Want to update my dining area...suggestions?

A lot depends on the layout, size of the area, whether it's in your kitchen or living room, and so on, but a quick fix might be to paint the walls only where your table and chairs are: if your dining area is at the end of the kitchen, or in part of the living room, painting that section a different color will give it a visual "zone" to help separate it from the rest of the room.

Do you have a light fixture over the table? What about swapping it for a different style?

You might consider doing something different with the chairs, too: if they're painted wood, maybe you could change the color. If they have upholstered seats, how difficult would it be to recover them?

If the table is square, turn it on the diagonal - could give it a different perspective!

I find that a simple paint job always helps improve an outdated room to look fresh and new.

start by making a list. what do you like about the way it is? what is it that you think needs changing? what is your decorating style? who are you doing the remodel for? your self, kids, spouse? what are the major irritations? look at design photos- collect those you like- what are the common elements ?

go out to the stores and see what fits your budget- paint is cheep. pick a few colors you think might work- then paint a large piece of foam core your 1st choice. set it in the room to be painted- how does it look thru the day? is there a certain time of day the color looks off? house no 3- at a certain time of day the living room goes from vanilla ice cream to pink beige. ..

.is your table scratched up and ugly?- how about table cloths? does your dinning room chairs have upholstered seats? it's not that hard to pop the seat off just a screw or 2. use the old seat cover as a pattern, find a fabric you like and replace it. it takes a staple gun or tacks. you can get water proofing in a spray can, hit the seats with it. makes it a bit easier to clean.

do you need a new light fixture? some are easier to switch out than others. if you are not sure how to do it, get a fixture you like, have it installed by a licensed electrician.

Paint always makes a difference. If you want to keep the furniture, you can use fabric runners tablecloths to bring in color. Changes in the light fixture can update an area quickly with minimal work. Also, you can add artwork on the walls to make the space your own.