Long, beautiful plants or bamboo sticks. GORGEOUS.

That half wall thing I would just remove!

Ore pictures please?? Is that tile right off the door when you walk in??

Sorry more!

That half wall is not doing anything for the space!

I like Genevieve's idea to try to create a builtin since it is creating an entry way for you

I agree with the previous posters that you should remove it.

Can build a small storage space for shoes and have a small sitting shelf on top.

You could but that half wall is odd and narrow already that I would not want to sit on it no matter if you add a shelf or not.

Here's an article on creating an entry. One option is to put up a half wall with a column. If you remove it there are also ideas for that.
http://houzz.com/ideabooks/26568992

In keeping with the mid century feel, I would just frame it and then you could pretty well add any type of insert, which wouldn't be too hard. Type in portable partitions for lots of ideas. houzz=];[houzz= [houzz=]

With where your lightswitches are, it feels very odd. I'd demo it, and replace that entry tile all the way out to the end of where the pony wall is.

A nice new door would look better!

Here is an idea for a door on houzz.com. I know you would have to do all the measurings and everything but it looks nice.

Sorry here is the photo!!

The problem with removing the pony wall is that you have to fix the floor, and unless you have some excess wood flooring, you're going to have to find a way to match something else to it that won't look right.

If you do remove the half wall here is an idea for a bench/storage from houzz.com.

I say remove it, it just seems awkward and doesn' t provide much utility.

Is this door used to enter and leave your house? If it is then I agree with those who suggest you make it work as a "drop zone" for coats, keys, shoes, etc. If it is not then I say remove it. It looks dated and serves no purpose.

I would remove the half wall. We just completed a similar project on Mercer Island and it looks wonderful. You could also replace the door with a wider door or one with a sidelight to create more of an entry. A flusher ceiling mount light would also make the space look larger and more welcoming. Have fun!

Make it two sided bench with shoe storage put column with coat rack or sconce light

If there is hardwood under neat wall I would remove and refinish floor open area up or tile entry portion