I like the decorative storage ideas, if that's too complex or you don't have space, some artwork there would look good.

There is nothing to be put there. It is just what it already is, you can't make that space be something else. It is not deep enough to try to make it a storage area, and you don't want to look at a storage area while you're eating your dinner in the dining room. And I'm pretty sure no one wants to be looking at a trash can while they eat. Clear out all of that crap you have around it and focus on making the small counter area useful, maybe like with a little bar set up.