To start and Budget friendly...... Take the shades off your chandelier and see if that works for you.

Change out the fabric on your chairs, to more of a light and airy pattern. I found that this is very easy to do on most dining chairs with a Staple Gun. I am sure you can find a video to show you how.

Look for art, that brings in all the colors from your near by rooms. The art needs to be something you will love seeing in there, but does not need to be a specific to the traditional dining room set, it can be modern, farmhouse, what ever you love. Make sure it is a little larger than the one you have now. Place it above the console.

Then start to layer, maybe a larger lamp, a Ginger Jar, tray, orchid, etc.

I'd maybe go with a wrought iron chandelier. Something like these:

Quoizel Lincoln Five Light Linear Chandelier QF5277DO · More Info

Ansley Large Chandelier, Aged Iron · More Info

Then I'd consider adding an area rug with more color in it to brighten the space.

Pak-Persian Willibrord Red Hand-Knotted Rug, 9'0x12'1 · More Info

I would put in light chairs and art and drapers plus rug, something like this: https://www.pinterest.com/alazaro0785/dark-wood-dining-table/

Thank you Houzers for all your help! I’ve tweaked with all your suggestions. Jinx, added a slightly larger lamp a d plant on the buffet. As you can see, I have lots of art on the largest wall. Love my florals. No doubt that wall needs to be rearranged. View to our foyer. Last but not least, our son’s water color. I removed the shades from the chandelier before I go out and by a new one for a sleeker look.Traded out the ceramic vase for an old German cookie tin with lots of color.
More critiques welcome!
Thank you all!

The plants are in because they can’t take the Houston summer.

Lovely home! I like the chandelier with the shades gone. Your floral prints are beautiful. I’m north of you, D/FW, ready for cool weather! :)

What a lovely home! love the subtle changes in the dining room!

Thank you, roarah!

Thank you, Jinx! We have great resale shopping in Houston!

Lovely traditional southern home! I agree that the art above the buffet is too small. Check out Home Goods for a large 36 or 48” square modern or abstract floral painting. It will contrast with all the small traditional paintings and add a pop to make all the art more interesting.
I agree that the light fixture could be updated too. It should be larger than the one you have now and should be hung about 30” above the table. A brushed gold metal would be nice and on trend, love the more modern one suggested above!

One idea for your table is to use a table runner that adds color or is seasonally appropriate, on top of that add a large tray in wicker or wood, or a meta,l and then add some fun dishes, a few colorful napkins, a plant or vase of fresh flowers , or a candle, or a ice/wine bucket etc. Make it look like you are ready to have some friends over and it will look inviting and you’ll be ready for fun! Check out blogger “Stone Gable” for vignette ideas like this.

Dino, I’m currently looking for a new chandelier. I know mine is too small. I don’t want the farm house look or too many crystals. I don’t like trendy, prefer to stay transitional or traditional with a twist. I’m thinking rectangular.