apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I like the mirror idea on the large wall. I would add a rug to anchor the space. Since a sideboard isn't an option, what about two tall thin open bookcases on either side of the back wall (the one you face when you stand in the kitchen)? You could use the bookcases for displaying art pieces or cool serving dishes.

A pendant lamp would really help.

Even though you can't use a sideboard, a rug and an accent table with a vase of tall branches would go a long way. And if you want to fill up wall space, you can by three canvases and paint them to make coordinating panels.

I'd do a large standing mirrored screen on the large blank wall.

And the window wall does not preclude the placement of a sideboard there.

Getting rid of the vertical blinds will help freshen up the space

I'd go with the large mirror or screen suggested above. The only people I know who can pull off the "cluster of art work" are artists or designers themselves. When it's not well done you become the victim of the old adage "When it doesn't add, it detracts."

You could also do some on the wall shelves instead of a sideboard on the right hand side--to display plates or just a picture ledge for some artwork or tealights.

How do you not have room for a sideboard? The first thing I notice is that the table and chairs seem too small for the space. There's a big no-man's land between the kitchen and the table.

I'd definitely turn the table the other way and add a sideboard. Or at least shelves. (Maybe you could even move the table more toward the kitchen island and add a long window seat on the far window.)

If you reject the idea of more furniture, a no-cost possibility is to arrange the chairs 18th-century style against the walls, rather than around the table.

A little color could liven the room up some. A subtle but graphic mural on the large, blank wall could be really cool! (since it sounds like painting is an option) Or perhaps stretch and hang a large piece of fabric that you like.

Scroll down two posts to "AT Europe: Paris - Chez Ed". I think then you'll see what the problem is - your dining area is too stark. It's nothing but the bare essentials of table and chairs.

You don't have the luxury of a fireplace, but you could put some narrow cabinets either side of the windows with table lamps or objets d'art, and a rug, and a grander pendant light, and a bowl of flowers or a luxe candelabra on the table itself. The room is naked and crying out to be dressed!

I agree with Blandwagon, but it's more than an issue of dressing the room. The space is awkward. I think the configuration probably used to be different, then somebody knocked down a wall to create an open plan layout. It leaves too much room for just a table.

I think somehow you need to divide the space to make two seating areas (unless you go for a long, long farmhouse-type table).

I agree with Blandwagon, you could absolutely put some narrow cabinets on either side of the windows, a rug under the table, and a mirror or maybe a large Korhogo cloth (not usually too expensive are usually graphic and modern looking) on the right wall.

Gedday Kylie, depending on budget, I'd do a few things. 1. Remove the blinds, very wise Cricketchirp. I would also take away the curtains at the far end window, although I'd understand why you'd want to keep them on the double opening wall, it looks like its facing west?? 2nd. The colour of the curtains is not working with the floor, perhaps you could look to white sheers which would add a contemporary touch to the room. I don't beleive you necessarily need to change the chairs, but you need a fiery counterpoint to all that darkness....a large red rug should do the trick. Ikea do some really inexpensive persian styles which would add a level of spice. Also, your nearest Vinnie's or Flea Market should have a low buffet, which should go at the end under the window with a lamp for warmth, clustered objects and a vase of structural flowers. You could also consider trusty old lack shelves for the "big" wall - but dress em up with at least a few well considered objects, and remember a few in red. You would then have the humble beginings of a white/ black/ red theme and you could build on that over time.

You could also get some nice matching dining room table pads that will complement your table and protect it.