My first thought was to hang some nice art work. I see that is what the previous owner did and it adds color and decor and does not impose on your hallway space. I would hang a collection of prints in one of the alcoves and a coordinating large art piece in the other. I would not put any tables. I think it takes away from the art work. I realize you just repainted, however, a slightly darker or lighter shade of the gray would be very nice in those two alcoves as an accent and to also show off the art work.

I like the previous artwork. If you're not into that, then maybe some custom built shelves to display small items.

Artwork is the obvious direction. I think adding console tables will only clutter it up. You could hang a piece of art with a narrow floating shelf under it if you want something to place an object or two on , but I think art is enough. I also wonder why the floors were replaced ...

The previous floors were beautiful, but unfortunately they only placed them in a small section of the house. We wanted to entire house to be consistent.

I would do exactly what the previous owner did, but with your own updated style. Are you going for modern? A cool Art Deco style print would look good in the first cut out, then a skinny metal or glass table and another (similar) print over it in the second cut out.

Art, like everyone else said. I would get something that hangs vertically. And large, so that it almost fills the entire niche. Check out Etsy for a custom size.

I like the idea of the prior owner, a console and mirror to bounce some light around. The other alcove would suit a larger square shape art piece. Art is personal, try to find an original on Etsy or a local 'budding new artist type' art sale. A perfect opportunity to add some color. There is enough detail, I wouldn't change the paint color for the alcoves.

I've been kind of enjoying the macrame/textile art revival that has been going on.

https://www.worldmarket.com/product/gray-fringe-woven-wall-hanging.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&page=2&from=fn

https://www.worldmarket.com/product/white-macrame-wall-hanging.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&page=2&from=fn

And before someone tells me that macrame is on the way out, I lived through the 70s. The whole revival has seemed ironic to me. But I always thought textile art was unfairly reviled after its oversaturation in my elementary years.

I would put a large piece of artwork in each archway. You could certainly have a console table or two in each as well, if you like. It might depend on how wide the hallway is and whether that would make the space feel claustrophobic.

West Elm box frame skinny console

Pottery Barn Jamie console table

Love the new floors for the new modern farmhouse feel. Art in scale as you already have the accent lighting. Art selection is so important as if done incorrectly will feel incomplete. Go to your local gallery or hire a designer to help with the selection. Examples of Modern Farmhouse ideas. I actually like a narrow table with small lamp for extra lighting in your alcoves. Best of luck.

This might seem random, and art is so personal so I have no idea what you like, but I had the opportunity to tour the local state archive building with my daughter once. It's open to the public by appointment I believe. Anyway, everything is archived. They had some posters on display they had made from printing off copies of old farm advertising. There were neat paintings of apple orchards and what-not, with the farm names. Something like that would be neat in a sleek black poster frame, or a wide rustic wooden frame.

Also, I'm obviously not a pro but I have studied the gray trend and modern farmhouse trend quite a bit and have tried to integrate it a bit in my all-beige house. I've learned a couple of things along the way. You can see from your before-and-after photos above how much cooler your hallway looks with the gray paint and floors. All gray interiors and all white kitchens can benefit from some warmth. So bringing in natural wood to the space warms it up, and you can pull off bringing in the trendy brass on sconces and frames and other accents as well.

Looks like a beautiful home and I wish you luck.

I would add a floating shelf & a pair of art pieces on the wall.

I like the art recommendations you have gotten especially with the shelves, I would like to add that with a long runner it would give the hallway a more homey feel and I feel like you have a really great opportunity to replace the recessed lighting and install coordinating pendant lighting throughout, like the one entry one you already have, something lantern style I think would be very nice and really show off the space.

were you liking any suggestions we have all made so far?

If this were my house, I would put a console table and a family photo canvas in the one nearer to the door and a full length mirror in the other.

I think the concept previous owners had fits well w/architecture and space.

First search: A long, narrow and interesting console for alcove closest to door. Great spot for a lamp/lighting. If space, consider narrow bench or leather ottoman tucked under console.

Art that coordinates---same artist. One large piece for alcove two, and a grouping of two or three smaller canvasses over console.

If not already, add dimmers to the recessed lighting.

Are you interested in rugs?

Any chance the two of you ride bicycles -- or are going to take up bicycle riding -- and could hang them there? (just kidding)

Wainscoting the bottom half would eliminate any "need" for a table -- you'd just be adding art to the wall above.

Not trying to be sexist here -- just practical: Since this is a hallway, you could consider them his/hers: have any art put above the one wainscoting indent reflect "her" family (photographs) and/or her interests -- gardening? sewing? and/or arts and crafts of any kind? music? -- and have any art put above the wainscoting on the other indent reflect "his" family (photographs) and/or interests -- hunting? fishing? golf? classic cars?

Love the direction you have gone in! Wouldn't put console tables unless they serve a specific purpose. Only one like the previous owners had really throws the balance of the area off. Would definitely keep the areas symmetrical, whatever you decide to do. I love the idea someone mentioned of large portrait orientation (vertical art). All the mill work is gorgeous but already creates a certain busyness so letting the eye rest is a good thing. Too many table, art or frame lines will be chaotic, especially in a narrow space. Use something simple and large to almost enter into as opposed to stopping you in your tracks. Perhaps an abstract diptych? For example, imagine splitting the
images below.

Or complementary vertical art...

Enjoy your beautiful home!

Chris Zec, agree with what you said . OP, I would trust a photographers recommendations, they have that "eye" for scale and symmetry.

I follow the thriftydecorchick blog and I think she has modern farmhouse style like you're going for. She recently did this picture ledge gallery wall that I think would look great in your arches:

Something like this:

The ledges would give you some depth from the wall, without having to add furniture. And you'd be able to get symmetry without being too matchy-matchy.

Plus speaking from experience, it can be really difficult finding two matching/coordinating large scale artworks to fit in side-by-side art niches that are a statement you actually want to make. This way you can mix and match a variety of pictures, but the similar frames and matting keeps everything compatible.