Oh I am so glad you didn't take offense to my comment. - i generally try to stick to being helpful in the direction posters request and i strayed! I know it can be really fun to diy new things. Maybe there is a different room for you to direct your efforts - and I totally understand that any gift that feels like there are strings attached is tough to love. I think Darzy's simple red leather parsons could help you feel more warm and fuzzy - especially when paired with a fun red print on the seats - confide to your mil that now that you've put your own stamp on it you are loving her gift. That will stop her fishing for compliments.

Please... pull that sectional out from the walls. Add a rug and a coffee table to further define the living space. What are you going to do with the fireplace? The natural brick with brass just isn't working in the space right now. Are you glued to that table? Something round (or oval) might work better. Colorwise... the brown sectional has visual weight and you're going to need some visual weight for the dining side to balance things. I'm liking the dark blue suggestion (but color alone might not provide enough visual weight). It's a personal thing for me, but I don't like turquoise with dark blue as suggested, it gives a very juvenile impression. Blue and yellow is a classic combo. Yellow chairs (I'm thinking soft to med yellow) might go very well with the green and dark blue. The whole table setup could go black and white too. You could do slipcovers and table cloths and place mats to bring in the color. Have a few sets and change up the colors with your mood.

A thicker or lined drape might look even better, more "formal." I think your room might look better with all white (like your head chairs) as side chairs, then get a set of more substantial Host/Hostess chairs for the ends of the table. Personally, I like a yellow with black/white/gray rooms. But it doesn't need to be a lot of it for impact. Since your room is monochromatic, a yellow floral arrangement, a table runner might be all you need. Do you have/plan to get a buffet (I don't see it). Maybe a chair like this (if you like yellow). [houzz=]

I would switch your dining room console and TV table.