Pictures? Budget? Help us help you.........................

Sorry I thought they uploaded! I'm thinking a few thousand if I can give the room a refresh without breaking the bank. The original furniture all came from high end furniture boutiques and/or antique shops. It has always made it tough for me to get rid of, knowing what the original cost was or if there's even a market to resell some of these pieces.

Sorry I thought they uploaded! I'm thinking a few thousand if I can give the room a refresh without breaking the bank. The original furniture all came from high end furniture boutiques and/or antique shops. It has always made it tough for me to get rid of, knowing what the original cost was or if there's even a market to resell some of these pieces.

it's a nice looking space, with great furniture, just needs some serious editing.

Remove all the little stuff, including the large framed art.

Position the table in line with the window and centered under the existing light fixture.

a blind and drapes the same color as the wall color to soften the look, plenty of room for drapes hung just under the crown moulding and beyond the window trim.

Can you add shades to the lights on the fixture to soften the light?

It looks high to me, should be 30"-36" off the table top. A more subtle framed piece over the chest.

If you love the style of chairs, look into having them reupholstered in a more subtle fabric.

Editing will do wonders. Start there and see what you really need.

"Modern traditional" is not a helpful descriptor. What do you like? Do you have inspiration photos that show what you find pleasing?

Here are a few things you can try if your budget permits. I don't think they'll lock you in to either keeping or discarding the furniture. I agree that it makes sense to save up for your new home if you will be able to move within a couple of years.

1. Replace the hanging light fixture with something much plainer in appearance. (Already on your list.)
2. Replace the blind with either a much lighter-colored blind or light-colored curtains. (Already on your list; roman blind sounds fine.)
3. If you are able to remove the upper (hutch) portion of that giant sideboard/buffet/whatever you call it, do that pronto.
4. If you're at all handy, you may be able to reupholster the chairs in either a plain fabric or a pattern you like better. Failing that, you may be able to find slip covers that go over the chairs completely. Those were popular some time back; I haven't seen them recently, but I also haven't been looking for them.
5. Get a tablecloth that will match your newly covered chairs. Or eschew a cloth altogether and use placemats. The runner doesn't make a useful contribution here.
6. I like the smaller chest, but if you don't need it in the dining room for things you use there, I'd consider moving it to a different room.
7. Do you love that large picture? Do you love the bulky frame? If not, change one or both.

These are all reasonably budget-friendly compromises. I wouldn't say they amount to a cohesive design plan.

When the time comes to sell the pieces you are ready to let go of, remember that they are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them; not what they cost originally, and not what you would like to get for them. Charitable donation, regifting, and freecycling are also options, and sometimes can reduce your burden more quickly.

The table is great, a classic piece that can even work in a modern mix.

The chairs can be reupholstered in an updated color and/or pattern.

The generic art needs to go!

I would get rid of that lighter "country" piece as it crowds the room and makes it all look 1980s country.

The pink window treatments do nothing for the space.

^this!

Even if you keep the hutch/ sideboard simply redecorate it in a simpler style with a few objects that showcase your preferred style. is the top half removeable?

I agree with above, if the top half can come off, that would update the piece. Maybe you should consider even painting the piece, but that decision should be done last, when everything else is done.

Lots of good ideas above - I'll add that in addition to removing the top part of the buffet, updating the hardware will help make it look less country. Definitely remove the existing artwork and small accent console which will give more room to get around the table, and find sconces to coordinate with the new chandelier.

Furniture has become more expensive and dining rooms often need very particular pieces - a round table vs a rectangle, certain size buffets to fit wall lengths, etc. Since you're considering moving in a few years, I think you have a good approach to a light refresh. Chairs can be purchased a little more economically but BE SURE to take every measurement into account: seat depth, width and height so everything fits around the table. If you select something with arms, the chair needs to slide under the table or else people can only perch on the ends.

I try to have something simple and attractive for everyone to see when they're seated. Removing the top of the buffet creates opportunity for artwork and lamps (also visible from the foyer). You may want to have drapes layered with the Roman shade. Also, consider the view into the foyer for the folks on that side. Again, simple is fine.

Are there any pieces that you particularly like or dislike? When you replace the light fixture, get matching/similar wall sconces too.

It would be helpful to see pictures of some of your other rooms too, to see your taste. Does the dining room connect to the living room?

I think you need to make a decision about wood finishes in this room. If your future "look" is the lighter wood, then eventually you'll want a table to coordinate with it. New chairs will be expensive and if you're transitioning to a totally new look, don't buy chairs for the interim period.

Consider adding a real colour, instead of going with all neutrals. It will draw the attention away from the mismatch of styles. I've mocked up blue, because it looks good with the brown you have e.g. the tiles, the existing upholstery on your chairs.

I'd start with a new piece of wall art with lots of blues. Many options for outdoor scenes with sky or sea. Abstract, realistic or in between, lots of choice depending on your taste. Find a rug with blue and brown that looks good with it. Choose one of the blue colours for the Roman blind. Repeat the blue in any decor items you choose.

I know you just repainted, but if you hadn't then maybe even blue on the walls.

First consider the non changeable givens and where your budget will be best spent. Look on line for ideas and consider a color scheme/feel that will work with your flooring and table‘s style.

1. Suggest removing the upper portion, paint the lower cupboards and update the handles. How you accessorize is key and can even use to set up for a buffet.

2. This area feels very dated, including the sconces (try selling on Marketplace). You won’t need its surface if you take advantage of the long cabinet. I’d only address after rest of room is done/when budget allows.

3. This is where a lot of your budget will go: chairs especially, chandelier, and window treatment.

Google tells me that in Toronto where I live, reupholstery for seat and back is $225–$325 per dining room chair, plus fabric or any new foam needed. Pricey, especially since you don't love the chairs.

All great ideas - thank you all!

When I look at inspo pics, I see that I naturally am attracted to a warm tuscan inspired look. I love warm stone, moody neutrals, greenery. I'm thinking of leaning into that with my current travertine stone floors and arch ways. My house has a lot of natural stone work, arches and intricate wood moldings and details.

In lieu of completely starting over (with the hopes of moving within 5 years), a refresh seems doable. I love my home, I love being home and we love hosting. It brings me joy. But when I walk by this dining room it brings me down- I'm ready to bring some life back into it!

I'm thinking some absolutes:

New light fixtures

New chairs - I'm almost leaning full upholstered chairs

Removing top of hutch and replacing hardware and possible paint upgrade

New window treatment

Replacing current art

Love all your feedback!!

Can we see a picture of the hutch from face on? Is the surface wood or something else?

Thanks for the inspiration pictures. When you said modern traditional it was hard for me to imagine what you meant.

Consider which of these colours you might want to add. Do you use any of them elsewhere in your home? The blue I suggested doesn't seem quite right with Tuscan.

Core Tuscan Color Palette

Earth Tones: Terracotta, rust, burnt umber, sienna, and warm beige.

Warm Accents: Golden yellow, sunflower yellow, mustard, and deep copper.

Nature-Inspired Greens: Olive green, sage green, and moss green.

Rich Reds: Tuscan red (a warm, saturated red ochre), maroon, and burgundy.

Contrasting Hues: Mediterranean blues and deep, dark tones to balance the warmth

The chandelier is a winner...French Neoclassical guess from your photo. Dining chairs are Louis xv in style and appropriately upholstered. I'd keep the light, the table, and the dining chairs as is. They are special and your MIL has good taste.

The room is ripe for a color wash, any color you love (or tell the direction of the natural light coming into the room). Maybe this green? Can't get a good look at the fabric colors.

The tile floor isn't so great, but if you are moving in a few years, invest in a good rug which you ccan take with you. Dining room rugs, typically, are 8'x10', which is a very flexible size.

Draperies on the windows...probably the same color family as the wall color you choose.

The side board: removing the hutch, maybe paint it the color of the walls in a satin finish.

Or stain it darker.

The furniture can be updated by removing some of the trim, changing out doors and changing the finish with either paint or stain. You can even paint the fabric on the chairs. If you were to do that will suggest that you use a stippling brush to apply the paint.

Please post pictures as you go along updating.

Because you are moving within 5 years, make changes but not with the expensive replacements. Go middle of the road instead.

I wouldn't invest in quality new dining room chairs for this room with this table. Find some off of Wayfair or Facebook Marketplace. Reupholstering is very expensive.

Your inspo chandelier will look great. They are a dime a dozen on Wayfair. No need to pay Visual Comfort prices for a home you'll be moving from.

Yes to removing the top of the hutch and painting the bottom. Good-bye to the artwork and small chest of drawers. (Do you have space to store the quality chairs and chest elsewhere in case .you want to upholster them in 5 years or are you quite sure this will not ever be your style, and not worth the $$$ of reupholstery?)

I like antiques but knew they would really date our house when we put it on the market. For a few hundred dollars I purchased inexpensive dining room chairs from Wayfair, hung a new chandelier from Home Goods, and removed my china cabinet.

Just in case anyone missed it, I was suggesting DIY reupholstery—if, and only if, Marisa has the skill-set to do it. Not professional reupholstery, which can be worth it for a piece you really love, but will cost big bucks for the professional skill involved.

I recovered the seats of my dining chairs years ago for pennies. They were simpler in design than Marisa's current chairs, which is why I am posting big IFs all over the place.

The slipcovers I mentioned might not work, but FWIW, this is the kind of thing I had in mind: https://www.slipcovershop.com/dining-chair-covers

I don't have a front facing photo of the hutch alone. I'm not home at the moment. I have a pic when we painted the room and separated the hutch. It is real wood.

I've got somemom 0

I can see why the chairs might not be to your taste, but they sure do look inviting. Are they as comfortable and sturdy as they look?

Some chairs can get wobbly after a few months. Or hard on the back and bum, and cause your guests to get fidgety after awhile. Not what you want for a leisurely dining room experience with friends or family.

I suggest you make some other changes first and leave the decision on these to the last. You may decide to keep them. These do fit in with a Tuscan look.

The wine walls were probably gorgeous with the pink.

It’s not your style- but you will definitely not get any better. The chandelier is stunning. So is the furniture. I might remove the top of the hutch. Swap the art over console with a mirror. Beyond that, I would just paint the walls, trim, wainscoting- all in the same color- maybe ceiling, too.

As one idea- I did a BM Vintage Vogue match. A bit sloppy paint job- but just the general idea.

I see a huge miss match of styles in the room. That table and chairs with the smaller dark server beg for formal curtain panals. I am not loving your current light fixture but I would not pair your furniture with something too modern. The large built in looking side board/cabinetry is much too modern to pair with your current table and chairs. Your messaging also is a miss match. You said you were drawn to the darker Tuscan but then you are working to eliminate all the elements that make this room formal and 'Tuscan'. Removing the top of the larger cabinetry if it is built in and would stay with the home will update the space and serve you well for resale, as well has help marry the styles. The chandelier swap same, assuming you pic what your buyer will want cabinet color style wise.--which is really not likely. Your photos, are tough to tell if that table shape is best for that space. Maybe it's just the style fighting of the cabinetry with the table but one is sooo long I wonder if the table would fit better long and leaner. Others have already hinted at what I hear, you want change but the changes you are focused on do not match what you are drawn to. I wonder if the chairs can be reuphostered w/o the backs being upholstered. That would give a lighter look to the ensemble, and maybe help you embarce them.

It's time to pass on the antiques that you don't care for. Someone else will love them, especially the chandelier. Keep the ones you like.

Does "modern traditional" mean something to you like Ethan Allen's current style?

https://www.ethanallen.com/en_US/digital-brochures

Looking at the OPs inspiration pics, the lighter wood buffet (bottom only) might be the keeper piece, unpainted. Although the tables in the inspiration piece look like unfinished wood. Maybe the buffet needs to be sanded not painted - or maybe it's fine as it is. A new raw wood table. Unbleached cotton slipcovers over the chairs, slightly tailored to accommodate the curved top.

I suggest you paint the cabinet with hutch. Reupholster the chairs in fun fabrics using on the the backs and another for the front and seat. Curtains instead of a shade. A new chandelier. Without or with rug...

Oh my! That looks beautiful ^^^

@lisedv 's version looks fabulous. Painting the hutch to match the walls makes it look like a custom built-in cabinet. The whole room looks new.

@lisedv your repetition of colour in drapes, rug, chair and accessories is very well done.

Regardless of the quality of the pieces, there is nothing wrong with making things your own and 15 years is a long time to live with something that isn't "you"

How much do you use the room and if you plan on moving soon how much are you willing to invest? A formal dinng room doesnt get used much so ask yourself are you okay with cost saving pieces to get the look you want until you move? Or do you want to invest in pieces that can stay with you for another 15 years or beyond?

I would start by emptying the room out. Everything off the window and walls as well as furniture. You said you want to work with the table so that is what I would do. Based on your inspo photos I would bring in the following

its hard to tell your wall color but it looks to be a very light gray on my screen. Paint it .a warm white or very pale tan

round natural fiber jute rug

your existing table

a new shade for the window in a natural woven material

white drapery panels to further dress the window

your new chandlier , both the ones you shared work.

New dining chairs in a cream color

A sideboard

accessories that incude

lamps for the side board

a mirror and art. for above side board and accent walls think shape variance. if you use a square or rectangular art choose a round mirror

an interestng vase for the dining table with greenery