Agree with Flo, it is very dated looking. For starters, I would place arm chairs at each end of the table. Side chair on either side of china cabient with a single large art piece above both chairs. Other side chairs at table (none by sideboard). There are a lot of things I would remove - the small table in corner and lamp, the two lamps on the sideboard, picture frames on sideboard and both runners. Since the floor is so pretty (no rug), I would definitely add curtains to soften the room. One large painting with a skinny picture lamp over the sideboard (not a mirror), maybe a tapestry (again to soften and add texture).

To the people commenting above, judging by the over all look obviously the poster likes this style, and I’m not sure that they want to change out the entire thing!? I would personally suggest some art on the wall in a larger scale, I think it would help brighten up the wall, I would also consider moving the two lights elsewhere or replacing them with something brighter, less detailed to break up the space, lastly throw in a live plant in a simple pot to liven up the space .... easy budget friendly changes :)

I don’t think anyone was suggesting changing out everything. First, we are asking questions to see what type and amount of changes the poster envisions. That helps define choices we might make.

Take out all of the decorative pieces like the lamps, the little table, the table runners, etc.

You have a lot of neutral and no color. Find a piece of art you love and begin with that to create a color scheme. I'd start with something over the side table. The width should be at least 2/3 of the table width. I think something with dark blues would look great, but it will depend on the rest of the colors in your house. Pull out one of the colors in the artwork for a table runner. Slowly start adding things such as lamps, etc.

I would consider adding some low light tall greener to the corners. I agree with removing the small table and lamp. Consider some sconces on the side of the China cabinet. And love the idea of art above the side table, but would make it width of table or slightly smaller. Something with color as right now, room needs some pop or visual interest. Happy decorating.

PS - A small rug under the table and some small pumpkins and leave garland on the table might also be nice.

A couple small but substantial changes I would make is to totally change the table decor. With that, I would add some colorful plates and decos inside the China cabinet. Glass balls that pick up colors and give definition. I will come up with some ideas.

Here are some ideas.

@whyisrenosostressful No one suggested she "change out the entire thing." I moved things already in the room (the arm chairs), deleted items (table and lamp in corner. She even asked about removing/replacing sideboard lamps) and suggested the same as you did (large pieces of art either side of china cabinet and over sideboard).

@flomangan your rendering looks really nice!!!

Consider a tall plant inside a textured basket in one or two corners. I agree with those that said to start with a colorful piece of artwork over the sideboard. Your current lamps are also very neutral so I would start looking at one or two lamps with more color as well.

Your floor is too spectacular to cover, even though I am a huge fan of rugs. Love @Flo Mangan’s table decor ideas!

This is exactly what I'm looking for - all these great ideas. I feel I went backwards on this project; starting with paint instead of a painting or some inspirational piece to work off of. I was just tired of green and wallpaper peeling and Manila envelope beige. That said, I am looking to update, but the big pieces stay. Thanks for your comments re: floors. We are very proud of our flooring. We built this home ourselves (1990) and it is filled with wood. We started this floor with a simple piece of walnut in the center and worked out from there. Many blisters on my hands laying these floors (glued and nailed). I am definitely a "budget friendly" person. I like the idea of some navy blue. I have blue and beige in our family room. It's great to see my room through your eyes - in need of color- but where and how? Like the idea of a painting above the sideboard. Your suggestions on size/proportions help greatly!

Also, do you think artwork in a black frame would work?

I would do floating type framing with gold probably. Depends on art. You want light and bright. Even though you started with paint it’s neutral. I would have loved to see the walls in a deep blue. So comfortable and beautiful in a dining room. You did an amazing job on the floors. Old World Craftsman quality!

Here is a photo of a dining room I helped a couple transform a year or so ago. The small box in bottom corner of photo is the “before”.

Small thing, cause we can't see accurately anyway - but is wall paint on the muted-neutral-rosy side? then gold lampshades could be changed...

? Traditional in metal I think? 31" H x 18 W

1 LIGHT TABLE LAMP by Minka-Lavery 12431-0 in Silver Finish · More Info

Room has rounded and straight. White could be easy work with wall color ? Nice touch of crystal finial, etc.

May 28" Ceramic, Crystal LED Table Lamp, Blue, White · More Info

You didn't ask! This might not be totally 'off' imo.

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Catherine-Print-Parsons-Dining-Side-Chair-Set-of-2-by-iNSPIRE-Q-Bold/8551271/product.html?option=15390078&recalg=966%2C961&recguid=8663435d-41d9-450f-879b-6bfc95cbfb72&recidx=1&recset=9c5f7190-649b-4642-874a-d1320d69c2f2&refccid=EBXUNM74RQH32OSLXRNNSPBO7U

Much wood in the room - this?

Wheat Field with Cypresses Wall Tapestry · More Info

Here is photo of my own dining room. The walls are BM Van Deusen Blue. The trim is SW Extra White. The walls in my entry and rest of house are SW Alabaster. All flat/matte finish. We love it. Here are a few pictures!

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing these. I like how its not busy at all. I believe less is more. Your colors are stunning.

Thanks! Van Deusen Blue is a wonderful color. I did replace the ugly fan in the great room with this gorgeous, but simple huge chandelier. It is 55” high! But with 18’ ceiling it’s just right. I love mixing antiques with modern colors touches. If you want, you could paint above your chair rail VDB. Artwork looks beautiful on it too. I know you just painted but something to keep in mind for future!

Will agree with other posters. The look is pretty dated and lacks the charm that a more classic dining room would have. Also, as other posters have said the floors are fantastic! The wood moulding - not so much. I would suggest removing the chair rail. It's small and looks a bit lonely stuck on the wall. Would also suggest a bigger crown and wall base. Would suggest painting those white. I do like the suggestions given to you so far for wall color - especially the richer blues. The furniture - although classic - just doesn't seem appealing. Would perhaps find a way to freshen it all up or replace. Good luck!

Remove the sideboard from the room. It is overpowering. Next your dark trim at chair height brings your eye to a split wall. That is fine but I have some questions

Do you eat here daily? Are there more photos? Is the home traditional? I see some lovely concepts but I do not know what the rooms surrounding this look like nor what you like to do as a family?

Art, Mirrors?

Mural?

A design on the lower area with trim and the design painted a deep green?

Feedback is needed

Feng Shui The main attraction in the dining room is the food .

Guests get the best view.There should not be too many distractions as the central part is food and conversation.

Do you live in a warm area?

Fireplace electric ? Maybe?

Lower all tables below chair rail to start maybe remove if not going to change lower portion.

Place a grouping of candlesticks from various store. Old ones, some tall, wood, crystal etc on the table /sideboard would be nice .

Flowers are always welcome and there are some lovely ones that arrive monthly fresh. Or the faux roses in a vase.

Center an old round Asian painted bowl filled with fruit for dinner event. Or seashells?

I am reaching here.

But you get the idea

No tablecloth. A covered soup tureen center table.

Have fun with it and show who you are Art same frame and theme. Black and white rivers or oceans! Botanical etc.

Have fun with it and show who you are

Maybe change chairs to all fabric?

It needs to be lighter the furniture is overpowering at the moment.

I would start with the table at smallest size, no sideboard. The only items table, lighting and chairs.

The dining room has one purpose

Guests get the best view.There should not be too many distractions as the central part is the food. Next the company and conversation.

Remove and start slow to add.

.

I know you just painted to get rid of a dull beige, but this color does feel drab as well. That said, not sure how much you want to change.

For the cost of paint and a day’s labour I would definitely repaint. Can't go wrong with a soft cream or white and bring in blues by upholstering seating, in your art and accessories. If willing, suggest removing the chair rail or paint same color as walls, so it feels less broken up. I would wait to choose/hang art until the rest of your room‘s decisions have been made.