What about a small side chair and pillow?

there's a side chair on the edge of the island already, fulfilling that same purpose :) so too many chairs :) but thank you for the suggestion.

Nothing or a Roomba.

I agree with Cara Lewis-Watts. I would use a printed accent chair.

I like your idea of the plant in the raised pot. Simple, but pretty.

I was going to suggest nothing there since you have steps going down and around the corner steps going up...until I saw phuninthesun's picture of the two plants with the lowered round picture over them....I like that. Just be sure they do not get in the way of your steps going down.

Something about the drop with the lack of railing looks a little dangerous, for that reason I wouldn't put a chair there. What was there before, it looks like a little built in seat and half wall or something, but that doesn't seem necessary since your front entry area is not right there?

I love the West Elm planter idea. Those are so beautiful. I also found a little sculpture, so I might do one planter on the right, in the very corner, and then accent it on the side with the sculpture. Hmm.

@rnonwheels, we used to have a small cabinet there, then decided to try a built-in. Well, that didn't look so great and made the space look smaller, so we tore it out.

Any suggestions where to find the mid-century plant stands? I'm afraid West Elm might be a bit out of my budget at the moment. I looked on Wayfair and seems like there's nothing, and not much at Target. Thank you.

Etsy has some. They really don't look very difficult to build, it you are a DIY'er.

DIY Plant Stand Ideas

Etsy Mid Century Modern Plant Stand, Wooden Plant Stand

Wow what a find phuninthesun! The west elm sets are pricey! I think it will look great!

I agree something needs to make people aware of the open stairs down, is that to code?

I think you need a something that will make a person look down and see the stairs. Maybe a tall vase, something close to the edge of stairs.