I would try and spray paint the vent screen white to start to lessen that. On that same wall a grouping of pics or mirrors would look nice start from 3' above the floor to 4' below the ceiling filling in the wall edge to edge. It will let the thermo stat blend in. I would add a potted faux plant on the bottom shelf of the hall tree. I would suggest a rug as large as possible in front the hall tree too. Also that same wall would be great to add some over scaled wall paper to act as a art background on the featured wall. As for the closet do what helps you the most for storage. You could use a couple of coat hooks & shelf's for the rest.

Do you need the guest closet? Getting rid of that would make a better, broader entrance, and if you live in a warm climate, who needs a coat closet?

Awesome Thanks. Didn't think of adding a big rug in front of the hall rack but that's a great idea! Also wasn't sure how to blend in the thermostat without the wall looking odd. Should I get rid of the small chalk board with key hook and just add the pictures? The vent will be replaced with a white one. It's driving me crazy. Closet: I have been back and forth on whether to remove it or not especially since its so small.

I think you could keep the key rack and just work with it. I wouldn't take out the closet for resale value.

It depends; thinking of cost and mess to remove the closet wall...but I have to admit I think your entry and first impression of walking into your house would look less cramped or tight. Shelves are a great solution if you keep the closet. Would work for shoes, purses, school items and a pretty bowl for keys. Personally I would remove the little chalk/key unit. The rug is a great idea as well.

These are all great ideas that I can work with! Thanks! Should I add anything next to the hall tree like a tall vase or garden bench? Should I hang anything on this wall or would that just look cluttered?

Oh here is link to the storage bench above :) it's on sale!!
http://www.pier1.com/Alcott-Hall-Tree-Brown/2351820,default,pd.html?cgid=home_office_storage

How about painting the walls in 4 inch wide stripes..white and beige? It would add some real pizzaz! Definitely get rid of the key hook and chalk board.

Take the doors off - add coat rack at top, with bins-drawers on the bottom.
Or, leave bi-fold on - add shelves and top rod for jackets.

Wow lots of ideas! Thanks! I like the idea of stripes and working with paint rather than wallpaper only because I had a bad experience removing wall paper in the past! I think that will add to the wall! Horizontal stripes in a lighter or darker beige than the current wall color? Marie: I like the shelves in the picture you posted. Where can I find those or nice inexpensive closet systems? Kah416: thank you for your ideas and link. I'm stuck with the hall tree rack that I have but I like the chairs and rug! Are they from a particular store?

Yes! They're from Pier 1. Pier1.com :)