The funky platform had a wood stove that the previous owners removed. We are looking into possibly getting one. Just not right now because of the budget.

Redesigning your dining room table is a great idea! If you don't like the Formica top, experiment mixing table linens for added color and texture as an easy, inexpensive way you can dress up the space.

Have you considered painting the chair legs the red color? Then find yourself two things--consignment shop, wherever: a nice country light fixture for above your table, and a rug for under the table and chairs. This will help give your dinette some identity and more color. Then I would add the red-color place mats and accent it with a centerpiece of flowers to pick up your colors. a tablecloth for special occasions goes a long ways to making a more formal look. I'm also wondering about a little country valance above your window(s). Sorry, I can spend any man's fortune in decorating, but if you finally figure it out, you'll have fun hunting some wonderful things down! Best o' luck! Let us know what you decide.

Thanks so much for the help! I appreciate it. The frame is actually a burnt orange color that looks red in the pic. I do like the idea of adding pops of red tho. Below is a picture of what I'd like to do with my table. I am going to either find a miraculous way to make my table top look stained, or I'm going to watch craigslist for another table. Has anyone ever had any luck painting/staining a formica table top?

How about painting the chairs blue & table legs white?

Painting formica is tough to make it look like wood. You might go black here and rub the corners back on the chairs and legs and just leave the top as is - black rubbed is a good country look that you could then put red cushion pads on the chairs - I've seen some custom if you sew that have a little skirt that velcros around the back and arm posts and that would be color you can change / wash. I love the contrast aestetic you've got going here. Might I encourage you to use the red-orange on the inside of your white door. There's the place for a pop of color - sw fireweed would be a good tone for that.

I painted a dresser with a formica top, you need a good "gripper" primer. I used Zinsser Cover Stain (the oil-based spray), sanded with super fine grit, then two thin coats of good quality latex paint. I let it cure a few days, then used Minwax Clear furniture wax to seal the paint. Let it cure a few more days. I use it as a TV stand and it's holding up great.
I used the same method on a desk, and I run into the inside of it frequently with my chair, and I see no marks at all.

Love dark gray wall. Pictures nice but add a 5 ft or longer sofa table there in white. To anchor wall. Over sofa add your red picture (if you get another even better) from other wall. Hang low 6" above top of sofa. On dining wall Ikea, has a black and white with a touch of red New York or L,A. Sky line. It's right size for that wall. Hang very low. I would just get new chairs from Ikea in red, modern. I think keep you in price range . Painting tables not good will chip. Chairs will help more. Add a black bamboo shade to window. Nothing on that wall.

That white table in yr pic might work on dark wall then add gray pillows to top. It might be too wide. Are you going to a more modern look? If so rocker has to go. Again Ikea great store for all your needs. Declutter less is more in a small space.

Sorry I guess I can't see. Red picture is not art. Can you add some to it? Not working on space. Why the ledge on. Floor.ca n it be removed? Taking up space.

No small rug by door. Area rug in living room. 5x7, A print with color. Teal is nice. Get something else big for over sofa.

I love your classic captain's chairs and I'm not sure I would paint them just because they are so cute as-is - they remind me of a lot of my favorite restaurants! Of course, that's me and you should do whatever you want!

Since you don't like the table the way it is and are thinking about replacing it anyway, there's not much to lose by experimenting with painting it. I would hit up the local Ace hardware store to get advice on which products to buy to paint the Formica and Laura has given you some great info too.

Also, maybe join a local freecycle group (freecycle.org)? You never know, a perfect table could pop up, and someone else may fall in love with yours as well.

Thanks again for all the ideas! Travis, then I wouldn't have my white table where I want it which is right where it's at. The red picture is actually an orange frame that needs to go. I'm def going a bit more modern but the rocker has huge sentimental value. I found awesome grey couch and b & w ikat pattern area rug for living room.
Love the suggestions guys.

Think I will put this canvas where the orange frame is and leave the big wall blank like travis(?) or someone suggested.

Was there a fireplace in the corner before? Just wondering about the builtup floor in the corner.