Hi, K.G. Since this will be a seldom-used and small space, we don't think you need to a do a lot with it. Some artwork/ a mirror and a plant on the window sill might be nice to bring in some greenery if you don't have a lot of company over.

If you do have company over often, or if you really just want to add something to the space, it might be nice to see a table or bench with some decor and greenery, and some artwork in the space. Also, if you want to keep your guests coats and shoes in this area, you may want to have hooks and a storage bench available.

Here are some photos that might provide some inspiration:

Source: http://www.ana-white.com/2017/04/DIY_furniture/shoe-dresser

Source: https://thefischerhouse.net/entry-table-ideas/

Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/44/89/f0/4489f06ff5b6fc774ff29eaadf21de2e.jpg

Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fc/12/48/fc12483f84b1a265b9a24fcc7fce25f6.jpg

Source: http://imgjkl.com/ideas/

Source: https://thefischerhouse.net/entry-table-ideas/

Maybe a table with some greenery and knick knacks in front of the window to create a welcoming space to guests.

Amish Carolina Entryway Bench Set · More Info

Source: https://www.dutchcrafters.com/Amish-Hall-Trees/cat/572

(This is one of the pieces that we sell. This or something similar may be a good option as a place where guests can take off and place their shoes, hang coats, etc., while still providing a place for decor).

While you are putting on the addition, ask the builder if he will take some of that staircase and turn it into a coat closet.

Love the interior of the front door, the hardware and the fan light window.

One of my previous homes was built in 1840. I had a front hall pretty much like yours, even had tongue and groove on the stair wall.

I did a runner (plain) on the stairs and a needlepoint runner on the floor.

I wallpapered, grasscloth. There wasn’t much wall to paper and it looked so gorgeous.

Both were along these lines…I had post and beam (dark), so I went in that direction.

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You seem to be storing quite a few shoes there. You could get a very long backless bench, not too deep and put some attractive baskets underneath for each family member's shoes. I don't know what you can do about coats unless you have a nearby room off the hall where you could get a large overzied antique armoire (Craigslist has loads of them) and hang coats in it. (Realistically, if there are humans involved, especially small humans, this will require major retraining) ,

Try a runner on the stairs for some interest. Add art above a slim cabinet or table opposite the stairs. Agree you need a coat closet under the stairs.

Stair runners or Hall runners offer an opportunity to add a soft surface, a textile product with pattern and color in a small space where you may not have many spots to add fabrics. You do have a window, but would imagine you'd like to maintain the light and sense of openness it provides. StairRunnerStore.com

For the sake of safety and convenience in case of an emergency, I would keep the entry to the basement and then de-clutter everything else in the hallway. You might put a brass or wood sign that says "Basement" on the basement door so that no guest mistakes it for a closet and falls down the stairs. To add some interest, you might add three or four triangularly shaped shelves to the corner to the right of the door, where you now have the coats hung. Then place a leafy, green plant on each shelf to bring color, life, air, and a soft texture into the space. A large mirror on a side wall (either the outside of the staircase or the opposite, interior wall) will make the space look brighter and larger.