IMO the hutch makes the space feel to cluttered so remove that and hang a nice grooup of art and I would remove the wall paper and just have paint but I think the 2 different colors of furniture really do not work together

The shelving unit is completley wrong for the space and is what is cluttering it up. If you want a sideboard, get a sleek, simple one with no upper piece, then hang one large piece of art or a mirror above. I like the wallpaper, but would paint the lower wall a light color from the paper and add a less casual rug. The rug looks like a rough textured ”beachy“ style, while the wallpaper reads more toward the formal end.

Thanks for your opinions! The problem with the hutch is that we need some sort of storage in that room for kids’ art supplies and other dining room essentials. Maybe taking out the shelves but leaving the buffet could work? Do you mean the chairs and table color don’t match or the table and buffet colors?

Things I love, your table and chairs. I don't love the white shelfing console unit. It just doesn't fit the space well. It overwhelms it.

Busy wallpaper, a hutch full of little things, no window treatments, office organizers, and a rug which is too small for the table: more like a breakfast room than a dining room unless you are a very casual person. The table size looks okay. I like a rug which is at least 4’ wider and 4’ longer than the table top measurement because it allows people 2’ of rug for their chair.

If you are willing to paint, consider painting the console black with art above and taking the shelving cabinet unit out of the space.

If you cannot paint the unit, consider just pairing it down and moving just the shelving cabinet unit.

On the console, consider one large piece of art above it, with a black frame. On the console add a tall slim lamp in black, and a black bowl or some sort of accessory in black.

If you are not willing to take down the wallpaper, consider painting the chair rail the same color as the bottom color, make it disappear.

Hang drapes.

Removing the upper shelf units would help a lot. The white of the piece may be able to work in there with different styling, but it’s a fairly stark white given the wallpaper, which is creamier, so I don’t think it’s a great choice. You don’t need to ”match,” but things should complement. I could see a black, cream or warm wood sideboard working in the space, then it’s all about selective, restrained styling. Is there another space in the house where you could make the kid supplies storage work?

I would say we are a pretty casual family.. not looking for a traditional "formal" dining room but just an every day comfortable place for family dinners. I agree about changing out the rug.. this one is just what we had when we moved and it's on the list of things to upgrade. I'm seeing what you mean about the hutch being too busy and not fitting style wise but I'm not sure what to do since we definitely need storage space in this room. I also would like to add white wainscoting the bottom of the walls under the wallpaper but that's a project for the future.

Casual, or not, items still need to complement each other.

Here is some inspiration, that may help you bring this room together. Take a look at the wainscot, the area rug and drapes.

Wallingford Farmhouse · More Info

yes, I think these types of setups are what made me think these colors would work together in the first place (white sideboard, brown table, black chairs).. I see the drapes and rug do help though. What color/pattern rug would you recommend? I feel like the space needs SOME color but don't want to make it even busier. I think I need to get better at the the less is more idea, lol.

The rug needs to be neutral. Adding another pattern, would make it very busy. Add color in art. Pick a large piece of art for above the console, add color there. Pair down your shelves, less visual clutter :-)

Add your family photo's to a small wall, in the same room, but don't make them the focus. Make them a delightful find. Make the Large art stand out over the console.

No matter how you choose to decorate, please update us on this thread. Would love to see your updated dining room.

If you want/need to keep the current storage piece, then yes, remove the top shelves. They are inviting the curse of visual clutter by lots of small things. Also remove all the wall art and photos. Hang one big, simple piece of art or mirror. I’d personally do a mirror in there given the patterned paper. place lamps on each end of the sideboard in a black or brass finish, get your new rug, and there you go!

Edit to add: 100% agree the rug needs to be simpe, no pattern. Your pattern is on the wall. I’d probably choose a sculpted cream rug. I like wool for dining rooms because it cleans well, but I know it’s not for everybody. Also yes to drapes!

I would remove entire white pieces, not enough room for them. If you need storage I would get 1 or 2 corner hutches (check out Ballard Designs for their curved glass one). New paint, window treatments, art.

Better already? Excuse the remaining clutter and art cart, they'll be moved. Would probably prefer a round mirror but this is what we had on hand and I'll eventually hang it. It feels SO much better in here, thanks for everyone's help! Also, can anyone recommend a neutral colored rug that can hold up to two little kids eating dinner every night? Or what materials I should look for? At a budget price, lol? I think I'd want a lighter color but that seems like a bad call with kids...

If the area rug under the table worked well for your family, look at the manufacturer and materials used and find one that is neutral in color.

Also check out kitchen rugs by Ruggable. I have never used them but they say they are washable

There are so many indoor/outdoor rugs available with simple patterns, beige, etc. We have one in our entryway and it holds up to everything but still looks like a rug.

Good job with the change! So much better! There are lots of online rug stores that always have sales. Try Rugs USA and look at what they have. Truly, wool is easiest to spot clean, but of course leans to the pricey side. Ruggables are awful. They are a two-piece system and are printed canvas, not rugs. I might use one in a mudroom, but never in a living space.