Do all 10 chairs need to be at table all the time or can it be 8 chairs and 2 you bring over from somewhere else for large sit downs? DIAL UP YOUR CHAIR sizes to be proportional to table so, as to not look like child size chairs. Restoration Hardware furniture is over sized and generous proportions compared to many other retail sellers. Just any chair could be easily dwarfed by the RH table and look tiny. Here are a couple of my favorite modern chair makers KNOLL Brno flat bar chair which can be bought at auction and recovered in leather or vinyl of your choice and David Edward Furniture made for corporate, resort and colleges and available through dealers, I am showing here as a "host chair". Other "host" chair items possible of course. I just like this one.

What a great room - the potential here is endless! The curtains definitely need to come down first, they completely overwhelm those stunning windows. I'd go for super soft white, sheer, floor length curtains, and the walls would look beautiful in a beige color with white ceiling and trims. Can you afford to replace the blue lino? Even if it's just a different colour lino in a neutral shade like cream or beige it would make a big difference. The tablecloth could be replaced with nice placemats (white or natural fibres) or if you really love tablecloths go for one that is a bit more neutral like white or beige and have a nice centerpiece ie a small plant, vase, candles or similar. Also add a few decorative items to the sideboard on the right - a lamp (with a WARM white bulb of course) is a good start plus provides lovely mood lighting to dine by. Good luck with your makeover and happy decorating!

That looks so much better. Definitely make chair covers for the rest. I've used aqua accessories in my room- a throw, some coasters and a leaf shaped bowl for the table which has a silver outside. You can always change the accessories with the seasons (I have a red throw for Christmas time) . I'm also having a dilemma with a large window. Initially I'd wanted plantation shutters in white to replace the dark red cedar venetians which made the room gloomy, but I'm now thinking of softening with semi-sheer curtains. It is only partially overlooked in one corner and the rest looks out onto a wall that is less than 1 metre away.

Good on you for prioritising family dining. If you had a carpenter in the family you could see if they could convert it into an adjustable table that is smaller for everyday but can have a leaf added for gatherings. It may easier to replace the table.