Doors usually open into a room you are entering. Only exception is front door which opens toward you.

I would wait for the rug, until you have the shutters up and your furniture placed..it may take on a character of its own and you'll want to compliment. My first thought though was to coordinate with your kitchen and incorporate some black, with a black/beige stripped rug, which would be fun with the wallpaper and perhaps paint your chairs black, add the shutters and you could paint the window trim black and add a large black chandelier.

Oops sorry in wrong section and I don't know how to delete

Help needed, I have this dining dresser and would love to make it beautiful, it has brass decorative hinges and a lot of personality. It is Oak and I hate Oak, but love the style. Open to all suggestions Much appreciated