Although the piece seems to be a perfect solution for the space...your concerns about plastic are correct...and it is not clear how much space is needed to open the storage areas in such a narrow hall...assuming you plan to put the storage piece where the stools are now..you may want to consider a narrowish wall shelf...which will be very handy and decorative at the entry...some attractive baskets to put on the floor under the shelf for storage..if there is room to keep the chairs at each end they make attractive temporary catchalls as well...

A sizable colorful contemporary art print on the brick wall above the unit ...will create an aesthetic to distract from the functional purpose of the storage aspects as well

What about something like you see in one of our clients entryways below?

Looking for some new ideas for my space. I love the modern/ industrial look of any space, but I don't seem to have have gotten there yet. Maybe it's the carpet or the color of the walls. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

An area rug in the seating area or under the dining table would help separate the two areas...under the table would be the place for a graphic rug with some bright colors...or a more understated nubby tweed or a plush shag in the seating area...the room might be more inviting/cozy ...with more textures

Also...if you can paint.... the tv wall is begging for an accent color..and some wall decor...

Any color or wallpaper ideas?

Since paint is easier and also easier to change....Maybe the golden yellow in your art work would work with all the brown..if you have an artistic flare a graphic would work..as little as two colors with a narrow stripe separating them...for instance a narrow dark brown stripe...diagonally...with gray above and taupe below..or one wide stripe (in a different color) centered on ...and a little wider than ...the tv.......lastly a taupe or greige with a metallic wash would be a subtle but lush choice...

Oddly I find the dark curtains very chic...the sheerness and shiny finish is unexpected..dark...yes ...but interesting...showing a sort of brave confidence in the color

Any thoughts on the area rug? I feel that it may tie in the white bookshelves in the background.

Wow... that rug is perfect...just what the room needed...