New chandelier to jazz it up, and I love when the hand rails on stairs are painted black. Wish I had stairs to do that to! Love the curtains!

Wait until you get the hardwood floors in. That will make a big difference! You could always put down an area rug to add punch, but with little ones, I prefer bare hardwood...easier to keep clean!

I don't think the mirror adds anything to the side wall. I think you could use some bright bold art there with some color. Other options would be something like color blocking using something like Flour carpet tiles on your new hardwood floors. Given the graphics of the drapes, another option, if something you would consider would be painting the wall where the mirror is, as an accent wall in a bright bold color, perhaps a blue or red or even doing a fun color blocking treatment there - something like this:

How about a nice big palm plant in the corner of the room? Right of the deck door.

I agree with removing the mirror as it only reflects the kitchen. I know the black frame looks good, so find a picture with a black frame and hang it there instead. Same size would work, too.

I can tell you're not afraid to do bold things from your choice of curtains. The table is somewhat country. I can't tell the design style of the chandelier from the photo, but I think a new one would be a good decision. Hang it lower. I agree some art in lieu of the mirror... A landscape in a clean, modern frame will help bridge the gap between your styles.

If you replace the light, something with a black drum shade would be nice.

Try some paint, you can make easy improvements, painting a few things black. Do a shiny high gloss, and an extra color for a "pop"

Oh you can also redo the chandelier yourself painting it w spray paint, white or black ( high gloss) and even add some faux crystals to dress it up. I saw a girl do it on a blog and it turned out nice. Ill send u the lady's blog if you'd like to check it out

Lady has a great blog. http://pinterest.com/pin/167266573633645918/

Yup, lower the light. And check out Ballard Design for shades. I would add an indoor/outdoor area rug to help ground the table (which seems a little small for the space), in something bold like your curtains.

I notice that the curtains are not touching the floor/carpet. Any chance of rehanging the rod or releasing the hem?

I noticed that about the curtains too. Any chance you could raise the rod and add another stripe to the bottom?

I would paint the table and chairs white.

The table is black granite, with dark wood legs and chairs

We made the curtains, but i do not know a thing about curtains - i thought they were hung at the right length???

They are a tad short. Once your hardwood flooring goes in, it will become more noticeable. Simple solution? If the bottom hem can be unpicked/released and ironed out, you have a quick fix.

I also agree with the others that the chandelier should be lowered but the mirror needs to be raised a little as well.

I agree with others-lower the chandelier but no need to replace it! Just add some shades if you'd like to update it. Also, I usually love mirrors but not if it reflects the kitchen. Some art-like others have suggested OR blown up pictures would work well too.

Less expensive than good art pieces, black and white photos would go well with the black and white curtains.

A few additions warm the space up -- cushions, a plant, a painting instead of the mirror, and a throw. Less elegant than some of the solutions proposed above, but cosy. (I'd recommend a better painting than my scribble in the frame suggests.)