If you put it in front of that little wall at the kitchen it’ll be an impediment in the walkway...you could eliminate the half wall and put a hall tree for coats , dog leash, etc.. and then the chest so it separates the area , makes a foyer

Is this the entry that you most often use or is it where guests enter?

I‘d say for us it’ll be used half the time as the entryway. When we park in the garage we’ll come in that way. Otherwise we’d use this entrance as will all guests. We do not want to take it down.

Try a narrow basket or other sort of container. Look for one that sits nice and flat. Looks like you need some thing about the size of a shoebox or smaller. There’s a product called Quake Hold that does not damage surfaces, kind a like Play-Doh, which you could put on the bottom of the container if it tends to fall off.

Has the half wall been built? You can add niches in it.

Annette, here’s a picture of something I was thinking of. But, the other side of the half wall is very close to the window and wouldn’t look right.

I wouldn't drop keys/mail inside front door. Master closet or kitchen.