You could layer a rug.

Here’s one view/idea:

https://www.roomvo.com/share/j5mn71

And/or put a piece of modern art, maybe an abstract, over fireplace.

Another rug:

https://www.roomvo.com/share/sel1mg

Love the idea of modern art above fireplace. Also thinking a contemporary light fixture would help reduce the Havisham effect.

I think the dining room furniture looks great.

I would change out the fabric on the chairs to something fun!

Change lighting.

Great piece of art over the fireplace.

I like the dining room furniture as well but I'd change the chairs to modern upholstered ones. (If I had the space to store the other chairs, I would because they're great and could probably serve as accent chairs throughout the house. If they're not heirlooms, you could paint them and/or change the fabric) Add large modern art, yes! What's going on with the bookcase? Is that built-in? Is the lighting centered over the table? It looks as if it could be lower as well? Hard to gauge from pics.

Thanks very much all! I do think I will try to change out the chairs for modern upholstered ones. I really like that light green color in the inspiration pic above. I’ll also start looking for some art for above the fireplace. The light fixture is quite high above the table, so maybe I can look for one that is more modern and can hang a bit lower

Unfortunately the book case is built in :(

The first thing that struck me about this photo was how strangely high the chandelier was installed. Regardless of what table you place in there the lighting needs to be lowered significantly to go over a table. The second thing I pondered was will you ever be using this as a formal dining room? Where do you eat? Is it in here? With the office in the space and the odd book case maybe this room is actually better suited for a den/office?

Definitely reupholster the chair seat covers with a modern fabric pattern. The backs could have a well padded cover to make them look like upholstered backs. The chandelier is way too high for the table. The height makes it look like this was originally a parlor and not a dining room. Can the table be centered with the chandelier? Was the wiring checked on the fixture in the renovation? It may need rewiring and could be lowered when that is done. The bookcase may be built in but it doesn't look original. It would look better to match the windows in size and with similar moldings.

Yes, this was originally a parlor. The original mansion has been sectioned off into units, so on the ground floor we have this room, our kitchen and a living room (photo here, that room will be my next project) therefore we’re making this work as our dining room :)

I like the furniture and would love to see a cool modern fabric on the chairs to give some contrast. The bookcases, IMHO, have to go. They really drag down the beautiful room. I'd love to see this space painted in a blue - like Wedgewood or Hale Navy. Why can't you paint?

What a beautiful room! Before making any decisions, be sure you look at lots of inspiration pictures and have a plan. I would skip shabby chic and Modern Victorian would be perfect.

Your set is great and chairs can be easily changed; use the money instead towards accessories.

- a new chandelier if you want (since you are renting), paint chairs in the same color as fabric and/or reupholster and a pattern in Indigo would be a great choice. Etsy has MV art that would be impactful and could add above fireplace and a floor length mirror on wall on far right would be a nice addition

Accessorize bookshelves and it will be fine and if you can, paint black. Balance other side of fireplace with a chest and prints

You could add a lamp and a vintage rug in the desk area

Beautiful! you say you can't paint the walls or remove the book case or change the drapery. Is this a rental property?

Yes, I’m renting

@veena mauree Thank you SO MUCH for your comments. So helpful! I love that rug and fabric, can you send me the links please?

Happy to hear.

https://www.joann.com/waverly-upholstery-fabric-castleford-indigo/17088345.html

Unfortunately I don’t remember what words I used to search rugs on Pinterest. I’ve just tried indigo, blue, distressed, vintage etc and can’t find. This style though should be easy to find. Sorry.

Do we think these little buttons will cause an issue when reupholstering?

Some kind of

Change the light fixture. and swag it to center something with a little modern flair.

https://www.dhgate.com/product/modern-gold-crystal-chandelier-lighting-led/499677768.html#redirect_detail=WAP2PC

Tacks will create more work but they can be removed and patiently readded .https://www.hunker.com/12307831/how-to-reupholster-a-chair-with-studs

If you have trouble adding them back properly, I’m sure an upholsterer wouldn‘t charge very much to do.

I‘ve redone chairs and make sure the padding is sufficient before recovering. If you have never done this before, maybe you know someone who has and could help you.

I am wondering with the built in bookcases that are far more modern than your dining set and your fiance's desk,

Have you considered having your dining room be a part of your living room and your fiance's office be a part of the den?

Then your more formal dining set won't look so incongruous with your fiance's office things and the bookshelves.

Then you can have your dining area as part of a glam living room which is really often done abroad anyway.

The wall to wall carpet ruins the room . It needs wood floors and a proportional area rug underneath the table that replaces this table.

Beautiful table and chairs. And the chairs look comfortable.

I'd look into simply lowering the chandelier rather than replacing it.

https://www.wildchairy.com/ This may give you some ideas for upholstery. The nail trim may be individual nails or it may be a sort of tape of nails. Either way it's not hard to remove, and either replace or not.

An alternative to reupholstery is painting the fabric. Yes. People have painted their whole sofas. If you don't like it you can always upholster.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWfCSY1PwZY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHJGZz6EpSc

If you don't want to repaint the whole chair seat, leave the base beige colour and paint on it. Either stencil or freehand. You could easily replicate some of the Wild Chairy fabric patterns freehand on your chairs.

Buy your art work first then pick a colour scheme from that for your upholstery.

For your bookcase, you can cover thin pieces of foam board with fabric or paper, then insert them in the back of the bookcase for a lighter different look. Easily removed when you move out. https://uptodateinteriors.com/change-bookcase-without-paint/

Please post as you go along, I love watching the room transform!

PROGRESS POST: Hi everyone - First coat on the book case! :) I have a dark brown/green/gold vintage rug coming for under the desk in the corner and I am shopping for frames for the prints that are currently on the table (2 similar prints to be hung side by side over the fireplace). I’m thinking I’ll keep them fairly simple since the prints and the fireplace are quite busy. Still considering recovering the chairs, also thinking of purchasing dark or navy blue upholstered host chairs for the dining table. Open to thoughts :)

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