Each panel is 52 x 84" in different neutrals -- not saying black or navy would work, but if you want a contemporary feel, maybe the darker? or what is the rest of your house like?

Edward Taupe 84 x 52-Inch Curtain Panel Pair · More Info

I can't tell Mandy what gold accents? if you want, show up close...

If you're not going to go all the way with change by painting the walls or changing the dining set, I'd say add pink curtains to match the wall art for a different color than brown or beige. And maybe get an open chandelier or even a soft white globed one to add more light but less harshness with the black.

Do you have any inspiration pics? If you want to keep it light but add a little color light blue would be pretty for the drapes. Or if you want to keep it monochromatic, add different shades of tan and ivory :)

Beautiful inspiration pic. I will look around for some chandys. :)

Can you paint or stain your dining set white or black to make it look more modern?

If not, then reupholster your chairs and replace the tan fabric with black to give it some drama.

Buchanan 19''H French Brasserie Velvet Rect Side Chair (Set of 2) · More Info

You can also paint the upper half of your wall a different colour. This can make a statement without breaking the bank.

Traditional Dining Room · More Info

You can easily spray paint the light you have :)

You can reupholster the fabric on the chairs yourself. It is not difficult - look online for tutorials.

Also, painting the upper half of the dining room wall would improve the space. The beige/tan look is quite dated. Why not try something a bit different? It's only paint... I would spend the money on new upholstery and paint and skip the rug.

Well.... I have many design dilemmas too, and in my dining room! But what I first noticed in your photo are all the white dishes displayed in your china cabinet. I think some added color would really help, and may be a start of introducing color in your room and something in those same colors for a table centerpiece or runner would be nice. And keeping the room neutral, as it is now, will make the accent colors pop. You mentioned having green in your home - and since there's some green in your framed art, that would be a good color to use. Many people mentioned using blue - so it would be your choice. I agree a more delicate light fixture would be nice too. I don't think you have to go out and spend $$ recovering those pretty chairs - they look perfectly fine.