Some visual with some area rug and chandelier

or

with SW Rock Bottom walls

From what I can see if the pictures, I'm no the certain there is enough of a contrast in the woods to worry about changing the wall color anymore. What do you think @Cindy Flake ?

I tried out different dark paint ideas and they looked wonderful in the dining room area, but the room is combined with the kitchen and I don’t really want a dark moody kitchen. There are no good stopping points for a dark paint only in the dining room area. I am still trying to figure out how to make the kitchen area look good with a dark paint with my black granite countertops. I think it will be too dark, especially with the lack of natural light
I think it will be too day

I’m still looking at lighter colored paints. Maybe something that would blend with the fireplace stone and highlight the BM white dove cabinets. Maybe something like SW natural linen

I’ve been “shopping” my home for a few days.. Moved around some paintings and accessories. I have decided to keep the small black cabinet to the right of the fireplace for now.

I did not like seeing the vent above the china cabinet so I did put some things on top the cabinet. I used the previous fireplace painting to cover the vent. I switched out the mirror for
A painting. I have not found a tablecloth or centerpiece so I decided to decorate for 4th of July instead so ignore that decor. I’m thinking about changing the mantel to a darker brown stained color to try and match the chairs and china cabinet and maybe making the mantel a little deeper so that I can actually place items on the mantel. I’m waiting for the new mantel color before choosing any fireplace decor. The candlesticks are just something I had in a closet and are temporary. I will exchange decor items as I find better options. I prefer to buy vintage and enjoy the “hunt” for new items. I do plan on putting a plant stand and a fern in front of the french door on the left as we never open that door. If you have decor items that I should hunt for let me know your ideas. I plan on living with the wall color for the next few months to see if I can make it work with just accessories. I also plan on making seat cushions to help soften the chairs.

I’ve been “shopping” my home for a few days.. Moved around some paintings and accessories. I have decided to keep the small black cabinet to the right of the fireplace for now.

I did not like seeing the vent above the china cabinet so I did put some things on top the cabinet. I used the previous fireplace painting to cover the vent. I switched out the mirror for
A painting. I have not found a tablecloth or centerpiece so I decided to decorate for 4th of July instead so ignore that decor. I’m thinking about changing the mantel to a darker brown stained color to try and match the chairs and china cabinet and maybe making the mantel a little deeper so that I can actually place items on the mantel. I’m waiting for the new mantel color before choosing any fireplace decor. The candlesticks are just something I had in a closet and are temporary. I will exchange decor items as I find better options. I prefer to buy vintage and enjoy the “hunt” for new items. I do plan on putting a plant stand and a fern in front of the french door on the left as we never open that door. If you have decor items that I should hunt for let me know your ideas. I plan on living with the wall color for the next few months to see if I can make it work with just accessories. I also plan on making seat cushions to help soften the chairs. I’ve included my ideas for the mantel color in the images

I like your solution to hide the vent, however If the vent is for heating, you might need a different solution in winter. A heat vent will destroy the painting. I love the candlesticks on the mantle

The vent was there to keep bathtub pipes from freezing, so it is not a heated vent. The bathtub will be removed and not replaced in the next month, so the vent will not be needed in the future

Then when you remove the bathtub, remove the vent as well and drywall/patch/paint the wall. Then there will be no need for anything on top of the cabinet.

The lamp is my husband’s father’s childhood bedroom lamp. I must keep it in the house. It is currently on a remote switch so it can be used easily. Makes a nice soft light in the evening
After dinner.

I am still trying to find a good place to use the lamp in my home

I did not advise you to get rid of the lamp. I'm sure you can find a better place for it than 8 or 9 feet up in the air. You can use it on an end table, a night table, console table, desk, even on your kitchen counter. It can't be that difficult.

candlesticks look good for now. The painting is great over that black cabinet.

Try the lamp on the green table to replace the two birds.

For the fireplace I notice in the green cabinet you have a long wicker holder. You might try that with some flowers you have used in the vases in some of your earlier pictures. The size and style of the candles you have now look off to me.

Another thought is the vase you have on top of hutch with flowers and the two birds on each side.

I will try the lamp on the black cabinet. I am hesitant to put anything tall there because I do not want to block the view of the painting. Unfortunately the mantel is only 4 inches deep so even the candlesticks hang over the edge slightly. I do plan on trying to make the mantel a bit deeper when I change the stain, but that will be a while. I agree, the candlesticks style doesn’t really work but it was something I already had in the house

The lamp looks nice on the black cabinet. It doesn't block the view of the painting, it provides a bit of interest. I might remove the plant and place that somewhere else.

Before making a choice, we must think about the owner's age. If you are around 50-60, adding a few pieces of muted, neutral-colored linen cloth inside is best to keep it peaceful and elegant. But if you are younger, that heavy dark wood can feel very depressing daily. You should absolutely go with a bright, vibrant farmhouse style to light up the whole room and bring joyful energy into your home. What do you all think?

imo personal preference, and not age, is what matters when it comes to home decorating.

The age comment is making a lot of assumptions that may or may not be true. So older people don't need color? And they are ok with dark depressing wood furniture? And they would rather not have any joyful energy in their homes? What a lot of hogwash!

@Design Fan (NE z7a) @Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
I.was simply suggesting that people in different stages of life might look at things differently. After all, our home is a long-term companion, and our personal preferences quietly evolve over the years as we naturally seek colors and styles that resonate with who we are at each specific stage.My perspective comes from my extensive experience in the furniture and decor industry in Foshan—a global hub for manufacturing and design. Having collaborated with numerous professional designers for major exhibitions and showrooms, I’ve seen firsthand how exceptional decor always brings together many different perspectives and deep consumer insights. Every thoughtful design choice is built on a convergence of these diverse ideas.

I like the lamp on the black table. I would try the plant back on the right side as you had it before. You could also maybe try the birds on the right side with the lamp on the left side of the black cabinet.

Could you use the smaller candles you have on your table for the mantel. I would only use five of them. So, three and two together. You could use the flowers on the table.

Decorating attempt 452. Added a fern in an antique copper boiler to the fireplace hearth. Added carnival glass bowl to the right side of the black cabinet and tried out a new centerpiece with things from my house. Changed out the candles on the mantel to smaller pewter candles that were on my table before.

Looking great!

I like the table with the runner instead of the tablecloth and the smaller candlesticks on the mantel. The runner ties in nicely with the art and drapes. With the flower arrangement on the table, I'd remove the one from the top of the cabinet. Too much of the same. Nice changes!

Nicely done…much better arrangement! Agree, second flowers on top of cabinet is not needed.

Basket, but empty, would fill the space and make a trio, nicely.

Thanks. I’ll remove the flowers from the other basket

I think your home is looking really nice. Here’s a couple of suggestions for the kitchen to consider or dismiss if you prefer things they way they are.

I love the color of curtains in the kitchen but would prefer to see them as Roman shades instead of the curtains.

The other thing is the glass cabinet door to the right of the left window seems out of place., and I think it would be more balanced as a solid door versus glass. It’s a lovely kitchen either way.

I liked the other candles on the fireplace better. Those five candles basically all the same size and same holder look like they are lined up for kids to pick up before the Christmas pageant. Do you have a large round platter that you could hang or a grouping of interesting plates? Keep shopping those closets!

Hi Diana and Design Fan,
Please accept my sincere apologies. I definitely did not mean to imply any ageism or discrimination.
My comment was based on my practical experience working with numerous property owners and interior designers in Foshan, where we often discussed project layouts from various angles. It was purely meant as a friendly suggestion and interaction, and I didn't mean to offend anyone.
I now realize there is a significant cultural difference, and perhaps my language translation wasn't precise enough to convey my true meaning.
Thank you both for correcting me and sharing your perspectives. Please don't be angry, and I truly appreciate your feedback!

I created this look using Ai. I have the copper platter, but no way to hang it today. I would have to buy iron candlesticks if this is a good way to go about decorating the mantel. My pewter candlesticks were looking too short and adding too many different metals in the room. The art is just a photo printed from the internet, but I have many wonderful artist in the area who could paint something for me if needed. Looking for feedback if I’m on the right path.

Your idea to use wallpaper backing to lighten the china cabinet is a great idea. Do that. Then see how it looks with or without items stacked on top.

The art and small lamp look nice.

One last thought: don't stain the mantel since it echoes the wood ceiling. No need to get all matchy matchy with the furniture.

jmo, but I liked the mantel simpler. I would not add more plants or art. If you want something darker than the pewter, that could work, but keep them simple/thin, not chunky like the ones you show. To me that is getting too busy with the stone.

Maybe try just the copper platter?

I still think I probably need brass candlesticks instead of pewter, but I got the copper platter hung. Better or worse?

Just the Copper platter?

Don't put anything on the sides of the mantel. No art, plants.

Really like the platter. Add a piece of folk art or carved bird to the mantle for a little more interest.

I had this small ceramic bird in a different room. What does everyone think?

jmo, but too short with the platter.

I love just the platter with one little thing below, like the bird tozmo1 showed. But it could be any sculptural object, or even an interesting art vase. I think your bird is pretty, but too short and not visible enough against the stone. It'll work until you find something else for that spot, though.

Nice, love the bird. When something is too low, I put it on a small box or even just piece of wood. A piece of wood might work best as the mantle is narrow. Play with the height, it doesn't need much and I think the fluid shape of the bird looks great with the tray's shape. IMO the colors are perfect. Matches the drapes. A dash of color but not too much. If you really want color, you could play with painting a block of wood but it should look worn.

I found 3 different options. Antique crayon tin, red vintage books or simple black cloth covered box.

Your tucked away treasures are the gift that keeps giving. I like the books best the black box second. I think the tin is just a bit too big. Can you move it to the left an inch or two? Of course we're seeing it only from one angle, so it might be fine.

I also like the books but might not use all 4 - too high and it feels a bit unbalanced - love the platter!

I like the platter against the stone and it’s the right size. The bird is not working there for me it doesn’t show to Advantage against the stone as someone else has pointed out I think there’s likely a better spot. as much as I really like the bird it needs a plain background.

I liked some of the candlesticks you had on the mantle piece before and they have a good height. Maybe some candlesticks with the platter? You need something that’s not too dainty