Are these your furnishings? If so, new table and chairs, removing signs and scrolls would help.

Again, need To work with the current furniture. Im aware the wall decor needs to change as well.

Aside from maybe painting it, what are you looking for? It fits the space.

I would look for new chairs at least. Craig's list and marketplace are great for that sort of thing. There's not much you can do to change the style of the chairs but the table is fine.

No idea who the Capiccio brothers are as I'm not from Chicago, and while it sounds cool and interesting, the style really does not complement the rest of your kitchen. If you must work with the table and chairs, I'd suggest painting. I'm not sure what else you can do. I'm not even sure that painting it will give you the update you're looking for. Honestly, I'd save money to replace with a stylish update.

While they are a nice table and chair set, I don't think they (or the light fixture) match the rest of the kitchen now. You could re-stain them, but I would get rid of them and replace the furniture with something paler and lighter looking.

Your kitchen is beautiful. Sometimes things don't match up but you like them anyway. So I would find a nice linen runner to go across the table and then put a good-sized pottery bowl in the middle, preferably, a white one.

If the table and chairs were unique or by a trusted designer name, I would keep them. However, my mom in California owns this set, a friend's parents own this set. I'm sure the Cappicio brothers owned this set too cause it's quite common. Knowing who owned it (and I don't know them) shouldn't tie you to it. I would sell it on Craigslist and purchase something that makes sense with your home.

I think the table is nice. You'll be hard-pressed to find a table as nice unless you spend quite a lot. And it fits in that nook very well. That table paired with different chairs with bright cushions or cheerful upholstery (perhaps same yellow as in the counter corner of your kitchen) would be lovely and welcoming. Your kitchen very much needs something other than monochrome. Not sure why you haven't mentioned the light fixture. That is glaringly not fitting with your kitchen.

Not a pro. I think the table would look nice painted or refinished. maybe a white base with a stained top (maybe a richer/darker stain)? Unfortunately I agree that the chairs are a bit old-fashioned and don't really fit with the vibe of the rest of the kitchen, but if you need to keep them, maybe do the seats in the same finish as the table top and paint the rest white?

Take down the wall decor as noted above. Hang up something bold and contemporary that you love. Framed wallpaper samples can be an inexpensive solution. I would add a contemporary valance. I like yaya's idea of a runner or fabric square with a bowl for the table.

I think the table color can work longterm, it's a nice table. The chairs, IMO, even if painted won't really work, but I am not a professional.

I think the dining light doesnt work at all, but I know you want to work with what you have.

“Again, need to work with the current furniture.”

There is absolutely nothing you can do to that dining set to update it. It is what it is. Paint will not make it more contemporary, and paint will chip. You could try to “upholster” the chairs with slipcovers and foam to hide the ornate seat backs, but I mean, why would you bother? Were the previous owners your in-laws?

It’s funny, you have a fairly ornate dining table, and a grandfather clock in the next room. It’s almost as if the nook furniture is where it belongs, and the kitchen is a little too contemporary for the rest of the space. If that’s accurate, you can make your kitchen more traditional looking with accessories and window treatments.

If you are trying to update the nook, it is time to let the table and chairs go., mother-in-law or not. There is a homeowner out there somewhere looking for exactly those pieces. Consider listing them on Craigslist, and purchasing new pieces with the proceeds.

I think mdln nailed it. If we are stuck with this set, then I think she found a good compromise.

Yes, great minds think alike. The problem with slip covers is the back of that chair is not square. You would have to pad that out. Unless it’s family furniture, why would you?

Personally,I would use the chairs as is until even nice used chairs can be obtained. Just me, but I learned not to spend money on making things I don't like work, it's rarely satisfying.

Look for stretchable chair covers, target has them

If you wanted to update something, I would update the lighting and add some fun art.