When I bought this house, the door was on the side of the front hallway, so facing the neighbor's disgusting overflowing trash can, and the windows were custom, tiny panes of brown tinted glass that do not open to allow airflow or provide much in the way of light. My uncle found a deal on two used large square windows (typical sash style, just refreshingly large and with screens to keep bugs out) and a beautiful used paneled wood exterior door. My husband wants to replace the oddly textured walls anyway, and is interested in a new layout that will put the front door at the front (novel, yes?) of the house, generating more curb appeal and a better view for us. He eventually wants to create a raised deck or maybe a porch in front of the hallway area of the house, too. Here lies my concern: This 1970s house has three cut outs allowing a view into the living room, and a small niche area near the current (old) door. I don't have updated pictures, but we've made it quite stylish, mid century modern inspired, with a dark wood "countertop" in each niche, and matching wood shelves to create a shoe storage nook by the door. We also added beautiful hanging pendant lights in the two skinny cut outs, with glass shades that resemble white origami art. These I quite like. There is also a small kitchen style cupboard at the other (dead end) of the hall which I have always hated, I updated it with some fresh paint but it is awful. Once we move the door and windows, what can I do with the "ends" of this odd horizontal hall? And should I alter the niches? I really like the lights but am nervous they will seem awkward. My initial instinct is to put a small coat closet with a standard or bifold door on the left end of the hall where the awful cupboard is, and a reading nook with a bench where you can rest, put your shoes on, wait for a friend to arrive, etc. My husband has also suggested putting a large skinny window where the old door is, similar to the two windows we added in the right side of the house exterior photograph. Would a reading nook still work with the window there? Should I keep the shelves for books and/or shoes? I would love some feedback, I don't want the space to feel so awkward.