So the map is staying there? Just asking ... is there an office area in the house? Or a den? I think it would look more appropriate in a setting like that rather than your dining room.

Yea, it's staying. It's actually been a great conversation piece with guests and it's one of the few things in this project that my husband has a strong opinion on, so I want to respect that.

I love the color of that wall. I feel like the table could use some decorating too, like a runner and a floral centerpiece. I agree that replacing the map with a different piece of art (or a grouping of artwork) will change up the look a lot. But since it is staying I'd decorate the table itself.

Wall art of maps do not belong in a dining room. They go in an office or a hallway. Those hanging pendant lights do not belong in a dining room. They go in a kitchen over an island. Dining rooms have actual artwork and chandeliers. If you only changed those two things, it would be better.

Thanks for the input! I actually am replacing the dining chairs with white Eames style chairs. I can't replace the table yet but I want to soon. I agree re: the mismatch styles.

Some more inspirational pics. Sometimes you only need to switch out some chairs.

I love the map! Our " centerpiece" on our kitchen is a globe! I think that your table is nice, too. I agree that a fabric runner would look nice.

You could repaint the table until you get a new one....or do this diy table (they added the metal top)

Thank you so much, those pics are giving me some great ideas!

What a great conversation piece. Maybe you just need to frame it. If you don't want to go the normal route of wood, you could Paint a frame around it. Also, it might be nice to add more maps of areas you have visited, or pictures of the places you have visited.

I have a map in my front door area showing where we live up north for those visitors who are not sure where we are located.

Congrats! The house is fabulous!!! Love that type of design.

Honestly, the lighting above the dining table is boring and a bit too high. I think you can really make a significant change to the room of you replace with two more interesting lights there and a bit lower toward the table. Something more earthy or industrial would work with that table even two Moroccan brass lanterns/ pendant lights. Just don't get them too small that they look piddly. Make a statement!

A map is not a bad idea...THAT map, however, is not the one you should keep there. How about cool maps of places you have traveled to or street map if your home town? Look on Etsy... very wonderful items and artisans. An amazing one of a kind large scale painting or fine art photographic print would do the trick as well. Maybe something you have photographed.

I'm not feeling the blue because it seems like you threw it up there to make wall more interesting. I would keep it a neutral tone depending on ur lighting.

Because you have the space a tall/ narrow console table underneath filled with plants would give it life or a tall indoor tree like a ficus or fiddle leaf to one side if you have good light.

BTW Kate, mixing styles and centuries makes a home far more interesting. You just need to keep it balanced when juxtaposing old and new, rustic with modern or whatever. I often go with polar opposites. And it works.

You should frame the map. That might be enough to satisfy the 'bland' feeling you have about the room.
Are you open to a different fixture?

I would be open to changing the pendants, definitely.