what is the lighting like, that is half the battle!? also light runners might help and art work to draw the eye.

I totally agree with Flair Lighting. That was my first thought when I saw the pictures. Maybe a nice large Chandelier in the entry as well. I'm not sure what color is on your walls now but you could maybe do a lighter color or a wall paper with some shimmer to reflect the light. Mirrors are always a great way to reflect light. I think the Architectual millwork is beautiful and rich. Congratualtions on your new home!

HI -- This is a beautiful space and I would be careful of how much is done here ... like nothing construction wise . I think some beautiful wallpaper with some sheen or reflective qualities and then up grade the lighting . You could even have a floor lamp as a feature . Restoration Hardware has some great chandelier style floor lamps and also ceiling fixtures .

Wow! What a beautiful house! I would keep it simple and add a rug and a small console table under the stairs. Can you post pics of the existing lighting?

I also love what I see of your house! A chandelier would definitely give your entryway more light and some elegance as well. Painting the entryway a lighter color will help lighten it up too.

The light that's there seems to be a bit weak..it depends a lot on the bulbs and fixture you have. You have a beautiful house!

Here are two examples of entries similar to yours

Thank you to everyone for your compliments and your help!
This entry is freshly painted and there is a new light fixture (actually very similar to the one in the first picture posted above this comment, only more flush with the ceiling!) it needs new bulbs :)

I don't want to clutter the entry with too much "stuff" as I want the staircase to be the star of the show. That being said, I was thinking of a mirror, a place to store keys, etc. anyone have any tips for where to place everything?
Maybe some small lamps?

Try to resist the urge to put a mirror in the entry. A low console table with art and a lamp might be more inviting. Take a look at these to get ideas for the wall next to the arched doorway.

Better pictures would help when the area is a little more cleaned up.

I'm curious what the reasoning is behind avoiding a mirror?