Yes it's a cupboard that slides open so putting anything there will block the door :(

I would paint the brick wall to open the space and if the narrow shoe storage would fit, put a large mirror above on the brick wall. If there is not room for the shoe cabinet I would use a narrow floating shelf with a mirror above. How well is the closet utilized? It might work to remove the door and use neat organizers in the space. If there was no door there the entry might look a bit larger.

Ad a bright patterned indoor outdoor carpet for the landing, there are lots to choose from.

You probably want a narrow bench that you can put shoes under. For the beige, get some long strips of cloth of varying lengths and put them up on the brick as wall hangings. If you don't sew, you can find iron-on hemming tape to hem the raw edges. Get dowels to hang them on.

H45 Loft · More Info

Cliffside Drive · More Info

Or use your scarves as color. Along the stairs they'd look cool.

Eclectic Stoke Newington Apartment · More Info

What color should I paint the brick wall??

I would paint it the color of the wall. If you can, remove the door to the closet and create a space in it for the kids' stuff.

It is the color of the wall now. Maybe white?

Wow - it looks completely different on my screen! Is your woodwork white? White might be too stark for such a large area - would a pale shade of your wall color work and still provide contrast with the woodwork?

I would call a closest system designer and get some ideas for the existing closet.

Assuming you own this home, I would remove the long window (it is taking up precious wall space and have that area included in the design.

Contemporary Closet · More Info

That will drastically cut down on the natural light, so one more investment of a full view clear or frosted glass door.

Noe Valley 1 · More Info

I think a pale shade of the wall color would be the best color to paint the brick. It is the dark grout that is making the wall look busy in the small space. I don't think you gain much wall space without the window because you need some space for the stair landing. However, you might be able to remove the window and have it boxed out into the porch area about 9". On the inside put shoe cubbies low and some shelves with baskets higher for hats and gloves. Switch to the front door with frosted glass as JudyG suggested.