Rug is too small. I agree about adding some color. Maybe even 2 separate rugs to define the spaces. You need some texture to cozy up the space, including the dining area.

I would suggest bringing in some plants, either real, or really good faux.

I think your current paint color is good, and with your space, style of furnishings etc., I would not go for crown moldings.

You can consider bringing in another rug to extend size of your current rug, to place below that rug, maybe in the color of the light neutral beige. And perhaps bring some of the rug colors into pillows.

Pleasant looking space. Agree that some live plants would be a plus. If that is a white sideboard beneath the dining area windows, perhaps you could add a pair of small live potted plants there -- or is that a heating unit?

There is usually framing of sufficient width on each side of a window for a bracket that could enable you to add a couple of hanging pots there.

In the third pic, the shelf and clock as well as the art on both sides of the door seem to be hung high. Would rethink positioning of all those pieces. nd it makes the art/wall to the right of the tv seem a bit unbalanced.

Corners of the dining room appear cluttered but if you're needing to keep those items, I suppose they need to be somewhere -- especially the chairs for spare seating. Have you considered putting the cabinet currently in the left corner of the dining area against the wall to the right of the tv set over into the dining area far enough that the left side of it defines the beginning of the dining area?

Budget permitting, of course, consider changing that large "busy" light over the stairwell -- it seems very much out of sync with the rest of the furnishings which have a more modern uncomplicated vibe.

In the third pic, the shelf and clock as well as the art on both sides of the door seem to be hung high. Would rethink positioning of all those pieces. Rather than having the wall shelving protrude into the walk path, you might consider moving the shelves around the corner to the dining area wall between the (?kitchen ?) door and outside wall or if they would be in the way there, then use them elsewhere -- even in the kitchen for a S&P & spice shelf on the backsplash.

Have you tried using the rug you have in the living area in your dining area in stead? It seems small for a living room. Consider having your rug large enough to have all the front legs of your sectional sofa sit on it. You can leave a space between the rug and tv cabinet.

Agree with those that suggest color could be added to the living area via a rug but be careful about getting a rug with a design that is too "busy" for the rest of the furnishings -- the orientals are colorful but their patterns are also "busy".

A two (or three) color rug with one bold color and another neutral color -- perhaps geometric patterns -- could look good ... such as these colors.

https://www.amazon.com/Unique-Loom-Collection-Moroccan-Geometric/dp/B0761WRMLD/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=cobalt+blue+room+rugs&qid=1573930831&s=home-garden&sr=1-1

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/379428337335428417/?lp=true

http://mapse.co/blue-area-rugs-8x10/

https://esalerugs.com/burgundy-8x10-outdoor-modern-area-rug-33132499

http://bilgideposu.co/cobalt-blue-rug-8x10/

https://www.menards.com/main/flooring-rugs/area-rugs-mats-runners/decorative-area-rugs/rizzy-home-southwest-area-rug-8-x-10/sowsu201400700810/p-1511249459346.htm

I think the TV is too high also. And has anyone hit their head on the shelf by the clock and picture? Wrong place for a shelf, I am thinking. Could you put this art arrangement on the wall where your gallery is in the dining room? I do like the furniture you have in the room.

Your chandelier isn't busy with 8 arms and lights on it - it does have a more contemporary look going, does it? if you like it, that's super.

Just me saying I like Bev' 1st largest-patterned rug, and it looks soft too.

Better with no shelf!

Bigger rug, lower TV, art gallery is too static; you need to mix it up a bit and lower it.

Adjust the TV, get a rug large enough to slip under the front 1/3 of the sofa, pull the coffee table within 18" or less of the sofa that has no cup holders.

I'm not a huge fan of rugs in dining rooms, but this room really needs one. I'd also move the sideboard to the side wall and hang the gallery above it.

This might not be too soft an aqua... large poly rug for $210

Momeni Jewel JW-02 Area Rug, Blue, 9'x12' · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/momeni-jewel-jw-02-area-rug-blue-9x12-prvw-vr~100238155

Momeni Jewel JW-02 Runner, Gray, 2'7"x7'6" · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/momeni-jewel-jw-02-runner-gray-27x76-prvw-vr~100244073

Not sure this color on wood floor and contrasting in this shape, wouldn't create a funny length from hall to tv... idk ?! use grover's rug in DR ha... :)

Safavieh Vintage Collection, VTG127 Rug, Turquoise/Multi, 8'x11'2" · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/safavieh-trussell-vintage-style-rug-turquoise-and-multi-8x112-prvw-vr~43149081

Teal, Black, Medium Gray, Charcoal, White in Polypropylene

Surya Modern Santa Monica 7'10 x10'3 Rectangle Area Rug SAC2313-710103 · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/surya-modern-santa-monica-710-x103-rectangle-area-rug-sac2313-710103-prvw-vr~149993340

If you want to warm up a room, in addition to rugs, consider curtain panels on the windows. They soften and warm up a room and filter light.

Also, recessed lighting does nothing for a living room. I'd add end tables with lamps, as well as a floor lamp.

You could also replace the small console with a large unit to house the TV on the very large wall.

Thank you all for your suggestions!

You are welcome. Good 'luck'!