No rug under the dining room table.

And turn your existing rug so that its length runs in the same direction as your flooring.

Is there a TV going into this room?

Or do what Beverly said: no rug. Devote your budget to beautiful art work for your wall, curtains at the window, maybe an interesting piece between living and dining area.

Yes, we're planning on putting a TV on the wall and switching the rug in that direction as well. The floors are hardwood so my husband really wants to protect it. I figured a rug would be the best option.

You can just put furniture protectors under the chairs and table.

Here's a one-rug layout that might work for your TV wall with a piece that defines the living/conversation TV area. Armchairs could tilt towards sofa, at either end of coffee table, or side by side facing window. Or position sofa in front of window with armchairs facing TV.

I really like the armchair's layout..I was debating if there would be enough space for them. What would you suggest doing with this nook we would have behind the living room?

Ooo, time to be creative with that nook:

--chaise with sconce reading lamp and small bookshelves.

--padded hall bench with small table in front for people to talk at a party, check phone, laptop, put down a glass of wine or coffee.

A couple of slipper chairs with table in between for extended seating when you have a lot of guests. Add lighting on wall or overhead so it's a space. Little square rug and some art on the walls, plants at the window so it's a definited space.

Oh my, i love these!! Thank you so much for the ideas! :)

I’d start off without a rug in the dining room and once your furniture is set up, you’ll have a better idea if you want/need, as well as the size and style. If you do add, I’d go less busy and let your furniture and accessories be the focal points.

In regards to the nook; so many options.

Tiny home office in that nook! I've seen smaller.

Husband said he's willing to try the table with felt padding and see how it will go. I do prefer without a rug, makes the place feel less busy which is more the look I wanted to go for. It's hard to mix in both styles, he's really into grey walls, floors, furniture everything! I prefer lighter tones in brown, white, taupe and black accents.

I would get the plants up off the floor right away! That is a disaster in the making. Even if the pots are designed to collect drainage, you may get moisture condensing under them that will seep through to the floor, and then your floor is ruined. If you want the large tree there (which is not a bad idea) or anywhere inside, then put it on a nice, low (rolling?) plant stand. Something attractive with a solid bottom like this

https://www.amazon.com/Dcpes-Rolling-Invisible-Casters-Dark-Grey/dp/B0C28QVSBZ/ref=sr_1_51_sspa?hvadid=616863036876&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1013721&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15106850892247541313&hvtargid=kwd-37750356689&hydadcr=24631_13611696&keywords=plant+dolly+with+wheels&qid=1688507031&sr=8-51-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

that doesn't look like something you would have outdoors.

I like ideas similar to those proposed by housegal200 if there is sufficient room. The nook looks like a fairly small space that my not accommodate chair(s), table, etc. without looking very crowded and impeding access to the stairs.

You can easily combine both of your tastes, as they work well together. If you look at inspiration rooms, I’m sure you‘ll see rooms that appeal to you both (and if he sees all grey rooms, may agree it’s too much).

Vs

That is such a smart idea! I'll do hat this evening and your pictures are absolutely perfect representations of each of our styles haha!