1. Choose extra pieces in a variety of wood finishes, in keeping with the existing dining set.
2. Warm up the space through lighting, plants and colors, such as orange and brown.
3. Consider a bench for additional seating.
4. Store dishes and hide liquor in a buffet and a bar.
5. Inject personality with accessories.
"I stare at it every day! Why? Because we don't know what else to do with it."
"Create the cozy and casual dining room they would want to use daily [by adding] warmth and life to the room."
ILLUSTRATION: Julius Goyanko - For The Washington Post; PHOTOS: Courtesy; EDITED BY: Kathleen Hom - The Washington Post; WEB PRODUCER: Sakina Rangwala - washingtonpost.com; INTERACTIVE: washingtonpost.com