Instead of wallpaper, how about removing the mirror and using a substantial piece of artwork? I’d then consider replacing the cushion on the small branch in a fabric that complements your artwork.

Sorry, bench not branch. Doofy autocorrect.

The mirror is a new purchase so I’d like to keep it. I could change the cushion fabric - though I made it from a remnant of fabric that was used for kitchen shade/valence.

I really love your wall color, and beautiful woodwork.
Personally, I think the dark shoe cabinet is a bit too big , and overwhelms the space it occupies. Could you try swapping it with the little bench, perhaps?
i wouldn't walloaper anything.

What about hooks above bench

I didn’t post this pic, but across from the show bench is coat closet and door is full mirror (was like that when we lived in, and replacing door was more than we wanted at the time), so putting this mirror across from it wouldn’t work.
Maybe I should wait, replace door when we can and then move mirror and find artwork for over shoe cabinet.
As for shoe cabinet... we live on small NYC apartment and that shoe cabinet is FULL .
The wood color does match my dining table which is down short hall to its left

Surprised no one has commented on the corded wall phone there :). Don’t see those much anymore!

Here is alternative set up. Move mirror. Put art over shoe cabinet with simple gold feather tray for keys.

I like the gold feather tray. Where did you find that? Is my mirror too small for over the bench?
I’ll consider those moves if I can find a piece of art work I LOVE

Corded “phone” is the speaker system with doorman- that has to stay

The shoe cabinet it too big for the wall it's on. I can't get a sense of scale from your photos, but would there be more room for it on the wall where the bench is? Maybe the two could be switched.

If not, then I think I would paint it the same color as the trim. The dark color is a little too in-your-face.

Painting the shoe cabinet is an option and something I could do on my own. It’s not real wood- guessing some MDF and laminate. Would I have to prime it? Could I use the same paint finish as the trim? And you don’t think it would be too white in that area? For now, I need to keep it bc we have limited space for shoes. The shoe cabinet is 14”x31”x49” and the shoe bench is 13”x24”x22”.
The width of the entryway where the bench is 48” (from bench wall to coat closet door). Just thought it would feel tight having the y’all cabinet in that space (vs where it is now). Feel free to photoshop the swap out if you can (I don’t know how to do that)!

How much deeper than the projecting wall left of the phone is the shoe cabinet? I think I would try switching them unless that would greatly block the traffic path.

Would almost be “flush” though the shoe cabinet would have to be right of the doorman phone, so not centered on the wall.

Other issue would be whomever is getting shoes out would be blocking coat closet door and the front door. Maybe I’ll try the switch. Or ideally, just find places for all the shoes (not so easy) or a smaller white shoe cabinet that is “nicer”— care to find me one?!?!

What about painting the shoe cabinet gray? And adding champagne/brass hardware?

I thought about switching the bench and shoe unit but then you would come in entry and no place to sit to take shoes off. Plus, I don’t like big pieces right as you come in door. Ikea has narrow shoe cabinet in white. I would like a larger mirror if you put it over the bench. The feather tray is right here on houzz. If you want to purchase, i can get you my Trade Program discount just send me an email and i can forward code to you. My email. manganflo@gmail.com.

I would paint the black cabinet and give it a glossy finish. Instead of your current bench, get a longer upholstered bench and put interesting baskets under for shoes etc.

I think having the shoe cabinet immediately to the left when we walk in the door will feel a bit "claustrophobic" since it is 4' tall. It's already a small entry. Maybe I can paint the shoe cabinet gray or white and add hardware until I can purchase a slimmer model (I will look at Ikea). The top drawer comes in very handy for storage though.

IF I paint, gray or white (the walls are BM Smoke and further in the LR it's BM Gray Owl)? Matte? Semi-Gloss?

of you take on the task of painting, i would paint it the wall color, but in the next glossier shern. same, but different .

I would add a small table lamp to the tall storage unit to visually warm the space up and leave the mirror where it is. It will look too small on the other wall. If you can spare the space I'd go for a bench that is open on the bottom and a little longer to fit the space or a storage ottoman style if you still need the storage. Then add some larger scale framed art above. Something like this maybe. Obviously a smaller bench, but you get the idea.

There’s only a few inches on each side of the bench so doesn’t make sense to get a new one at this point (and this one hides my boys’ sneakers).
No outlet behind tall shoe cabinet so lamp would be difficult. And the entry ceiling light is very bright so no extra light is needed.

whatever else you do. i have to say i love your colors. you'll find whats right. trust yourself.

I ended up painting the cabinet (it now stores the kids’ sports stuff) and added hardware. Definitely doesn’t look as good up close but it was my first time trying something like this!

Looks much better. Good for you!