can you post some pictures of the entire space?

whole area

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I would lower the art and relocate the cat statue. Add something lower and next to the lamp. I personally would not chalk paint and distress that nice piece of furniture. If it's too dark in your opinion, you can paint it, but I wouldn't distress it, unless that's your style.

lol its a ghost for halloween i should probably have removed it for the photo it just ended up there. im not tied to the lamp either - just threw it together one day

OK, based on the position of your ceiling fixture, centered on the bay window, if you plan to use this room as a dining room or reception room with a table, there is no room for a sideboard.

its not a dining area its a just a foyer area at the bottom of our steps

we just stuck the buffet there because it was an extra piece of furniture

what an amazing view out that window!

Here is a story on Houzz that may be helpful

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/make-the-most-of-a-console-table-stsetivw-vs~304993

I think a more substantial piece of art and larger lamp or other items would look even better, a chair on the side closest to the entry or perhaps a bench along the other side. I do think a different rug size may look better so it doesn't catch like that on the bottom of the stairs. Maybe a little more colour in either the art or rug as everything very much blends right now...but wouldn't go too busty overall to take away form that view!

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oh and I like the darker colour of the buffet.

So is that art too small? or just needs more color to it?

is it ok to have a buffet in the foyer area even though we aren't using the space for dining? again, just through a piece of furniture there.

I would suggest a larger painting for the sideboard. Lamp should be positioned on the side away from the window.

Barrel shaped small scale lounge chairs on either side would be a good idea.

just suggesting a larger, more colourful piece may look better and don't think placing a buffet there is a bad idea - imagine you can still use it for extra storage of some sort?

I feel like the area on the opposite wall would be a better area for the buffet.

If you want to keep it on the wall where you have it now, I think it should be centered and the painting needs to be lowered (a more vertical piece would be better). Move the lamp to the other side, as Beverly suggested.

I think a narrow bench would work nice on the other wall

Personally I would not put the buffet to the other wall. The staircase is there so is awkward for placing art. I would place a narrow bench on that wall.

by awkward for placing art I mean with that buffet

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I think the space could use some color and contrast. Here are some options. The octagonal mirror reinforces the shape of the bay. I might consider a stronger color/patterned area rug.

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The buffet probably fits better on the other side with just a lamp on top and maybe a low bowl. I'd put huge art on the other side with a seating arrangement that is as wide as the art.

My first thought when I saw your first posting was "I don't think that buffet looks right on that wall". So I would move it over like groveraxle pictured. I think I would just do a bench though, because since it is a "pass through" it might not work well with chairs? On the buffet, I would put a taller more interesting lamp with a dark shade and gold backing of the black shade. This would enhance the look of the space. I might think about getting custom cushions made for the window and make that a little sitting area. If not that, then I would change up the decoration there with more interesting set up. Maybe a long tray with a group of long stemmed flowers (artificial but the really authentic looking ones, like lilies. Keep it simple but classy. I don't like the glass vase there right now. On the buffet, on the other side from the lamp (which should be to the right as you look at the staircase, I would find an interesting low little sculpture, or a piece that works with the new lamp. I like big art, but the large flowers aren't quite right for the spot IMO. I think a big piece with birch trees might be a compliment to the staircase which is art in itself. Try some of those ideas and see what works best for you and your style and family. Looks like a very interesting home. Enjoy!