can you find a larger, entry table to put to the right of the entry door, and put some art on that wall? better yet, this is perfect for next to your door. then do a mirror and art above.

as for the access door, maybe get a longer type of bench (i'm thinking like a wood slat bench. Target has this one:

and how they decorate around it. you could do wall paper in that little entry, or a bold paint choice.

another bench

please find a more substantial hook for keys! lol

maybe something along this line so you can hang a jacket or sweater

the bench is nice too. doesn't have to be country. you could just as easily do the same with more modern type of items.

Thanks for the great ideas Beth! I attached a couple more pics... so you think the entry table should go in the area to the right of the front door? Near the wall where the ottoman is? Then there won't be too much space to have the door open. Or did you mean to the right in the second photo? I'm guessing that's what you meant :) I was thinking of getting a hemnes shoe cabinet from ikea..and putting it there... maybe hang the mantle with keys above the shoe cabinet. I attached a couple more pics... I took it at the from a hallway facing the entryway area.

Do you think it will still look ok to have something in that area? It'll be the first thing you see as you start walking to the front door from the living room.

the wall that the light switch is on, to the right of the wood door. that wall for the table and art/mirror above it. it's a bare wall. needs something.

the shoe rack for the little entry room would be a good choice. try to incorporate it into a bench. sit down on bench, take off your shoes, and store them underneath the bench. then above the bench have some hooks for jackets and such. also stick a mirror in there or some sort of art.

these are your ikea shoe storage. like the black and white one! but see how they jazz it up w/all of the art and color? this is also ikea, below. plenty of hacks you could do to get what you want.

Ohh Great ideas! Thanks so much for your input Beth! >.< I was so stuck. This helps alot!