I would create a beadboard wall with hooks and buy or DIY a larger foam cushion to cover the brick top for comfy seating.... you could make a hatch cover with hinges for shoe storage (inside the planter cavity)

Thank you! I was thinking something like this. The bricks are just a little awkward because they are deep and high

An upholstered wall panel similar to a banquette back or headboard could help reduce the depth of the seating area and a custom bench seat will fill the area. You can add pillows to help cut the depth too. This is from Etsy.

Have an upholstered cushion made that covers the entire top. (Lots of people on Etsy who do this.) If the cushion is all the way out to the front edge people don't have to worry about sitting back so far. What is the height? Who do you imagine would sit here and when?

Can you please post another photo showing more the detail of what's going on on the right of the brick bench which seems to extend under the staircase? Perhaps a photo from further away? Also another photo so we can see what's beyond the closet doors on the left, we'd have a better idea of your space.