This type of lighting should work well, especially if they have dimmers to, which will add to the ambiance. A standard lamp would also help if say light is needed for reading etc. Also go to your local lighting shop and ask them to show you their working displays.

Sorry Kim, those curtains just don't go, I agree with Sian Sampey her curtains would look better as is her idea of the ceiling fan with a light (not shown in the pic). You need to add some colour to this room, perhaps some animal print cushions mixed with lighter plain cushions. Your artwork on both walls is just a little too high, art should be hung 1500-1600mm from the floor to the center of the artwork. Hope you get the look you are after, good luck.

Hi Sharon .. Saw your post .. I would recommend using a linear LED light in your rooms. They are compact and low height, which looks like will help with your solution. Also, great light output! You can bring the power in at the same location of your existing light points too. Hope we can help. www.kiiko.com.au

A long track lighting across both dining and living so you can direct the light to whatever you want hi light. A hanging light over the dining table that can be clipped into the track. this would be the most cost effective great way to light up your rooms and it can be powered from an existing ceiling light. I would have two tracks joined into one cheers