We might need a rough floor plan to see exactly how it comes into the LR and DR you show, I guess both are visible from foyer? The one thing I see (second pix) is a big blank wall. What about a great beachy scape painting there and a larger jute type rug? Reflective of your coastal style. Do you have a coat closet for guests? Maybe a bank of hook on wall that door opens into, they can be both practical and decorative (depending on what you hang from them).

I thought about a floating console unit with a mirror above, but my husband nixed that idea. He is opposed to be floating consoles and mirrors. I definitely like the idea of a larger rug, and have been looking for something approximately 3'x5' for the space.
When you enter the foyer, straight ahead is the dining room and the living room is to your left. I've attached our floor plan so you can see how the foyer opens up to everything. Keep in mind that this is the builder's floor plan, and our house is actually reversed. So rather than walking in to a living room on your right, it's on your left, etc. A large coastal influenced painting would work, but we have a small jute rug in there now and our cat is destroying it. I was thinking about going with a beige rug that resembles jute, but is made of something that our cat won't be attracted to. We do have a coat closet for guests, but my husband did mention putting hooks on that wall because he thought it would be practical. Do you think think I could do a painting, and then underneath the painting somehow incorporate hooks?

Possibly a better visual so more people can give input.

You could maybe do a pair of floor vases flanking the front door and a large painting on that right hand wall, once you clear the door sweep. Hooks might be behind door, but not below painting :-)

...behind the door, maybe there is enough room/space for a narrow table +some decoration +a table-lamp ... similarly, like this one:

Paint the walls in that area a different color from the rest of the house. Consider carving out a shallow tall shelved niche between the wall studs to create a recessed place for keys, small storage baskets for gloves, hats, mail, etc. (To avoid eating into floorspace.). Cover the foyer floor
with pretty tile.

Love the niche idea! That's a great way to add storage in such a small space!

You do not have to buy a new table, just cut into 2 an old table and paint if needed, like this:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/453315518714522030/

Something like the idea below would work. I would also paint the inside of your door black and add a black and beige stripped rug (matching your dining room carpet's colors). A great ceiling fixture can add a lot to a room as well.[houzz= https://www.houzz.com/photos/2012-hgtv-green-home-transitional-entry-atlanta-phvw-vp~2360491]; [houzz=];
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I love the black door. The dining room rug is navy and beige and the living room rug is light blue and beige.

I had the same issue... I think a very narrow console table with some accents as someone already suggested could work, along with a nice mirror above it

Rug could be a combination of your colors and then paint the door a blue.[houzz=]; [houzz=]

The blue door is great. I'll keep looking for a rug in beige and blue.

I think it creates a coastal casual feel and with adding a narrow bench and maybe straw baskets underneath and hooks on the wall, it will be great. (Hope the cats don't enjoy the straw baskets too much!).

I would use wallpaper (don't cringe...there are some beautiful papers that can bring personality to your entry) on the door wall and the wall behind door, and a larger rug. I love the look of a chest of drawers in the foyer (offers storage) with art or mirror above and lamp and small tray or dish on top of table. You can use a door stop possibly on the door hinge or on the floor to keep the door from bumping into this piece of furniture. Good luck!

I looked online for a narrow bench a few weeks ago and couldn't find one. Does anyone have recommendations for where to look?

That small table that I see by the sofa. Try that on the wall by the door. On the wall where that large window is, just down from the archway That should give room for the door to swing open. Then add a coastal sort of mirror or art above it.

Right now that table looks a little misplaced. Your sitting area seems sort of cramped. Can it be moved out some?

Can't tell if you have any sort of light fixture above the foyer.

Unfortunately, that table has to stay where it is. Husband's orders. It's a small table though, and something similar would probably fit well in the foyer. It's really a great idea. We do have a light fixture in the foyer. Right now it's just the basic flushmount that the builder installed, but I bought a better light to put in that room. I just need my husband to install it...he says he wants to wait until I've bought new lights for the entire first floor, so that everything matches. I've attached a picture of the light that I bought.

This could also be a functional and interesting solution. Looks like they mounted an old door to the wall and added some hooks for guest coats, etc.

I love the suggestion to try that table by the couch beside where the door would hit when it is open. Also liked the idea to place some tall vases right inside that door, on the indented wall. Big colorful rug in colors used in the adjoining rooms is perfect, too. Think about one that fits your needs and if you have muddy guests entering or not.

A rug like one of these could be an easy way to achieve color and warmth in your open entryway.

I wouldn't put hooks on the wall; it will always look messy, not the first thing you want to see walking in the door. I also would not put a bench; the idea of someone sitting on it and having the door opening in their knees just makes me scream OUCH!

I'd put a painting, or a narrow console and a painting, and a coordinating rug. And if you're concerned about the door banging into it, get one of those doorstops that slips over the hinge. You can adjust them so the door stops wherever you want it to.

Thanks for the advice about the hooks! My husband likes the idea of hooks, but I don't see why we need hooks there when we have them elsewhere (at the back entry). I think I'll go with a painting and a coordinating rug.

The attached link has a few benches that may be narrow enough. But as you say a painting (or a mirror would be nice) and a rug may be enough. http://www.homedecorators.com/furniture/seating/benches/

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You might consider a small narrow console at the end of the wall on the right side.An eye catching rug.
Also, you could consider wallpaper on the right entrance wall for added impact.



edit: oops..seems i overlapped with grover same idea ;-)

groveraxle....will you please pop in on this dilemma and see if you can work some magic on this beautiful space? :-) PLEASE!!!
I can never get the cut/paste thing to work so here is the comment on design dilemma:
Lighting Ideas - Entryway, Dining & kitchen island pendant lights bclements48 is the OP.
Thanks!

i like the painted black door idea, looks better than blue in my opinion but even blue can add interest. How about a nice, tall plant? i think plant will add welcoming effect. Even a tall vase will look nice. That light i don't find very attractive,a nice sparkly chandelier with crystals is what i will prefer but then i don't know how the rest of lighting around the house looks. i do like the idea of a nice decorative mirror only if it reflects something nice otherwise a bold art. Few details will make the entry quite welcoming. Do post pix of whatever suggestion you did take.

Seems like the back wall would be a great place for a gallery wall from floor to ceiling. Add a rug and no furniture required.

I think I'm going to do a plant and some art with a new rug. I'll post pictures when I finish!

Adding a water wall will not take up much space since you have a small entryway. Also a great way to greet guests as they come in! See more at http://www.luxewaterwalls.com/

We would like to suggest a semi flush entry light that would drop down to hang above the swing of door. This could coordinate with a new chandelier. We offer a number of contemporary and transitional brands in our Houzz store and on our website.