Any suggestions for furniture, artwork placement, rugs, etc?

Slim bench to sit on to put on your shoes with space under to hide your shoes....and a colorful rug. A pretty plant on your passthrough ledge would look good also.

I agree that a bench with shoes cubbies is good. If you want more height against the wall with the passthrough window, you could put a narrow console table.

This person did a console table w/ shoes storage

http://www.twigasafari.com/landing

There are a lot of super cute foyer ideas out there (Here on Houzz or just googling). Here's a link some ideas so you can get a sense of what style your like. I agree, yes get a rug, and the right size so it makes a statement.

http://www.fredastairefwb.com/foyer-furniture-ideas/foyer-furniture-ideas-6-after-christmas-winter-foyer-decorating-ideas/

When I googled, I couldn't find really anything with foyer and a passthrough window. But if you look at other foyer ideas, you could tweak it to have the upper part incorporate your ledge, like putting a plant on the ledge, as someone else said.

Storage bench and area rug by front door

You need more light in the entryway. Maybe a door with more glass? You can always get a storm door for added security.

I would wall up the small window between the door and dining room and add a coat bench.

Maybe a really nice area rug that will add some additional color.

Some tall plants would help.

Loving these ideas! Any ideas for the wall above the stair railing? I can't decide if I should do one large art work or three?

Also where did you get the rug image? I really like it.

I vote for one large piece of art.

Here's someone more articulate on that same opinion ;)

https://www.contemporaryartbychristine.com/blogs/artful_inspiration/61273987-size-matters-5-tips-for-choosing-art-that-is-the-right-size-for-your-room

You could always do a mockup with large pieces of newspaper.

Very informative article. Thanks girl_wonder!

I seriously would take out the side lite, and buy a bigger door to take up the whole space and have it be 2/3 glass. They I would paint the entry walls a fun accent color that is found somewhere in the furnished room closest to it....I would then hang a pretty mirror in the opening and put a nice small console underneath it and then a fun area rug/runner. A fancy chandelier would not hurt either.

This is not necessarily the style, but the proportion of a wider front door entrance.

Another oversized door.

The bench for shoes sounds great, and definitely a beautiful rug. I also suggest a large and gorgeous rug for your living room. I would take off the photographs in the opening near the front door. The more you can declutter your very nice home the better it will look.

Thanks Ingrid! Photo and books are now gone I’m thinking of putting small hanging plants in that pass through window. What do you think?

That looks like a closet in the entry. Can the shoes go in there?

@tqtqtbw ... Yes that's a nice big closet. We actually enter primarily through a different entry off the garage. Guests enter through here though so I am thinking that a little bench or table would go nicely there.

I don’t know how much you want to spend, but changing your railing would make a dramatic difference! Image source: http://www.houseofjadeinteriorsblog.com/2016/03/centerville-residence-living-dining-kitchen.html

I like your hanging plant idea! I would add a very shallow console table, with a tiny lamp for coziness and ambiance. I’d add a pretty welcome mat (perhaps natural fiber?) and probably paint the interior of your door (wish it could be wood to match trim!). In your living room, a large area rug would make the space feel more complete and cozy!

Slim console table from Crate & Barrel:
https://m.crateandbarrel.com/remi-console-table/s213715?localedetail=US&a=1552&campaignid=640063196&adgroupid=29766033536&targetid=pla-302594727494&pla_sku=213715&pcat=FURN&scid=scplp213715&sc_intid=213715&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__SH29K92gIVwUSGCh2TdwgjEAQYCSABEgIMdvD_BwE

Regarding the blue rug shown

Nain Designer Rugs -

https://esalerugs.com/nain-design-rugs

For a picture above the stairs, personally I like tapestries. They are lightweight and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and price points.

http://www.worldwidetapestries.com/tapestry/handwoven-column-milieu.html

Thank you Betsy Cain! I could just picture it. I ordered a natural fiber rug because I loved that idea with the plants. I'm looking for a small table too! ... since you are able to envision this so well, do you (or anyone really!) have any paint suggestions? I am painting the house this summer and am having a difficult time choosing paint colors. I feel like I rely on blues too much but I LOVE blues! Any input would be appreciated :)

Glad to help! As for paint colors, what overall feel do you want your house to have? Do any descriptor words come to mind? Warm/Cozy? Or light/airy?

I am looking for cozy, comfy, inviting vibe. I don't like country style colors.

You might like Benjamin Moore’s “Edgecomb Gray”!
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/hc-173/edgecomb-gray?color=HC-173

Here’s Edgecomb Gray in an entryway:
https://www.younghouselove.com/2013/07/foyer-freshness/

Here’s Edgecomb Gray in an entire house!
https://blog.scoutandnimble.com/blog/house-tour-flower-mound-house-reveal

The Young House Love bloggers have actually used Edgecomb Gray in several other rooms of their house, too: dining room, office, master bedroom, and upstairs hallway: https://www.younghouselove.com/shop-our-house/

Below are a few ideas from our designs. Note the low console table with art, lamp, plant, chair, chandelier, and new railing for the stairs. Also a rug/runner might work well in this space of yours.

Thanks Nicola Interiors. I love the suggestions!

Betsy Cain I love, love, love that color! Thank you!!

Oooh thanks for the fun chandeliers Alex!

Check out Benjamin Moore “Collingwood” too! https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/oc-28/collingwood?color=OC-28

Betsy, I love Collingwood. I only now just saw your comment and it seems serendipitous because I have pretty much settled on Collingwood for my open floor plan! Still working on getting that entryway put together and will post pics once it is set :) Thanks again for all of your help!