Find a small/med sturdy cabinet to hide those shoes! on top of which you could put ornaments, a vase with flowers, photo frames etc. Window treatments would be nice as well as your venetians which aren't very energy efficient. Front mats can also be bought in interesting colors and prints etc. A hat stand could also work.

Things that would help immediately: a low profile bench to sit on with with shoe storage below; an area rug right in front to help catch debris from shoes; a larger door mat that does not look commercial; and lastly, update the blinds or at least add a cornice or minimal valance to cover the top. Not sure if you have restrictions for window coverings, but a plantation type shutter would be great there.

Looking forward to seeing the 'after' photos.

I love the idea of a bench, but what about sitting it perpendicular to the door. It could be used as you come in or as additional seating for the LR? Def love the idea of a great rug! I've hear IKEA has some great ideas for the shoes.

The rug in the LR looks a bit small, perhaps you could get 2 great ones big enough for the space, plus with them similar it will unify both areas.

What about adding a great console table on the wall opposite the door. With a couple of lamps, or decor. It will provide some different heights to the space. Plus you can insert more personality by adding a vase of flowers, or collection of ginger jars. Even hang a nice piece of art above for some color or a stylish mirror.

Wall across from your front door: http://www.amazon.com/April-Paris-Poster-Print-Kelley/dp/B00KB3BHWQ/ref=sr_1_103?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1404011624&sr=1-103&keywords=Art+Paris and https://www.etsy.com/listing/121821567/34-upholstered-top-shoe-rack-bench?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=furniture_low&gclid=CJuCy5OPnr8CFZSEfgodggQAGg

Do have a coat closet near the front door? If not, place an armoire on the wall that is opposite, to the right and parallel to your front door for coat storage. Place a storage bench for shoes perpendicular to the front door on the left side. The door will swing away from this bench, not into it. Instead of a sit down bench you could put a 30"-36" high cabinet for storage of shoes. Decorate top simply, lamp (if able to plug in) plant, small dish for keys. If you are really ambitious wire for two hanging lamps over the cabinet.