SFGate

TanCalGal Do U have a floor plan? Not sure I am seeing this space correctly. Are end chairs touching walls? Is there a ceiling light? Can table be made shorter?
Dining area appears cramped. I'd remove the 2 arm chairs & also 2 side chairs and use them in the LR or a bedroom, until needed 4 entertaining.
I'd paint the staircase wood (wrought iron?) black.

A Kitchen That Works LLC Not knowing what our budget is, you could consider building in an L-shaped bench (incorporate storage here) on the two walls behind the table and placing the extra chairs else where in the house as suggested by olldj22. It seams like the table is too big for the space but if you deleted the need for space to back up the chairs it might help.

Dytecture I agree the dining table is too big for the space. Is there enough room by tturning the table around ?

houssaon Even though the room is almost a square I would put the table in line with the longest width - the 15 and one half feet. That should be pleant of space for a six foot lenght of table and two end chairs. Do you need a paintry in the dining room. Why not remove the doors and the shelving and create an alcove for a buffet?

Your railing is really different. I haven't seen any thing like it. How about painting it a color? I like the distressed blue of this railing: seaside resort living or the soft agua of this railing Branch Street. This sage colored railing really looks good with the same trim: Botkier residence. Paint the trads and the trim of the floor the same color and make a feature of this unusual railing.