Hi, I'm an artist, not an interior designer, but I am happy to offer my opinion for you.

I agree, masculine and heavy. You already have a lot of darkness going in there, I wouldn't do dark window blinds. If anything...I would go with a softer look, fabric curtain or fabric blinds. There are so many fun choices for blinds.

I think part of the masculinity of the room is all the metal. I think those candles are an interesting design, but you could bring in color, a little femininity, and softer texture all in one swoop by placing 1-3 canvas prints on that wall. (or an eclectic mix)

Is that a chalkboard or a mirror on the opposite wall? I think a mirror reflecting art on the other wall would be a good choice for that wall. You can do an ornate frame and it would bring a little more femininity to the space.

I know a lot of people use rugs in dining rooms. If you have small children, I don't think it's a good idea. Heck, I have teens and wouldn't think of putting a rug under my dining table. It would soften up your space...but I'm not sure you have enough room for a rug and still have any clearance around it...would it fill the whole floor?

You could take the lighting fixtures out and add something more artful, looser shapes or even a chandelier.

Feel free to check out my art and see if anything inspires you. =)

http://angelina-vick.artistwebsites.com/

Oh...and I think a plant would be great in the corner of the room by the window.

I think the rug idea is going to drive you nuts . think sliding chairs to the table etc. pick a vibrant colour for the walls and have some fun ,its too stark for atmosphere create a theme of something and go with it.

Thank you very much Kathleen. =D

The sideboard adds to the dark atmosphere as it takes up so much space along the wall. I can't really tell what style it is from the photos but perhaps you could paint it in a paler colour to blend into the wall . I have used chalk paints on furniture before-they are easy to use and you don't need to spend lots of time on the preparation. Annie Sloan does a good selection. I have recently done a scheme for a dining room which may give you some ideas. Photos are on my blog!

http://www.dressingroomsinteriors.co.uk

Hi Angelina, thanks for the super helpful suggestions. Your website looks great and I like the idea of using canvas prints to soften the look and texture of the room. You are right about the rug taking up practically all of the floor but I think I almost have to go ahead on that order to soften things up. My husband spent two days putting up the light fixture, I'd say we are committed on that front too. No going back there. I think I will take off the wall candle sconce and replace with wall art in cheery but coordinating colors and also perhaps take down the chalkboard since it darkens up the wall so much. Either way, I appreciate yours and everyone's comments. Thanks.

Another thought I had would be to use lots of linens on the table to tone down the starkness of the white glass- beige and browns and add some feminizing or rustic table decor?

As others mentioned, art on the left would certainly help to add interest and soften things up a bit, some florals, perhaps?

If this room is open to another room, you might want to have art in colors that you have in that adjacent space, for continuity. And if you decide to bring a rug, you can pull colors from your art for the rug. Here are some art ideas and you will see more on our page... Raisa

You're welcome. =)

Aww...thank you very much. If you take a direct picture of that wall, artists can offer mockups of art ideas for that wall. Is there a certain style you like? Subjects? Colors?

If you see something specific you like, let me know and I will take your photo and make a mockup for you, then you can visualize how it would look on your wall.

As Raisa mentioned, flowers definitely bring in some softness, I also believe most nature images do.

You could go with some bold abstracts, of soft impressionistic work.

If think a rug is required...you may want to consider get one with a low pile, so it's not hard to move the chairs. I understand on the light, some things reach a point of no return.

Another idea would be to have a small glass sculpture or items of different textures on your table. I see those decorative bowls with different balls made of glass and wood, multiple textures would be more variety in the room. I know I have seen a good variety at Pier 1 Imports but I am sure there are other places that have them.

For art choices...I would try to bring looser shapes/fun designs and color into the room.

A few things that came to mind.
http://angelina-vick.artistwebsites.com/featured/colorado-fall-aspens-3-angelina-vick.html
http://angelina-vick.artistwebsites.com/featured/colorado-fall-aspens-10-angelina-vick.html
http://angelina-vick.artistwebsites.com/featured/the-hubris-of-mankind-1-angelina-vick.html

Hmmm, I neglected to show you my very fav flower photo. =)

For your consideration.
http://angelina-vick.artistwebsites.com/featured/upstaged-by-orange-angelina-vick.html

needs fabric, pattern and color to soften the room. Try wallpaper on top walls above chair rail. Then could use drapery on either side of window. Put a mirror over the buffet to make room seem wider.

I think replacing the chalk board with a mirror is a good idea. but it needs to be the right frame...or it would add to the heaviness. I wouldn't go with any metals or straight lines, it needs to have style.

If you want to make some drastic impact, you can change quite a few things here. I would
1) change the color to some fun Benjamin Moore soft pumpkin
2) remove the chair rail and try to put the ceiling molding instead and maybe a ceiling medallion ( http://www.lowes.com/pd_338721-1811-CM6_0__?productId=3351864&Ntt=ceiling+medallion&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dceiling%2Bmedallion&facetInfo=).
3) I would agree with other folks and would change the light, its a hard match unfortunately
4) instead of the corner basket, I would bring in a 2.5-3 feet tall decorative corner table and put a luscious green plant on it.
5) I would remove the rot iron candle stands from the wall, and instead get in a really exclusive oil painting piece, like in http://www.etsy.com/listing/152527459/original-oil-painting-rain-girl-on?ref=br_feed_20&br_feed_tlp=art
6) definitely cover the table with a cloth with some close colors in whatever painting you select (or vice versa). Love the chairs btw!
7) put 1 or 2 medium size exclusive vases on the side table. White if possible.
8) No RUG! as far as I can see you've got good wood floor... I wouldn't cover it. A few above things will soften the room I think.

But at the end, these are just is just my opinion :) Good luck.

On a second thought I would leave the chair rail. Add 2 candlestick wall holders on either side of a centrally placed painting.

I'd trade out the light for something softer. Maybe a barrel shade.