Find a high gloss paint color you love and paint built in to contrast with wall color. No glass doors but use shelves as display for china, artwork, ceramics, objects, etc. Hang a painting in center (can you remove electricals?). Change pulls to something more formal say in brass. Possibly place a ceramic garden stool under drawer.

IF this were my dining room, I would paint it all out the same color as the wall color chosen.

I would not contrast it to stand out.

I would first display all the pieces I intend to display in it and take a serios look to see what color would make the pieces the feature. ... a dainty more elegant pull for the hardware and glass shelves for the center.

Sorry not happening it screams desk and in no way works in a DR look for a nice console or better yet a buffet that will fit in the space . If you want to rescue that piece IMO move it to a kids bedroom or your walk in closet

It's a desk. It looks like a very nice desk, actually. The previous owners must have been using the dining room for a home office. I honestly don't see how you can disguise the fact that it is a desk. Maybe put a curtain in front of it and pretend it's a window until you can afford to replace it? Put a buffet in that spot with some art over it and it would be an attractive niche. Don't do shelves unless you have something appropriate to display.

You could fill in the bottom with doors that are louvers or had mesh inserts and had a opening at the baseboard area and it will have a minimal effect on the return, I would think. Then I would use the top for display. I would put a panel in the back to cover the outlets and paint it to match whatever you chose. I think it could look hutch like if you change the knee hole area.

I agree with palimpsest, I think it could be a very nice hutch if you can fill in the bottom and paint the back open area of the upper. I would also add at least one shelf in that space large upper opening, and paint the side walls along the uppers, also the same color as the hutch unit. Then frame the entire opening with nice casing that coordinates with the other trim in the room.

You could cover the outlet with a panel, or you could use it for an attractive coffee maker or kettle, or even for a hot plate if you use the hutch for buffet service.