This is my favorite entry ever! It has a lot of fundamental similarities as your space. Would you consider wall paper or stencils used sparingly?

I would consider changing to a larger light fixture, adding a cushion to the bench and hanging artwork on the wall...make sure the cushion and the art have some brighter saturated colors in it to stand up to the wood work.

I'm thinking the closet door does not look to be of the same quality as the rest of the wood work. Not sure, but wonder if replacing it with a door with some frosted or stained glass in it would help lighten the space.

You could achieve the look for less with plain glass and window film that looks like stained glass.

How about an equally practical but more colorful rug such as one of the polypropylene prints at the esalerugs site?

I would like to see what's under that carpeting; wood? tile?

If privacy is not primary concern, I’d change side thing and Door w/one that has a lot more glass in it. You’d have no trouble selling existing door but it would be pricey to get the “more Glass” model in the same quality as your existing one. But I do agree w/you that it is awfully dark. Adding a glass transom would allow even more light.

a light colored rug would also help but it would need freq. cleaning from traffic.

You have some wall art, why not hanging them on the wall with bench, get some bright pillows?

Any option for a small lamp? Could you use a console? I think walls could be brighter color, ceiling also. This would be a fun project, brightening your space there. Please don't put white-framed on your walls, just does not look appropriate for a more vintage space! By all means, a larger ceiling fixture. Is wainscoting original?

It has great functionality. You're fortunate to have it.

I agree with a cushion on the bench and art on the wall above it. If you don't have room for a table, will a small floor lamp fit in there? You could put an LED bulb in it and set it with an automatic timer to go on/off to suit your schedule.

I love the wallpaper in that photo that roarah posted.

Thank you for all the helpful suggestions! In answer to questions, the house originally had an open porch, enclosed to create an entryway and a sunroom. The door to the indoors is the original front door. The door to the outside is solid wood but not original to the house. The folding closet doors are hollow--not terrible, but definitely not of the same quality. The wainscoting was part of the original porch ceiling. Under the rug is a plywood subfloor. I'm guessing the original porch floor is under that, but I can't be sure.

The only spot large enough for a table would prevent the closet door from opening, and there is no outlet for a lamp.

I'll continue to read your thoughts with interest! mskarla

With this weather you are fortunate to have an air break and a place for wet/muddy shoes. Even here in Alabama for the last few days I have been wishing for an entry that doesn't open straight out. I think that the weather is only going to get worse as far as the temp swings.

I would change the light fixture to one with a lot more bulbs and put it on a timer if possible. If you can find one with LED, it won't run up your electric bill. Look for warm white/ daylight color. Bright, cheerful painting over the bench with, as suggested, a cushion for the bench. I wouldn't paint the closet doors, but you might check into seeing about having some made to match the rest of your woodwork. I envy you, I would love to have the character you have.

I agree with Sherry's suggestions above. If it's dark, you need more light (bigger fixture, more bulbs). If you want it to be brighter only when you are in the room, I would go with a motion sensor rather than a timer; if you want it to be illuminated when you are occupying the adjoining room I would look at a timer.

While mirrors are usually put where they reflect something interesting, historically they were used to reflect light (candlelight in those days). That's why there were often mirrors above mantels, to reflect into the room light from candles on the mantel. I can't tell from the pics whether your space would benefit from that, but I wouldn't rule out a mirror out of hand, even if you know the reflection won't be interesting. (I have a mirror in my foyer so I can check my appearance before I walk out the door and no other reason.)

Lovely home.

Oh, a mirror is a great idea! That would reflect the light from the windows and the overhead light.

Hi there,

I'm envious of your vestibule; we walk into our kitchen table with boots and coats! The dark wood is something that you can embrace and still brighten the area up with just a few additions that wouldn't break the bank. The easiest and most practical way to brighten it up would be to put a rug on top of your existing rug; a warm, colorful indoor/outdoor one. It appears perhaps a 4x6' might work well? Is there room for another layer of rug to allow the doors to open easily?

Secondly as mentioned is art. In keeping somewhat with the feel of Craftsman and brightening it up, maybe something like art prints from the Hudson River School....perhaps Albert Beirstadt? They're wonderfully moody and have a luminescent quality that would light up your walls. I've had several for many years and never tire of them. Art.com has them in various sizes and you can find reasonable frames at craft stores. I wouldn't mat them and I'd do black or dark wood frames. Here's a rug that could work.

[https://www.houzz.com/products/safavieh-veranda-ver093-0332-rug-53x77-prvw-vr~25456850[(https://www.houzz.com/products/safavieh-veranda-ver093-0332-rug-53x77-prvw-vr~25456850)

Here's a link to some of Bierstadts works: https://www.art.com/gallery/id--a1488/albert-bierstadt-posters.htm 

If you REALLY want to light it up, you'll probably have to change out the light fixture since you have no outlet available for a lamp or sconces. As mentioned, LED bulbs would keep it extremely reasonable to leave on for a good amount of time.