Okay, so do you eat all 3 meals a day here? How many people are in your family? I see that you have a high chair and a small play kitchen, so I'm assuming little ones who will eventually transition to sitting independently at the table.

What are the dimensions of your eating area? What is the space adjoining? Can you post a picture of it? Not the actual kitchen, the other room with the navy wall.

Which brings me to this... Navy is not a style. LOL. It's a color that so many of us love, I love it too. I would look through some inspiration pictures and share them here so we can help you, but we definitely need some more info.

Hi!! Yes - I work from home full time and have 2 little ones. One eats at the table and another in the high chair. The eating area is about 15’ by 8’. And here are pictures :) sorry about the mess!

I should also add that I’m not super crazy about the farmhouse table style

I think the window needs curtains, if only for color/decoration. And shouldn’t the chairs be on the wall side? Otherwise, it looks great. I wouldn’t buy a new table now, with kids still so little. My kitchen table is scratched, glued, markered, etc. I’m glad it was cheap. I won’t replace it with something nicer till they are old enough.

Yes to a bigger area rug. I prefer a table with all chairs. I don't want to be the one stuck on a bench and when the littles transition to sitting in chairs, they're a safer bet than a bench with no back. Decide on a table first, then you can pick a rug. You'll want one 4 feet wider and 4 feet longer than the table you choose. Since you seem to have the same white wood blinds throughout your space, I would consider adding a relaxed roman shade that is non-operable over the window to add pattern and color. Then find some great artwork to go behind the table.

Do you have any thoughts on what kind of table you'd like?

I would also wait until your kids are older before replacing the table. I have a very careful, rule-abiding seven year old who knows to put down plastic placements before using the table for projects, and our table still takes a beating daily (glitter, glue, paint, sharpie, yogurt, plates scratching the surface...). I would be hesitant to invest in a new table until your kids are older.

I agree that if you're going to have a rug, you need a bigger one.

I would take down the metal blinds and replace them with a natural shade that matches the one on the door.

Replace the chalkboard with artwork.

On the more out-there end of things, you could consider going all-in and painting this area navy, too, or even a different neutral, but that would probably mean repainting everything. I do think the builder-beige walls contribute to the unfinished look, though.

I’d probably get a 42 in round pedestal table . They work better as there is never a corner. Just decorate a little ...that area by window and door . Paint on side wall by door and across that door and window wall . .....use your navy color just one or 2 shades lighter....Buy some fancier blinds or cellular shades or sheers on a rod to cover thoseBlinds. Valance? Fancier above table light fixture!! along With some color on that window wall ...you’re halfway there!!!

I would have preferred the navy be on a wall with no openings or architectural interest. I'm guessing that would be the wall with the chalk board going on over into the living area opposite the sectional location. Then big, colorful art would do the trick. Consider relocation your navy accent wall. May we see the wall opposite the sectional?

The blinds are wood...here are some more pics

Try matching valances on door and window for continuity.

A tall plant in the corner with tiny twinkle lights for sparkle.

Are rug needs to go beyond chairs 2 to 3 feet all around the table; what you have is too small.

Your black board looks awkward to get to, so consider moving it....have large wreath on your wall instead, then have black and white photo of each child blown up and framed for either side of wreath; pic should be about the same size as wreath to help fill the wall... there are many online photo options with wrapped canvas that look stunning.

consider cushions on chairs that match or coordinate with the window valance....have coverings on the windows themselves, aka shade or blind or cell shade match too for continuity. Just some ideas.....

I should also add that we are doing a bathroom remodel so there are some things in the living room (the dark brown cabinet) that aren’t normally there

Okay so what if I swap out the bench and put in white chairs. Bigger rug with blue tones and what do you think about these curtains? Are they pretty or dated?

I like Cawops's suggestions. Your preference for navy can be in your drapery and rug, as well as table runner/place mat choices. As for your furniture, have you considered replacing the bench with a banquet to go against the wall?

Curtains FOR SURE. Blinds alone always scream "just moved in" "can't afford proper window dressing". Blinds are functional to be sure but they are not attractive nor life giving to a room. Windows need to be dressed in their best colors and at times lively designs!

Hi. The rug is too small and not needed. The table is awkwardly in the foot traffic area.

Here is what to do:

1) Decide on your style by posting photos you like in your ideabook.

2) For now, since there are only 2 of you who eat at the table on a regular basis, move the existing bench toward the wall and center the table on the window.

3) Bench can be used on occasion if other kids comes over.

4) When you have guests with adults, table could be moved out from wall.

5) Add large art where the chalkboard is.

6) Simple box valances over all of the windows would pull the rooms together, but that should come toward the end

7) Replace table with the style you want (although I think that table is fine. I'd spend my $ in the family room.

8) If you like the table moved, you'll need to get the chandelier moved.

Family room needs a better floor plan. Do you use the fireplace?

Is there a poor view out the window ? People are naturally drawn to light and views. If you opened the blinds on a regular basis you could do much : plant stands small bookcase cute pottery . Paint that walll ..need not be navy. Poor view? Top down bottom up shade to allow light and a bit of sky or tree tops.

Call me crazy but I would not put floor length drapes in a kitchen. The bottoms will be filthy in no time and having to clean / sweep around them is a nightmare.

following

There’s actually three of us that eat at the table. My toddler sits in a booster in one of the chairs. That’s why I’m thinking to get rid of the bench and move to only chairs. Definitely going to move the rug - it will fit in our entryway. We do use our fireplace and I like the layout in the family room right now because the open space is awesome for the kids to play in and learn to crawl, walk, etc. The open floor plan is challenging and we don’t get much natural light so painting the kitchen worries me since it’s already so dark in there.

The view out of the window is our very small yard. I totally agree with some sort of curtain there - but I agree floor length might get dirty fast. 2 kids and 2 big dogs.

If I put a banquet against the wall, then the table cuts off the walkway to the backyard. If I put it against the window, it would cut off any natural light.

Due to proximity to door I wouldn’t add drapery but a bamboo blind to compliment door’s. Suggest painting door a soft navy for warmth and interest.

I would sell your dining set and look for a darker table (to compliment kitchen cupboards) and seats 6 - using smaller chairs.

Larger more modern rug and you could add prints like below to fill wall. Ikea sells these narrow frames and purchase bristol board at craft store. Use an exacta knife to cut appropriate size

You could look for a second hand chest and paint navy for the niche area next to tv - extra storage as well

Adding chairs instead of the bench is a good idea. Since you already plan on getting a bigger rug, look for something that will coordinate with the new runner you just bought for the kitchen (hasn't that turned into quite the conversation???). You could switch out the blind for a wood blind like you have on your door, or just add a roman shade, as I suggested. What's the measurement of your window?

I like Maureen's inspiration photos.

Can you move the table to center it under the window and show a photo of that? Thanks.

Here you go! Obviously the rug is in the wrong place 🤣

I love that! I would simply eliminate the rug.

Some inspiration for you to bring blue into the area.

I wouldn’t want the bench against the wall like that. It’ll most likely get scuffed (the wall), it’s hard to maneuver the bench, it’s not under the light, and sitting on the other side, you’re just looking straight into the wall. It’s not attractive and not good function, imo.

Agree with earlier thoughts that getting all chairs would probably work best. And not worrying about centering the whole seating area on one window.

I really like everything about cawap’s first mock-up. Looks great (even if you got a new table).

ETA: I should maybe do a floral rug drawing for this room, too? 😄

You don’t have to use the bench or even that table. How much space is to the right of the door? Is it possible for you to turn the table 90 degrees?

Table turned (or it might have to be a different table turned)

Holy moly. I literally never thought of doing that!

I can't say as I love the table turned. It seems squished over there and I bet there's a lot of dead space near where the high chair is. If you keep it in the other direction, it could afford to go back another 7 or 8 inches.

Here’s another view! Also - a question. Is there a way to have curtains or a valance on the window without it looking super country/farmhouse?

I think Cawaps suggestion looks great :)

I love it too!!! Y’all are amazing!!!

Is there a way I could see what the backdoor looks like painted in a light slate blue?

I think turning the table works really well! Leaves a place for the dog bowls and highchair

A simple box valance is the way to go. I'd put the chairs on the window side.

If you buy another table and chairs, I'd buy chairs instead of a bench.

What size are your dogs?

It looks much better from that angle. Here's a really simple 50" navy valance. Not sure of your window width.

https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/canora-grey-mcconkey-straight-pleated-50-window-valance-w002435182.html?piid=418413909

Target has one exactly like it for 1/2 the price. https://www.target.com/p/vanderbilt-straight-pleated-window-valance-50-x-18-navy-sunveil/-/A-78666979?

What size is your current table? You can get a simple parsons table that is slightly shorter, yet fells more roomy.

Alright y’all - update picture!

New rug. New curtains. New table and chairs and added plant. Now just need to find something for the wall