I think it's an are that you can go crazy with if you want dark to cozy it up you can and your idea of painting the wall behind you with contrasting color is good the bench is good just warm it up as you said I would suggest a bigger area rug to go with this big place don't mind the small paints any way it's a tight wall

Wow, I have entry way envy! I like the idea of going with a very rich dark color - deep blues can be cozy and classic. What about pulling the bench down away from the door and adding some very tall trees - silk or real. I think the space is beautiful. Have fun!

What a grand entrance! I love the bench and I think you should definitely add some throw cushions and maybe a seat cushion on there, also I think a larger rug running horizontal under the bench and across would look nice and lastly the wall of the door would look even more amazing if it was painted a bright colour that would tie in the with the colour of the pillows!

In this foyer I kept a soft color on the walls and dressed up the area above the door (I included a "before" to show you how similar it is to your space) - I kept it simple; a little goes a long way. Yes, a seat cushion with down-filled pillows will look great - pop in some colors; pillows with an ikat design would look nice. If you want warm yet traditional, rust, mustard and green all work. If you want to add a slightly more transitional (updated traditional) look, ikat still works, adding in a zigzag pattern on one of the pillows; colors such as blue, orange and yellow work. Change the rug to something more colorful - the rug can be the inspiration for the cushion and pillows or the other way around. Good luck!

Those are great ideas! i agree some zig zag patterns or other cool patterns would be be awesome on the pillows or maybe even a rug

It's a beautiful foyer...I prefer the clean uncluttered look.....just change your paint if you must and make sure it flows with the other colors in your house.....good luck

another idea might be to "paint" or wallpaper in a light silk design or texture for that wall. Undertones of "silk" in say burnt umber or gold picking out the mini square tiles in the floor, or "marbeling" the wall also will do the job, a pillow and/or throw with warm or cool designs will be lovely, perhaps a nice warm red/umber and some buttery oranges.

Wow! Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I never thought of doing the wall with the door am accent color. It looks great! I never realized how much I didn't care for the round rug in the hallway until I saw the picture!
For the rug: we have a heat register next to the door, can the rug be pulled away from the door several inches- or does it need to be flush to the door?

It can be pulled away. I usually have it a few inches from door anyway. Looks better and functions fine for guests to step on when they walk in. It doesn't need to be flush to function as a doormat. Lots of good ideas here!

Suzan- I love the pieces you have on the ledge above the door. It's such a tough area to decorate. (Physically too!)

Yes, this ledge was quite the challenge! The tri-fold mirror weighed over 200 lbs - we had one person up top and two below, and, with the mirror folded and boxed with straps on it, hoisted it up a ladder - the two below pushed while the one on the ledge pulled it up by the straps. The homeowners know it's there to stay - maybe even when they decide to move! Designwise - keeping the decor simple is the best way to handle this type of space. You can use these ideas (in your style and color scheme): something large (an old door?), possibly leaning (a large piece of art stretched on canvas will not weigh near as much as the mirror), in one corner, a little greenery or texture, and something smaller and textural on the other side - asymmetrical works best.

Hey kmurphy116,
Here are a few ideas. I experimented with some colors i am sure there are more options you can explore. I hope these help Good Luck!

What do you think about wall sconces to speak back to the stair railing on either side of the door entry? I like the idea of a larger rug, and dress up the bench with a seat cushion, pillows.

Oh! I like the sconce idea. I was considering placing 2 on either side of a piece of art above the bench, but I like that option too. Thanks. I have to pick my colors by tomorrow. I'm stuck on my living room. Looking for a brown with green and gold undertones. Changing the color from a dark brown to a lighter shade. Ugh!

HI -- One thing I would do first is to remove the big base board on that upper ledge . It's distracting and not needed. Think about a large pattern wallpaper that would make a statement . A horizontal stripe or pattern would bring down the volume a bit. I don't think a two tone paint or feature wall would help , just all one color or pattern.

Anything that's heavy up there, please make sure it is strapped or anchored properly. As the seasons change and the house shifts ever so slightly, articles can topple. The height can transform even smaller objects into very dangerous projectiles.

Thanks for adding that soberg. A mirror or piece of art does need to be anchored to the wall.

I have a 2 story open foyer with irregular shaped walls. Tactically this ourselves. Any recommendation with color. I started with white... but having a bit of buyer remorse.