The chandelier is too small. Something wider with a bit of sparkle would work better. Set the table and chairs on a LARGE oriental rug. Leave everything else the way it is.

Yes to the new light. I would also remove/replace the small art to the right of the window. It doesn't seem to go with the large, lovely piece on the other wall.

I like Duncan Phyfe, which the table seems to be? Maybe just new, lighter, seat covers would help it. If you really want a more modern look, the hutch may need to be replaced? Or, you embrace the look you have and go with it!

New fabric seat covers in a contemporary fabric. Maybe orange or deep red to echo artwork's colors.

First we would suggest replacing the chandelier with something larger and with some drama! Pendants would not be our first suggestion as you need one larger eye catching fixture. That will change the feel and immediately and brighten the space. We would also select an area rug, perhaps a neutral geometric to lighten and anchor the arrangement. You could either paint your host and hostess chairs or replace with something fully upholstered like a parsons chair or have a solid slipcover created. Replace the fabric on the seats as it is a quick change that gives you big bang for little $$$. Finally, replace the hutch. We love your artwork! The color and scale is dramatic in the room. Make it stand out by keeping fabric and rugs fairly neutral. Could we talk about a stationary pair of drapery panels off of the shutters? Contact us if you have any questions! Most importantly, enjoy your space!

New lighting would help enormously. Bottom should be about 34" from bottom of fixture to tabletop unless you have very tall ceilings.

Definitely pick up a color from your art for the chair coverings and, yes, Parsons chairs at either end covered in the same color or an abstrac red and blue fabric would be modernize your look.

Is there another wall where you could put the cabinet so that it doesn't compete with the painting?

I like the idea of updating the chandelier. I would also change the fabric on the chair cushions with something in the dark teal from the artwork. A more dramatic, substantial centerpiece would help as well. Fabric from Calico Corners. https://www.calicocorners.com/p-13668-bengal-lattice-dwellstudio-peacock.aspx

https://www.calicocorners.com/p-14459-carlo-geo-dwellstudio-jade.aspx

Perhaps this Murano glass Sombrero bowl for your table.

End chairs as was said -

Bench, wingback, red !?

Maybe the candle style lighting?

If you mean by modernizing, a more modern look, I would:

1. Loose the corner cabinet (it looks traditional). Center the painting. A string of gallery lights might work, or recessed lights.

2. Modernize the chandelier.

3. You can see clearly that your table gets lost visually in the floor colour. Given the wood colour you need to do something to downplay this. Someone suggested a large oriental area carpet. But this is wrong - it veers towards traditional. I would consider something monotone or modern anyhow.

4. Do not try to paint the table. It will not work. Sell it or live with it. Sell it if you want modern. get something with modern lines - not glass.

5. A more modern wall colour.

6. Some modern accessories - lights, book shelves.

Do you use this room daily? If so, make it look more practical. It would be good to see the reverse view.

Above post's lighting comes in smaller size [and satiny too].

https://www.hollyhunt.com/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductID=2432&ManufacturerID=7

I also wondered if you want to move art to end of table....

I would base everything off of that amazing painting that you have. I like the table and chairs and would keep them.

A big block, but corresponds to large art -https://www.hollyhunt.com/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductID=148&ManufacturerID=7

We're seeing one wall and the windows. Can you provide photos of all 4 walls? The traditional china cabinet and small art need to go. Consider having the chairs painted a color from the art (see everdebz pix) and reupholster them. Since one, or possibly both end chairs, have arms and are designed as masters/mistress chairs, I wouldn't add other chairs. Fall in love with a rug that works with the art. It should be 4' larger than the table all around. Do think in terms of a larger linear chandelier. This one re-phrases the lines of the chair backs but has a modern feeling blended with the candle lights. As the seasons change, it is a great time to find silk floral arrangements on sale - buy for next year at a much lower price. Keep the floral long and low so diners can see each other over it.

I think the backs of you he chairs are very traditional. Consider slip covering entire chairs, perhaps replacing hutch with contemporary buffet and modernize lighting, paint and decor.
Good luck!

Keeping fp in mind - this has simple, pretty lines - about $1,000 -

Two drum-shaped fabric shades.Hand-forged, wrought iron body.Finish: Bronze, Dark Smoke, or Mahogany (shown).Shade Color: Doeskin (shown), Eclipse, or Terra.Size: Large, or Small (shown).Stem Length: Long, Short, or Standard. Two 100 Watt 120 Volt Type A Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included).

https://www.lumens.com/almost-infinity-duet-2-light-suspension-by-hubbardton-forge-uu113326.html?utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=houzz&utm_source=houzz&utm_term=Almost-Infinity-Duet-2-Light-Suspension-by-Hubbardton-Forge

Earthy bronze metallic accent - you'd need 2 ?

24" I think.

Clearance beige wool rug, but take a look at its sections [not stripes]:

https://www.lumens.com/trenza-rug-by-mat-the-basics-uu536826.html#srule=price-low-to-high&sz=48&start=0&cgid=1223&&tileIndex=43

7'6" x 9'6" for $225.

Clearance wool - one in beige, one greige:

https://www.lumens.com/mondo-rug-by-mat-the-basics-uu536912.html#srule=price-low-to-high&sz=48&start=48&cgid=1223&&tileIndex=5

7'10" x 9'10" for $588.

I went through the same thing - bests way to modernize is wallpaper.

Check out article on Houzz Redesign blends old and new antiques for antique lover in boston....

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/redesign-blends-old-and-new-for-a-collector-and-antiques-lover-stsetivw-vs~95921644[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/redesign-blends-old-and-new-for-a-collector-and-antiques-lover-stsetivw-vs~95921644)

We do similar updates for our clients. They want to keep their dining sets but update the colors. Changing the paint, light fixture, recovering the chairs and area rug can update the space.

I hope this helps some!

The chairs and tables are open to be able to paint, I would like to modernize my kitchen but I am looking for a color that is not usual, I want something different for my kitchen

you can keep the buffet base but remove the hutch top, they are the biggest killer to updated. that, and generally traditional items are "exhibited" inside.

i have a hutch top filled with traditional things, i love the look but its what i would lose first if i were to update, to sell my home for example.

Replacing the chairs and chandelier will make a big difference. I would add sheer light curtains as well.

If you are looking for glass pendant lighting, in Galilee lighting we make unique lighting made of hand blown glass in beautiful styles. We specialize in custom lighting.

We invite you to visit our website to view our unique lighting collections.

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Line up the art directly in line with the table. Replace hutch with a low buffet, accessories on top, placed where art currently hangs or more over if possible, above heater vent.

Here is what I was talking about - this is cork wallcovering.

I in in agreement with many of the ideas, change the chandelier to something updated and larger, change the chair fabric, a great diy and way to bring in the painting colors. I would also suggest you paint the interior of the hutch in a modern complimenting color. To clarify, I am assuming you want to remain traditional but in an updated (modern) way, not change over completely to a modern (contemporary) decor.

I think a more modern light and modern chairs would look nice!!

What a fun project. I like your abstract painting! To achieve your goal you will more than likely need to add more modern chairs. Even a slightly more modern chair, like the slip covered versions below, would look nice.

I agree that changing out the light fixture would be another great way to modernize the space. I would take it a step further by adding a modern area rug too. Good luck!

[Dining Chair[(https://www.houzz.com/products/downey-dining-chairstonewash-gray-prvw-vr~51858382?lid=37257588)

[Chandelier[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/currey-jean-louis-chandelier-seattle-phvw-vp~105010426)

[Arrea Rug[(https://www.houzz.com/products/global-views-arabesque-rug-gray-ivory-9x12-prvw-vr~20581575?lid=9501853)

Thank you everyone who responded. I have some fabulous ideas now! A couple of people asked for pix of the other walls which I have included. The whole room has the feel of a New England inn but the rest of my house is more modern/transitional/midcentury. I will send after pictures when the room is updated.

@katinparadise where did you find the beautiful chandelier you posted, the gold one?

shatoneshouse,

In addition to hand-building copper and iron chandeliers, Bevolo also sells some vintage/new lighting pieces. We also offer a complementary design service and can scale out the proper size fixtures for your dining room, based on your ceiling height/table dimensions. Let us know if we can help you at all. Happy decorating! -Lindsey @ Bevolo

Krisgood58, the chandelier is from Lamps Plus. Here's the link: http://www.lampsplus.com/products/autumn-twilight-31-inch-wide-mystic-gold-pendant__4w499.html

Thank you!

You're welcome!