Hi Shelley. How can I help? In a small space, a larger rug will help expand the look of your space. The scale of cover print on the ottoman is too large and steals all the eye attention. Perhaps better on pillows. How many people do you need to seat at table every day?

Ah geez, I totally misread your original post and didn't realize you intended to replace the dining set. I do like Julie's wishbone chairs, but like black or wood better than white. Bedtime for Bonzo here, so I'll look tomorrow.

Agree the wood or black would be better than white.

(Sleep well, groveraxle.)

Since you're wanting to replace wood furnishings on a budget, do consider visiting Habitat for Humanity Restore Stores near you. Make frequent trips over the next few months. In the spring and just before the holidays seem to be when people want to make the most serious changes to their homes. Then there are the estate donations. These are tim es when you can find some really nice wood furniture -- not just table and chairs, but I've sometimes seen really nice ones with extraordinary matching china cabinets. The inventory changes with each donation/purchase so do keep looking for a while before you pay more than you really want to just settle for something in the bargain section of a furniture store.

I like the art that you've leaned against the wall above the Murphy bed but that is a bit high for art generally. If you do leave it there, you might want to attach it to the wall rather than rest it atop the cabinet. A better decoration for atop the Murphy bed might be a pair of interesting woven wicker basket(s) and/or wood box(es): picnic basket, magazine basket, sewing basket or box, etc..

Do consider painting the Murphy bed cabinet the same color as the wall rather than white.

If you find some pressed metal wall art you like -- something that represents an interest you have, you might be able to attach something to the doors of the Murphy bed.

Continuing with Jennifer Hogan's idea - You can put peel-n-stick wallpaper on the Murphy bed. Something that has a simple pattern.

Lived in The Valley for twenty-five years. Keep this in mind when seeking "color"; the intensity of sunlight causes pastels to appear "washed out", avoid them. Your yellow chairs have the perfect amount of saturation. For furniture I suggest using Google "phoenix az model home furniture resale stores"

Two for $125 at Overstock:

iNSPIRE Q Modern Norwegian Danish Tapered Dining Chairs (Set of 2) - Free Shippi · More Info

Others point out that some decisions need to be made together - if unit stays white I see nothing wrong with solid white chairs - is kitchen white? Maybe table is ok? and could be painted on underside, or... diy somehow.

If rug is staying muted -- maybe a repeat with medium wood stain for chairs, to me conservative and cozy....? with earthy countertop, wood chairs are solid-looking to go with.

I'm not usually a fan of dining sets, but at this price point, it may be the way to go. Wayfair has some decent looking MCM sets:

Kitchen & Dining Room Sets You'll Love in 2019 · More Info

https://www.wayfair.com/filters/furniture/sb3/kitchen-dining-room-sets-c46025-a1263~436721-a75287~275343-a125321~399028.html?itemsperpage=96&sortby=2

You have a lot of good advice already-but here’s my two cents: Keep your dining set for now, since some fixed elements are black- the chairs help, I do like the rug groveraxle placed under the table. Simple in a small space works best (ottoman cover)- again reference fixed elements, like the colour of the stone around the fireplace. A textured fabric in a coordinated tone, then top with a tray that nods to the yellow of your chairs. As you said you’re DIY’ers , simpler chunky trim on the fireplace surround could help a lot to balance the TV - go with either a rich wood stain or matte black. If the budget stretches to it, as suggested replace the fan, also maybe black hardware on the Murphy bed. I like the idea suggested for peel ‘n stick for the MB I’ve seen options that look like grass cloth- then it could fade to the background.
In the future after you’ve lived there a bit and topped up the budget again, I say a round table would work well, especially a pedestal- lots of options, add simple chairs like Grover suggested -tie them back to the fireplace trim. Have fun take your time

"Smoke" or clear for 95. Could look sharp against white unit.

https://www.houzz.com/products/ghost-acrylic-side-chair-smoke-prvw-vr~117319328

I love a sale - $45. Just bit of red in your art - you'd have to love red. :)

The shapes would show a bit against white bed - without changing curtains etc.... the red if liked, could be a small win.

Midcentury Modern Tulip Chair, White With Red Seat · More Info

•WDH": 19.5" x 17" x 32" •Seat Height: 17"

https://www.houzz.com/products/midcentury-modern-tulip-chair-white-with-red-seat-prvw-vr~57529202

Flo it’s usually just me and DH at the table. I removed the cover from ottoman. Good? or look for other fabric?

Btw, thank you all for your help and feedback! It’s truly appreciated!!

Shelley that is a great shot of the living room..the subtle ottoman looks great! Add a tray for beverages in a light color...even white would be nice...

So much better. A tray is a good idea. Maybe add some color there but until you replace the mustard chairs be careful what you add. Those chairs dominate the space. When you replace get swivel chairs. So great in spaces like yours.

Shelley. I like the ottoman a lot w/o the cover. You asked about a tulip table and I found this one to go along with debz chairs with a touch of red. Red can be a good accent color with your colors and picks up the red in your art. Maybe a red tray on the ottoman if you did something like the tulip chairs with red cushions. Just throwing out ideas. Good prices on the chairs and table.

Oops
https://www.houzz.com/products/modern-tulip-white-dining-table-round-355-prvw-vr~123583639

Wait, why are we replacing the mustard chairs? The original dilemma laments the ubiquitous earth tones of Arizona for a Midwest girl who craves color.

I understood that all other furniture must stay....

Ya never know. Here are some trays to check out for your ottoman.

Opps. Check out options on West Elm

If I replaced anything in the living area, it would be the somewhat mousy rug. I'd look for something bolder like the ottoman cover we made you remove, and then I'd add a bit of red.

Renderings · More Info

Renderings · More Info

Renderings · More Info

Go girls! to be honest, I agree with HIWE. I think cause a small space, I like just the wowie chairs; and a plus is that yellow looks nice against white unit. Bit of red on the chairs - how did that seem? well just to ask. Doesn't seem needed. Why no art above -millions probably have placed items way high [but above kitchen uppers], so it's not so wrong. And nearby curtain rod seems a leveling item.... ? :)

Rug I posted called Vanhorn would do more to tie in chairs, and it might blend well with sofa, etc....

I like my yellow LR chairs, they’re staying!! I have family in town visiting for the rest of the week so I can’t shop for a few more days.
Thank you all! You’ve given me a lot of ideas. I’ll keep you posted and keep your thought coming!!!

For the ottoman, I recently saw a really nice large bamboo wood tray with sides -- believe that was at WalMart for under $10.

Found it -- middle of the page -- $8.97 + tax, likely in store pick up for zero shipping.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Home-Basics-Serving-Tray-Bamboo/36705923

Glad you're keeping your mustard wing back chairs. They even look comfortable.

Have fun w/the family.

I like your yellow chair s too. Here’s another tray at Wally-World. Haha

Following...

Look it’s not very useful for your dilemma but I loved this budget approach to yellow and grey. About eight years of National Geographics in an all grey room.

Following..........

Glad the chairs are staying. They’re like a ray of sunshine in the room. I agree that scouring Habitat for Humanity and Craigslist might get you a higher quality table and chairs than buying new. People give up things that are gorgeous and valuable and might be perfect for your home. And a large rug in the LR doesn’t need to be expensive. I’ve gotten several beautiful ones made of polypropylene and they are easy to clean. Enjoy your family’s visit!

@OP: I stepped away for a bit. Just saw your updated photo above. I think the ottoman with the removed slipcover looks better in that room! The rug looks fine IMO. add color with just a couple other elements, such as a few more pillows and/or a throw blanket.

After that, I think the couch area would fine and maybe concentrate your budget on brightening up the dining area instead.

Still going.... so I'll add that I like your end tables, really the 2 cuties. But with what's there, with white unit, mostly -- I think that dark wood table misleads and could be chalk painted lighter. If you'll buy wood dining set, yes it wouldn't be 'only one' -- but I don't think the room is helped with more wood... again, it's a small space.

Crazy idea, but here's a pop of color, maybe for the wood table?! anywhere, 2 on the ottoman. 1 on top of unit, with 2 art with it.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/MoDRN-Glam-Green-Decorative-Tray/860590803?athcpid=860590803&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=1f823a7d-697-16dacb035e1b55&athancid=null&athena=true

Idk if you said you want to add modern more... here's accessory even with bright ottoman cover cause you like bright colors - what if you added one more color like this bright raspberry, again, wherever you want maybe above unit - from Walmart. :)

https://www.walmart.com/ip/MoDRN-Glam-Multi-Colored-Decorative-Tray/300726983?athcpid=300726983&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=16520702-6f4-16dacb834db975&athancid=null&athena=true

With neutral white curtains, and placement kinda typical - I'd place color up there, yeh...if diy paint/ mural doesn't seem good....

chalk paint on a dining room table? has anyone tried that, because it sounds like not the best idea. it's the mattest of matte paint and would be such a pain to keep it looking clean.

if the OP wants paints the table, I'd recommend using the same method and materials one would use for painting cabinets.

Painting table legs wouldn't be as problematic as painting the top of a table. Still, wouldn't recommend that. I consider black to be a neutral color to which you can add any other color w/o clashing.

IF you paint the table TOP -- any color, any kind of paint -- seriously consider investing invest in a thick piece of glass to cover it to make cleaning it w/o damaging the finish possible. Even the 2X Rustoleum paints that supposedly stick to even plastic wouldn't hold up against daily wetting and rubbing.

As an alternative to painting, you could invest in a rectangle of glass and then put colored foam mat or fabric or other material under it to add color.

Is there a specific reason you've not painted the Murphy Bed cabinet the same color as the walls or anything other than white?

As to the rug, do you really want your floor to be the center of attention. Nope. Stay with a more muted color rug, if any, and embrace and other colors elsewhere.

I need help again, please!!!
Should I get bar stools that exactly match my new dining table chairs? I had my heart set on swivel stools, but the matching stools do not swivel.
Btw, this is in a different house than original post. We are taking possession April 5. (The third picture is of teal sofa and 2 mustard chairs that are going in living room. I’ll need help getting rugs, etc after we move in.)

I would not match the counter stools with dining chairs...you want something complimentary and if you want swivel than I would look for a swivel...

I would recommend starting a new thread.

no, your stools don't have to match the dining chairs perfectly. they just need to be a similar style so they coordinate.

You are fine picking a complementary stool and not matching them to your dining chairs.

Thanks all!!! That’s exactly what I wanted to hear!!

Maybe someone can reach groveraxle. :) (:

just start a new thread. this is an entirely new home you're decorating.

sometimes people switch off notifications for threads if they get too old / stale / irrelevant. it may be possible that people you're tagging won't get the alert if they unsubscribed. (IDK just a guess)

Please help!!! I started a new thread
“I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start” and that says it all!!! Please come over to help...I should add that I’m looking for direction on design, furniture placement and suggestions on rug, lighting and drapes.