IMO shabby chic is just shabby . I would start by removingt eh top of thre buffet and hutch and no bother displaying dishware which is a very traditional look Then hang a bit more modern piece of art where the top used to be. Change the chandelier to something maybe with a shade and thta actaully lights the table . Maybe a new wall color . Reupholseter the cair seats in a print you like choose the wall color from the print , IMO all easier and better than painting that furniture . If you really want a change get new chairs maybe like a parsons chair with some new drapes in a linen bnot puddled .

Thank you! I appreciate your opinion. The furniture is old and I am really afraid to paint it and regret it but I just wanted to lighten the room up. I actually hate the hutch but the bottom piece is only 31” tall. Didn’t know if it would look right alone? Since you suggested that getting rid of the hutch might be where I should start! Thank you again

I agree with Patricia that more could be achieved with art and new upholstery on the chairs. Once you paint the furniture there is no going back. The chandelier is an easy target for a different look.

Thank you also! Getting rid of the hutch for starters

Any suggestions on what type of chandlier to get ??

31"is perfect height for a nice buffet .

Patricia thank you so much!! I have that little server in there which is 33” and I thought they needed to be the same. What type if chandlier do you think would help and can you suggest a color

I don't know what your budget is, but I would start with a rug. Then you can pull colors from it for a different wall color and drapes, also get new art. Try to incorporate a color that also appears in your living room so the room won't look out of place. I think there needs to be come continuity on the first floor. There are a million different chandeliers to choose from. Here are some examples of what others did with traditional furniture to achieve a more updated look. Some of these people did get new chairs like Patricia suggested.

Shadyglen · More Info

Midlothian Custom New Build · More Info

Country Club Project Remodel · More Info

Farinelli Construction Inc · More Info

Crisp Blue and White Dining Room · More Info

Glenview Classic · More Info

Thank you! I know a rug would help but the chairs never move easily with a rug but i know that it would look good!

If you get a flatter weave carpet instead of something very plush it's not a problem with chairs. Unless you frequently have small children eating in the room who drop food a rug should be workable. If you don't add a rug I definitely think you need a more assertive wall color and drapes for interest.

Thank you. That’s a great idea

The photos posted by kandrewspa are perfect examples of updating traditional furniture. Start with either the rug or the chandelier. "Drop dead gorgeous" is a lot more fun than "inoffensive neutrals".

👍. Thank you

A few years ago we updated our dining room. First to go was hutch.We then did rug, drapes, etc all the ideas
Kandrewspa suggested

Thank you. I really hate the hutch so it is on its way out. I also love French country and was thinking about try to incorporate some in the room

Oh I like the top pic. Thank you