Even though this room is more formal, I think this look could work in your space. Sea fans in their natural color, white or even blue would look nice in white, black or gold frames. Can you put the extra chairs in another room or basement if you have one? Then you could put a tall potted plant in the corner. I like your wood blinds, but you could add white curtains to soften the room a bit if you'd like (or something with a simple print). I would go with placemats that tie in the colors of the dining room & kitchen. How do you feel about a rug under the table?

Thanks jhmarie and Kim! I’ve thought about a rug, but with the dog, I felt it would not be as easy to keep clean. I don’t have another place to put the chairs, but I should probably go ahead and open up the table (it has a butterfly extension inside) and just put all the chairs around the table. I don’t know why I haven’t.

The crate has to stay, but it doesn't have to stay ugly...

https://www.houzz.com/photos/little-canada-dayspring-contemporary-entry-minneapolis-phvw-vp~4898456

Since your puppers clearly likes to lay on his/her crate you could build a lower box than this but still maintain the same concept.

I would consider selecting an alternate table and chairs.

Consider ceramic plates as wall decor.

I like the color. I like the idea of some roman blinds or something similar, for color/pattern.

some type of artwork on the wall would be helpful. the idea about making a cute kennel is also a good one. plenty of how to's for that on Pinterest.

if you can't replace the table, consider painting it. that yellow tone wood doesn't work well with your kitchen cabs, the gray backsplash or the flooring. Something simple is chalk paint. do a white top and dark green base. do the chairs in either the white or green.

something in this shade

if you can sand down the top and apply a darker stain like this, great. do that. (no glaze on the table or chairs. pick one of those darker green colors above and use a dark wax)

this is how it looks if you leave the wood that's there

or do a white and gray mixture

Beverly, those blue plates are beautiful.

Rebecca, what color would you say your counter and backsplash are? Can we see a picture of them, since they are so close to the dining area?

Beautiful wall color!

In accessorizing these spaces, consider pulling in more of the sage and white. A couple of nice white ceramic canisters on the side of your coffee pot, a small vase with a cotton sprig or two for the center of your table, and a pair of shallow floating shelves in a similar finish to your kitchen cabinets hung in your dining room would be a great start!

Consider building something around your crate to double as a buffet for either extra storage or an additional surface. Again, the recommendation would be to select or construct something in a finish similar to your kitchen cabinets. This will help to balance out the weight of the rich browns in your kitchen and create flow between the spaces.

Best of luck with your project!

I'll delete rug, but to see!!

[https://www.houzz.com/products/karastan-studio-wanderlust-8x11-rug-prvw-vr~72103003[(https://www.houzz.com/products/karastan-studio-wanderlust-8x11-rug-prvw-vr~72103003)

I also like fresh, clear green, teal, blues.... maybe you'd like to have chalk paint on your set - a bit muted warm blue? [if no rug, or room for art]

This could echo dark-ish cabinets, ok-fresh with sage paint. Flowers a bit like flooring. I thought worth posting. "Only" $180.

[https://www.houzz.com/products/uwa-manhattan-magnolia-710x106-hunter-rug-prvw-vr~25523925[(https://www.houzz.com/products/uwa-manhattan-magnolia-710x106-hunter-rug-prvw-vr~25523925)

You've done the renovation, but you haven't brought any of YOU to the space yet. Art on that big wall in the breakfast room -- whether that's colorful paintings or white plates, whatever YOU like. Something in the center of the table, as simple as a wooden bowl or as complex as a colorful runner and vases. You could maybe get a more interesting ceiling light in that space, but honestly, you just need to stop being intimidated by your new space and start reclaiming it!

Art can add color and interest to any room. Rugs add texture and color. Lack of art or a rug leaves empty walls and floors without interest. I would add a large area rug to the dining area and several pieces of art on the walls. The rug will also help absorb sound and noise. You can hang simple drapery panels beside the windows and continue using the blinds for light control. Your room just needs the finishing touches of color and warmth.

I also have dogs and that kept me from getting many rugs - I could use more but just took one up because I have puppies:)

I recently discover indoor / outdoor area rugs. They are much less expensive than many area rugs and can be hosed off if needed. They come in many styles and patterns. The only drawback is they are not really soft or cushy. They do help protect the floor and add color and softness.

Kim, this is the granite countertop and back splash tiles... the picture really doesn’t do it justice. The tile picks up some of the green from the walls as well as the warm browns of the granite. Lots of movement in the granite with some “paprika” tones.

Thanks for the ideas, all! I think acm is right, I feel really intimidated with the space.

Think of colors you like - you picked sage - do you also like lime? A bit can liven. This might be too patterned, but I like that it's white like lower walls:

[https://www.houzz.com/products/essaouira-print-on-white-wood-45x30-prvw-vr~45068088[(https://www.houzz.com/products/essaouira-print-on-white-wood-45x30-prvw-vr~45068088)

Might be nice to have green/ white -- this says aqua though.

[https://www.houzz.com/products/catalina-aqua-printed-cotton-twill-curtain-single-panel-50x84-prvw-vr~90837613[(https://www.houzz.com/products/catalina-aqua-printed-cotton-twill-curtain-single-panel-50x84-prvw-vr~90837613)

Frig and metal in kitchen / but this is warm color - dandelions?!

[https://www.houzz.com/products/field-uv-ink-print-on-brushed-aluminum-45x30-prvw-vr~34006705[(https://www.houzz.com/products/field-uv-ink-print-on-brushed-aluminum-45x30-prvw-vr~34006705)

Everdebz, I don’t Think I’ve seen this type artwork before... very striking!

This isn't "topic" but seeing photo of lower cabinets dark and lower wall that's white - wishing you might consider removing beadboard. Green all down, and in small area, better?

Bamboo blinds would look great.

With white beadboard, imo you almost have to have white curtains. With tan/metal art, I was curious about beige curtains in Sunbrella or.... saw very subtle stripe...

I think happyleg's idea would also look good with lower removed... yikes am I in the dog house...? ;-)

A watercolor painting would look so pretty on your green wall.

... a dab of green will do ...

[https://www.houzz.com/products/abstract-lakeside-by-silvia-vassileva-giclee-print-on-gallery-wrap-canvas-prvw-vr~88361981[(https://www.houzz.com/products/abstract-lakeside-by-silvia-vassileva-giclee-print-on-gallery-wrap-canvas-prvw-vr~88361981)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/forest-at-dawn-crop-by-silvia-vassileva-wall-art-45x30-prvw-vr~90448903[(https://www.houzz.com/products/forest-at-dawn-crop-by-silvia-vassileva-wall-art-45x30-prvw-vr~90448903)

I agree that you need a new table and chairs. What you have just doesn't feel right in the new space, and the wood doesn't work with your cabinets.

Could you fit some cabinets with a window seat under the double window, and the crate built in? I bet your dog would love lying on the seat and be able to look outside.

Biggest thing I see is lighting. The fan fixture is too high and a fan over a dining table is only a good idea if you’re outdoors. Pick a pendant or chandelier that fits your country cottage decor. Keep it small, and hang it about 30-36 inches higher than the table top. That will cozy up your space with flattering light when you’re sitting at the table. Diameter should be roughly the width and length of your dining area added together. For example 11x13 would mean 24 inch diameter fixture. The other light over your sink is a bit basic. I’d jazz that up with a more exciting globe style; I don’t think you have vertical space for a pendant. Your furniture and beadboard are perfect for the style you have going. The plate collection idea is great for the empty wall, except in a tight space you may have diners bumping into it. So I’d say go with a very large piece of artwork, 2/3 to 3/4 of your empty wall space. For window treatments, yes your blinds look tired. However, draperies would take up valuable space. I’d make the art and lighting fixture the stars, and put some very minimal shades on the windows. Full-on gathered Roman shades will shrink your space. The choices in flush shades these days are wonderful. I’d stay away from mini blinds or any other hard surface window treatments. Stick with fabric or mesh, with matching valances. Or you could do a flat, pleated valance over the simple blinds. Lastly, I’d find another home for all the baskets and items on top of the fridge. Your space is a very nice start.

Beth H, I really like the idea of refinishing the table, so I may start with that. Olga Kramer, I’ll start looking at light fixtures to replace this ceiling fan. I love all the artwork that’s been posted, but nothing quite strikes me as “mine” yet, so I’ll keep looking for that, too.

I’ll also start looking at various window treatments and see if there is something I can make that would look right. I was thinking a darker sage fabric with a just a hint of a pattern to it. Or do you think the darker fabric would make the room look even smaller?

I don’t have an extensive plate collection, but I do have four dainty floral ones (only two match) that came from my grandmother and mother in law... I was thinking that I could put two each on either side of the north (smaller) window. I’ll also check out some of the nearby thrift and vintage shops, as well as estate sales.

I appreciate all the suggestions so much.

Constine, I’d LOVE to have a window seat, but I think it would use up too much space. That part of the room is only about 9X12, and the table uses much of that space... especially if I extend the table and put all 6 chairs around it. However, I am definitely going to look for a way to camouflage the kennel. Also, I love that window!

I caution about going overboard with green...walls, curtains and furniture. If you decide to paint the furniture, you could then bring the kitchen cabinet color into the room with picture frames and/or a centerpiece.

[https://www.houzz.com/products/taragi-multi-swavelle-fabric-by-the-yard-prvw-vr~76316813[(https://www.houzz.com/products/taragi-multi-swavelle-fabric-by-the-yard-prvw-vr~76316813)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/gold-blue-and-green-bright-contemporary-upholstery-fabric-by-the-yard-prvw-vr~10462624[(https://www.houzz.com/products/gold-blue-and-green-bright-contemporary-upholstery-fabric-by-the-yard-prvw-vr~10462624)

I was intrigued by "retro women" who dress and socialize that way. If you wanted a cute look, polka dots [you wouldn't have to over-do it]

Dots in the texture.... nice?

[https://www.houzz.com/products/united-curtain-co-dorothy-40x63-tie-up-shade-white-prvw-vr~53686737[(https://www.houzz.com/products/united-curtain-co-dorothy-40x63-tie-up-shade-white-prvw-vr~53686737)

These on 2 walls, and art on the 3rd, might be pleasing....

https://www.houzz.com/products/secret-garden-leaf-green-blackout-tie-up-window-shade-single-panel-42x63-prvw-vr~90836990

I would add a rug under the table. Don't worry about the pup...I have two big dogs and no issues. It's actually the kids who are worse :) The rug doesn't need to be expensive and you can do something fun to add more colors. Pull out another color for curtains, art work. I also have sage walls in my kitchen/DR and added a multi colored rug (from Overstock - see pic) for more color...note, DR is still a work in progress. Your space is casual, have fun with it.

I agree with blynn, I have 2 doggos and I have rugs everywhere in my house. I’ve never had a problem and the rugs are all light colors

So, I had a thought about woven wood blinds with white curtain panels...

That led me to some other thoughts...

Contrasting table & chairs. White chairs blend in with wainscoting allowing table to stand out. I would paint the chairs white and stain the table to match the kitchen cabinets. The woven wood blinds and white curtains would look nice here.

These buffalo check curtains look stunning with the dark wood table and lighter chairs and would be a good fit for your wainscoting.

You could get printed seat cushions and lighten the table to something complementary to the kitchen cabinets. Do you like abstract art? This one looks lovely with sconces (you could use candle sconces if you prefer). Your wood blinds would look nice in this scenario.

This set shows an alternate contrast of light table/dark chairs. The addition of black adds a pop against the green and white color scheme. Black buffalo check curtains would be really cute - if you're going for cute. ; )

Or you could simply add wicker chairs to the ends of the table and printed seat cushions to the others.

Hi! So great to have a freshly remodeled space! My initial thought is that the kitchen side of the room is a contemporary/transitional style of décor, while the dining side of the room is more of a cottage style. If I were you, I would want to unify them more, so I would take down the beadboard to help the dining side better match the kitchen side.

I would also choose a different color for the walls instead of sage, but that is just personal preference -- perhaps Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter (https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/hc-172/revere-pewter?color=HC-172). To me, that would tie in best with what is going on in the kitchen, and would also make the space look a bit more modern and contemporary. Here's an example showing walls painted in Revere Pewter:

You could copy the look of the table and chairs in that above image, too, if you like it! I would get a dining set that more closely matches the style and wood tones of your cabinetry, or if that's not in the budget, I'd consider painting your current set black. Here are two other options:

For the windows, I would hang black outside-mount roman shades. I'd hang them high (close to the ceiling!) to give the illusion of taller windows (which would also block less light). I would choose plain black fabric for them. You could order them from Smith + Noble or The Shade Store. Here are some examples of outside-mounted roman shades:

I'd also remove the ceiling fan and replace it with an elegant contemporary/transitional light fixture. Here are some ideas:

As for artwork, check out https://www.minted.com/ They have so many great options and styles! You can also have them custom frame pieces for you, which is so convenient.

I also like the idea of rug under the table to warm up the space!

Hope this is helpful!

If you want to go in a totally different direction stylistically, this is my favorite breakfast nook - so charming and cozy!

Perhaps this style will inspire you:

Betsy, everything I see is inspiring! I am definitely going to replace the ceiling fan with a hanging light. I found one I think I like... I’ll post a pic. I won’t be removing the wainscoting because I really like it, but I will repaint/stain the table and chairs. I like the idea of the table top darker, like the cabinets, and the chairs white, though I am thinking about staining the seats the same color as the table top.

I’ve been browsing artwork and just haven’t been struck by anything I love yet, but will keep looking. I definitely want to find something to put on that big empty wall.

I’m not sure about a rug. That space is slightly under 9X12. If I put a 7X9 rug, that leaves about a foot on either side. Wouldn’t that make the space look more cramped?

As far as the windows go, I’m leaning toward either Roman shades or tie up shades. I like the white ones everdebz posted.

So much to think about!!