I'd put a nice bench in that space. You can use it to remove shoes, or for guest to set down a purse.

Before you throw out the leftover paint, drywall the cutout closed and paint it. That's where you hang a big piece of art. A bench with a couple of baskets tucked under for shoes would be my choice for the window recess.

What did you have in the recessed wall niche? Are you finished painting? Is there a hanging light in the entry area? The bit of carpet showing by window & I guess across from half wall of stairs confuses me - I cannot orient myself to what I’d see when I open front door & look inside. I need a drawing or another pic - sorry.

@KW, we just moved in so we didn’t have anything in the recessed wall niche. We are finished painting the walls (SW Accessible Beige), but the trim and doors still need to be painted. We will be replacing the floors, so the laminate /carpet situation will be all laminate (TAS Equinox in Sandstone is our contender). Here’s the mainfloor blueprint.

Honestly, you’d see the stairs, down the hallway into the “family room” and the window recess to the right when you open the door

can you 'open' up that half wall?

by open, I mean able to somewhat see thru? not exactly like this, just an example

or, could it be lowered a bit? or lowered w/something done on top?

if no, then what about a bench?

Ok- got it! So - about the suggestion to build out the niche that sounds like too much work for too little reward to me. It looks like a large space. I wonder about a big mirror in it - mirrors are nice at entries. It would also reflect the light from window. After you pick mirror or art to hang there, think about whether the niche needs contrasting paint color to provide drama. I agree a bench along the half wall at right angles to window would be nice. I have a small church pew in my entry. So depending on your needs & weather & who uses front door entry, pick a bench that works as well as adds interest. It’s a great place to set things down when coming in front door too. I like the idea of painting the front door a color. My front door inside is dove linen which matches my millwork but my walls are a color so the door does pop. I also have leaded glass window at top of door & a transom window above door. Since your paint is light, think about a color. Looks like it wouldn’t conflict with any rooms the way your entry is situated. If you need a console / entry table somewhere looks like across from powder room would work.

I was thinking a mirror in the recessed wall and maybe a privacy vinyl on the window with some type of design rather than blinds?

Your film window covering idea is a good one to try if it’s privacy or view block only that you need & a not pricey idea to try, & easily removed. Lots of choices with designs, No direct sunlight or heat through that window? Depending on what’s outside that window, a tall, size appropriate plant against the fence might be an option too though it’d need some time to grow to window height. Since the window looks like a fixed unit that doesn’t open, glass or acrylic block insert might be an option too. I did a bit of research but can’t determine if the acrylic units made to fit opening can be inserted on top of interior side of glass which would be easiest option. An idea though....

The window faces North, so no direct light nor heat!

Is this where you enter, or is it mostly for guests?

Skinny hall console and a Juju hat in the niche.

My husband comes through this door and our guests.

Maybe showing some of our designs for our clients will aid you in designing your own space. Notice the console tables and benches/chair.

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