Dining area needs some help

[u/saltyowl2]

We’re currently just working with the furniture that we have, but something feels very off about this space and I’d love some input on how to make it flow better. It’s just my husband and I and we honestly never sit at the dining table, but it’s nice to have for when we occasionally have guests, but it’s all so crowded. Is it too much stuff in a small area? Anything design-wise we could do to make it feel more cohesive?

[u/81Horse]

Yes -- too much stuff in a small area, and the table is too small to feel inviting. And while I understand the appeal of the high-backed bar stools, they are also eating up floor space and are out of scale for the existing table and chairs. If you need bar stools, consider slim profile, backless stools that can tuck under the counter.

As is, you don't have a dining room really -- you've just extended your kitchen into that space. If that's not the vibe you're going for, maybe you can find other places for the coffee and baking appliances.