i would definitely put a fun rug under the table to add come color :)

In my office, which I can't easily get painted, I have large pieces of brightly colored fabric (reused from an event I did) hanging from floor to ceiling...it makes a huge impact and is removable. Also, there's all that vinyl and other temporary wall stuff that is pretty cool.

The ceiling seems tall, so maybe some sort of low-ish pendant lamp could work, if the wiring was in place. An area rug under the table would work too, something big and bold.

You mentioned you can't paint the walls, so what about some giant, colorful abstract pieces or prints? You also mentioned you're trying to phase out your old furniture and get new stuff, so maybe a crazy-colored dining set (or even sanding down that set and re-painting) might work.

I dunno--I'm thinking giant, deep teal abstract art, a bright red table and chairs with a white dish set, and a big grey patterned rug. Too much? Probably too much. XD Good luck!

You might check with your landlord and see if they will let you touch up the paint.

You can also look into temporary wall art stickers. On another note think about getting a circular table that can be extended, you'll be able to seat more people. Barring that you could paint the table/or place a runner on it to add color.

Hmm also might be just the pic but consider changing the light fixture to bring more light into the room.

A mirror on the wall can also make the space seem larger as well.

Another thing that could add to the space is adding high shelves where you can place some chic knickknacks that will liven up the room...

I think I'm out of ideas now. Best of luck!

What kind of feeling and purpose would you like to create in that space, Laura? Do you want it to be intimate and romantic space, or a bold, wide-open entertainment area, like a speakeasy? Is it for sophisticated grown-ups, or will kids be welcome? I'd start with Purpose first -- which goes well beyond just a place to eat. (Have you done the exercises in the Apartment Therapy book? They're great questions for exploring what you'd most love to create in your home.)

It looks like you have a recessed light above the table? You'd really benefit from a pendant / chandellier. Here's one company that makes something you could use, there are others so search online for "convert recessed light to hanging" or something like that.

http://www.worthhomeproducts.com/

When you move out you just need to unscrew the new light and put the old bulb back.

Also difficult to tell scale from the photo but I would probably go with a longer table to seat six, then a large piece of art on the long wall and a mirror (possibly with shelf for tea lights or something) on the short wall.

Once you get the table finalized you can add a lot of color with linens, cool plates, etc.

If you cant wallpaper or paint and want to add color or pattern to your walls, consider hanging curtain panels or tapesties floor to ceiling. Even just a sheer will soften the space add color and interest.

Actually just got an email from Fab.com, they are having a sale on temporary wallpaper if you want to go that route. The manufacturer is tempaperdesigns.com. No personal experience but looks interesting.

Unless your dining set is a priceless antique, you can add instant punch by painting the table and chairs in a high-gloss finish. Pick a favorite color scheme, black and white-- or aqua and orange-- let's say, and paint the table one color and the chairs another color. you can also add patterned seat cushions for more color and added comfort.

Place a colorful area rug under the table and hang a bold light fixture, as others have suggested.

Add color with removeable and respositionable wall coverings or decals.

Look for over-sized pieces of wall art to add instant drama. A good source for stretched canvas giclees is http://www.gallerydirect.com/video-index.php

Most importantly, come up with a color scheme and overall design direction before running out and spending money and tackling projects. Perusing images online or in magazine will help you to discover and define your own decorating style.

Good luck! And, have fun.

you don't mention your style at all. or budget. if you're letting go of old furniture give us an idea of what you want to replace it with.

you could do anything to that back wall: hang curtains or a fabric on a tension rod (about $7 at target); do a gallery wall of frames/mirrors/artwork; hang one large mirror or four small ones; put some shelving; paint an accent color and paint it back when you move out

maybe try a 5x7 rug instead of 4x6. bigger is better here.

I recommend replacing the lightbulb with one that simulates natural light, which will make the space look much prettier. That yellowish light makes the beige look harsh.

I like auchihuahua's idea of painting the tables and chairs!

Wall art is a great way to liven up the room. I buy prints from allposters.com, which are fairly cheap (only one that I purchased was over $15). Then I buy cheap frames at Target, Michael's, or Wal Mart and paint them fun colors that compliment the poster. I hang them with the 3M strips. I also rent and don't want to drill into the walls, and don't have the cash to spend on expensive art and frames.

And as always, consult Apartment Therapy often! :)

Think bigger for the rug--4x6 is going to look tiny.

Consider putting a mirror where you have the paper--the room is dark and closed in. Would a shallow buffet or cabinet fit there as well? Maybe a very shallow console table? You could then frame the mirror with table lamps to brighten up that dark corner. The other wall would be good for colorful artwork. If you are buying new furniture, I'd go with a round dining table (with leaves)--again to soften up that space. I'm in love with this one:

http://www.amishretail.com/stantonpedestaldiningtable.aspx

I feel like tablecloths have fallen out of favor, but that would be a quick, easy, cheap, reversible way to try out some different colors in the space while you're deciding on the more involved/expensive upgrades.

A rug under the table. Either paint or some wall decals. The NYTimes did a great piece of decorating on a budget a couple of years ago where the designer used those wall decal stripes horizontally (and in place of paint) to set off the dining room. I believe she also put pictures over the stripes. Probably replace or paint the chairs in your dining set. And you may want to use a recessed light conversion kit.

For a modern feel and something I've always wanted to do, but never had quite the right room for, was to put in long panoramic photography that goes around the corners.

What I'd do is find a panoramic image (or take one if you're talented) then back it with some of that basic styrofoam posterboard you can get at a craft store. Cut the image about 1/3 of the way in from the left, then hang the left side of the image on your far dining room wall towards the right inside corner, then connect the right 2/3 of the image on the right wall. I think images of street corners our of scenery work the best. Something like this (which I randomly pulled from google: http://goo.gl/LHQOm).

Complement the rest of the room with other panoramics (that don't necessarily interesect the corner).

Solution: Interesting pendant lamp, a bright kilim under the table, large abstract painting or interesting textile to hang on wall. (I would make the wall hanging or painting larger than the square you've marked out on the wall.)

I would definitely say a super-colorful, your-style 5 by 7 rug, not any smaller than that. Maybe a plant in one of the corners? And I would (personally) be more excited to get something up on the right-hand side wall than on the forward-facing wall. It is just such a giant empty space! Good luck!

Also, if it's your style, a colorful or dramatic tablecloth might be an easy way to add interest.

a mural, long white tablecloth, chairs at the side of the table only, a mural and a funky chandelier

Definitely a pendant if you can - it is hard to tell if that is a pot light or a ceiling light above the table. A ceiling light can very easily be swapped out (keep the old one in a box under your bed and then re-install it when you move out). A pendant will help bring the scale of the room down a bit, and ground the table.

DEFINITELY do something about the lighting in the kitchen. That is probably 85% of your problem. If its a big overhead fluorescent fixture, replace the bulbs with a warm white. Barring that, I've had some success with warm-coloured fabric to diffuse and warm up the light a little (make sure air can still get in and out so you're not creating a fire hazard - I used a big square of fabric, tacked to the ceiling on 4 corners, but not touching the fixture itself). It might also be worth your while to replace the light switches with dimmers for the dining room and kitchen. It's really easy to do yourself, and again, you can keep the old ones and switch (haha, no pun intended) them out again when you move if your landlord isn't happy about it.

The table looks a bit small for the space, so if you are thinking of new furniture, get something larger scale, maybe with leaves so that it can be big in this space, but could still shrink if you ever move somewhere that requires something smaller. It would also help to move the table out a little, centering it in the space from the front of the kitchen to the back wall, instead of tucking it so far back in the corner. Try to center it under the ceiling fixture (which you'd need to do if you get a pendant anyways).

On the walls, go big or go home! Art should hang with the center of the picture at eye height (don't hang too high or it will just make your table look even smaller), and I think you can afford to do something really big and bold. allposters.com is a great resource (as MissMeaghan said)...

I like the idea of curtains or fabric panels as well - on a tension rod is a good idea for not damaging the walls. Wall decals are great if you find something really fun and graphic, but they can look a bit wimpy if they're too small, and it won't help your situation any.

A tablecloth or bold runner would be great too, and put something bigger on the table - a big vase or bowl in the center - something with more weight and presence to it. The (bamboo?) is pretty, but it feels too delicate for the scale of the space.

Hope that helps!! :D

a rug, a tablecloth, a picture, you are on your way. i saw a shadowbox of vintage utensils, very inexpensive and clever way to fill wall space. thrift stores usually have boxes full of them.

Pull the table out or foot or two so its not so smashed in the corner and put something decorative in the corner so its not so hard. a tall plant, floor vase with twigs,

an inexpensive sofa table or buffet table along the back wall would work well as a place to start a collection of serving pieces you love. you could also put two table lamps on it and shut off that awful overhead.

Wow you have such a nice blank slate to work with. All these ideas are great and I can't wait to see what you eventually do. PLEASE post the after picture when you are done. Good luck and have fun!

Colorful rug (5x7), colorful art, and a big plant in the corner. Fineartamerica has a huge selection of prints that you can buy mounted on canvas or as framed prints. If it were me, I would go for bright colors, perhaps even primary colors. I agree with one of the posters above that you need art on both the smaller and larger walls. Good luck. It's such a blank canvas that it should be fun.

You don't say what the space needs to do for you. How about covering the short wall with floor to ceiling bookcases? Books add warmth and color, and make the table a great place to work or read as well as a space to eat. You won't be doing anything permanent and you can take the bookcases with you the next time you move.

I agree with those who suggested a buffet in the back - something tall and narrow with a big mirror hung over it and colorful or bright white objects on top. Perhaps glass doors on the buffet would allow you to have brightly colored or white dishes showing.

I'd also look for two small white globes (Chinese lanterns?) to suspend in the dark corners, flanking the buffet. Paint the cords the color of the wall to hide them.

Finally, one LARGE piece of art that you LOVE on the wall facing the kitchen - you'll be able to see it then from kitchen and dining room.

I would move the table away from the short wall and add something there, either a book case or a small credenza or table, a place to set things. Perhaps behind it you can hang curtains and a mirror, like a faux window, or just a piece of art. The possibilities are endless. I would also consider painting or staining your dining room set a darker or brighter color.

Wow. This looks exactly like the apartment I used to live in. I got two Ikea Expedit (2x4 and 2x2) and put them next to each other to create a sort of "wall" in between the dining room and hallway. I'm guessing the set up is the same for you, if the barstools are on your right the hallway is right in front of you? The 2x2 Expedit gave another surface for serving food or a place to move things off the table when it was time to eat as well as the obvious storage.

Since the space looks dark, I'd definitely get a mirror (or grouping of mirrors) (by itself, over a console, or part of a buffet) on the back wall to reflect some light into the area. (I'd love a grouping of maybe three different sized sunburst mirrors in different styles, for example. Then the side wall should be very simple, not fussy.)

I'd hang something colorful and maybe about the same size as the mirror or mirror grouping on the side wall. Painting, wall hanging, sculptural piece (if the mirror is plain)...

Put a decoration in the center of the table, possibly on a colorful placemat: piece of pottery, potted plant with blooms, basket of fruit, something appropriate for the space.

Maybe some colorful tie-on seat cushions.

That might be all you need...

Good luck

Since the space is tiny with no architectural features or window (view), whatever you put in there should have enough impact and drama to lure you (and guests) in to enjoy a meal:

1. Ditch the table & chairs set. If you can't afford something new scour second hand shops and craigslist for something more chic. Look for curvy chair or/and round or oval table.

2. Replace the light fixture. (when you move you can take it with you). Nothing too boxy or modern : you need curves and softness in that space. Buy low wattage bulbs otherwise install a dimmer.

3. If you decide to buy a carpet, don't go rectangle or round. A more organic free shape would be better - like a real or faux leather hide.

4. The back wall: Once you have the bigger items figured out it will be easier to purchase or make art. That back wall would be nice with a wide console -to display and store items. And if you end up with a glass table then a wood console would be a nice contrast to warm up the space. Above the console on the back wall you could do a mass assortment of black and white framed photos of family and friends. Great conversation starter and again would help with drawing people into your dining space.

Good Luck,
Julie Cadieux / Home Stylist
Julieloveshome.wordpress.com

I agree with ditching the table and chairs. They're dated.

And as a fellow renter, I understand your plight about neutral furniture, especially when you're starting to phase out the handmedowns, but I implore you to embrace colorful furniture. Once you realize that colorful furniture can really lift a room, you'll embrace living in a "white box" apartment. I am allowed to paint my walls but I actually choose not to because I have such colorful furniture and art that the white acts to balance it all.

I agree with others that a 4x6 rug is too tiny. Just too tiny. 5x8 is probably the best size. I would also replace the lighting and add lots and lots of art to the walls.

A 4x6 area rug won't work at all. Your chairs will get all caught up on it when people try to move them in to sit. You need colour on the furniture.

I live in Boston, and one of my favorite places to buy unique items for my home is Madura. http://www.madurahome.com
Madura has amazingly beautiful, colorful vases and placemats that you can throw on your dining room table to add color to the room. The great thing is you can rotate your table accessories and don't have to stick to one style all year round!
I'm also a huge fan of adding candles and mirrors to dining rooms. Here's a great mirror I have: http://www.greatusefulstuff.com/Zodax-Starburst-Wooden-Sconce-Mirror-p/3003-in-3304.htm

I also really enjoying decorating my tables with candles of this sort. http://www.greatusefulstuff.com/Zodax-Le-Colonial-Gold-Rim-Glass-Hurricane-on-Wood-p/3003-in-3296.htm.
I tend to throw some crystal rocks from Crate & Barrel in the candle holders to dress them up.

I agree with Jenny S. A rug might just cause hassle...try brightly colored cushions, even if you make them yourself!

i would suggest slip covers for the chairs, ones that go to the floor. it will really make the chairs look different and more expensive. it will also add excitement to the pine table. i would also suggest a large piece of art. what i have done for cheap art is taking a large frame from ikea and adding wall paper/wrapping paper underneath. it looks really awesome and you can change it often for very cheap. maybe some sort of thin buffet table that fits on the blank large wall. you can add decor items, pictures or flowers.

Dining rooms are a bitch to decorate, since the table pretty much has to be in the centre of the room, with a light above it and chairs around it. There's little flexibility.

However the need for a rug to define the space is a given.

As I see it, you have two further options:

1. If you like your old-fashioned dining set please, for the love of all that's holy, don't paint it or try to "modernise" it, or try to force a modern look around it. It'll look terrible. Instead embrace its folky charm with accessories in raw wood, pottery, wildflower prints, patchwork, old flour sack cushions and so on. A simple country buffet, especially if it's a bit faded and dinged, would also be nice.

2. If you're happy to trade your dining set, then you can (if you wish) go for something modern. Personally I like the look of a simple, blocky dark wood table with white Panton chairs, but only you know what you like. I heartily second the idea of a curtain on the short wall - find an awesome cool fabric and hang it from tension rod to provide massive visual drama without damaging the walls.

There is something called TemPaper or something like that which they carry at the local Benjamin Moore (Janovic) stores here in the city. I think it has an adhesive back on it, which can be removed from the walls. Think about that, because since it's a very new product, I think all of the patterns would be pretty up-to-date and fresh.

Thank you so much for all the great ideas and input! It's given me a lot to think about already, and I'm very excited to dive into this project.

i think a black wooden dining set would be nice. i love the suggesting of wall paper on the little wall and a chandelier. a mirror facing the kitchen and a small sideboard about where the outlet closest to the camera is so you can keep some artwork and knick knacks, candles, and or vases etc there

I don't know what your budget is, but how about getting a bar height table and chairs and putting it against the wall (the wall on the right). Something like this set from Ikea: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69885644. That would fill out the space better and improve traffic flow. Then add a really large mirror or print on the back wall.