Without being able to see the entire living space, and without knowing how you use your space, I would say get a larger piece of furniture (and by larger, I mean longer), get something in either a lighter wood (so that it doesn't match your flooring) or a totally different finish (like mirror) and I'd decorate the top of it to be a small bar area and hang a mirror over it.

8 feet is a good amount of space. Can't see the other side of the room but have you considered orienting one of the sofas so its back is to the dining table and having it float in that open space?

You're welcome. I think it would help you avoid bringing another wood tone into the room and really stand out against your walls.

I'd move the cabinet over about 18 inches towards the sofa, and move the plant from the corner to beside the cabinet. To me the plant looks squished in the corner, and would look good beside the cabinet.

Also move the sofa and end table away from the window a bit. Your sofa and end table look a bit tight there. Furniture looks better with a bit of breathing room - 6 inches between everything there.

I would pull the pair of chairs away from the window too, at least 6 inches. And space everything on that side a little more apart too. We can't see the door into the room but unless it is a very narrow door, don't worry about the chair overlapping the doorway a bit. Also switch the 2 chairs since I think it might look better with the smaller-scaled brown chair closer to the doorway and more angled.

Just tweaking things but it does make a room look more spacious and welcoming if things are not pushed together.

Looks better I think. Try rotating the plant 180 degrees so that the fuller upper area is facing the sofa.