the houses in our community were cottages that we slowly renovated. We are used to living in smaller spaces. If I paint it, forget the buffet table, raise the curtain rod, get new curtains, add new brighter pictures, add a mirror, remove or replace the rug, I think it'll make a big difference.

You have a fair amount of brown tones in the space. If you want to go a little more modern with the space I'd go with more of a white wash look. It would really be cool with the wide plank floors. I'd also suggest going with a matte sheen.

That is what I am looking for. Thank you so much.

Grover has great ideas in the photos, giving symmetry to the space, adding balance. You could also paint the wall the china cabinet is on, a nice accent color, sage green or something to add interest. Covering chair cushions is an easy update. Btw, you have a beautiful home, very lovely.

Try switching the living room rug in the dining room. Leave your table bare except for a beautiful centerpiece such as large bowl. Consider a large, transitional style mirror to replace the pictures. Also find a transitional style light fixture; something with a wow factor that draws the eye and reflects off the mirror. I'd shop at a Lowes type store so that I could bring a couple home to consider. Take the thingie off the side of the hutch and simplify the items you have in and on it. Lose the other furniture; that microwave table and stool. Good luck!

jranalli14, the china cabinet is really a beautiful piece. I'd hate to see you paint it. Is there anyplace else in the house it could go?

Alternatively, could it be centered on that wall or the opposite one and two chairs be replaced by a bench? It would probably still be tight, but it wouldn't look so squashed and would give you better balance while still keeping the storage.

I bought two mirrors and am wondering how to hang them..which wall..or do I return them. The larger wall is 7 ft from the hutch. The mirror is 4 ft wide. The are slightly distressed, good quality and I do like them (or one)