I love big entryways with a round pedestal table in the center with a flower filled urn. Is there enough room?

Yes, move the bench. You have acres of room, but the bench is squeezed at the door.

A patterned wool rug would be lovely. And I like the round table idea too.

You also have rooms on those two walls for some large pieces of art. I would take advantage of that. If you keep the bench (on the other side) add some beautiful pillows. A large rug would make a wonderful statement there, perhaps an Oriental or tribal rug. Have a look at esalerugs, where you can return rugs without paying shipping.

Thank you so much!! But we do need the bench for our parents to sit and tie their shoes and I like to sit on the bench and just look out the front door to see if the school bus is coming:-)). Where else can I place the bench then??

ok, then:

-leave the bench where it is. you can put there throw pillows etc..comfortable to sit, nice to lean, fun to look at. can be some sort of textile too as has been said earlier..depends on your style

-small light art over the bench("small and light" because I always keep earthquakes in mind; but you don't have to, I just have to mention that lol)

-a mirror on the wall across if possible, with the shelf under it- for a small tray for keys etc-(whether integrated, matching, or not). I know it's not easy to find it; but they exist. Look also in vintage stores and on vintage sites like Etsy for unique options. I was very constricted by sizes when I looked for mine, since bathroom spaces were small; but you should see more choices..your space seems bigger.

(btw you'll see your art reflected in that mirror. which will make it double nice))

-a bigger rug. the exact size hard to say..probably 5 by 7, 5 by 8? one needs to measure of course. shouldn't slide. would also go with wool since very resistant..or inside-ouside rug that can be washed easily?

-a bigger plant. next to that nice white iron railing. if you can get a mirror and a shelf a shelf might be big enough to put a small plant on it. very welcoming.

-i love central tables but from eyeballing the space, I think it's too small to support such a table

Your parents could still sit on the bench if you just move it to the other side of the hallway but it would affect your ability to sit while you watch for school bus. It just looks like it's right in the way of people trying to come in and out of the door where it is.

Thank you Aprilneverends and Olychik for the great ideas- I am off to Home Goods and T J Maxx this am to see if they have anything interesting. I do have a picture of Ganesha on the opposite wall but it seems so small and I'm not finding anything to cover the whole wall.