Hi, gabs2much! Do you have a photo you could upload here? That will spark a lot of ideas, I think. Meantime, you might look for a spot to place a console table to create a stylish drop zone and sense of entry. Take a look at some console setups in this ideabook from Becky: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/make-the-most-of-a-console-table-stsetivw-vs~304993 It includes a console table in a living room, as well as many other ideas that might be adapted for your space.

Thank you so much for your response. I will attempt to upload a photo, so please bear with me!