I would replace the sconces with this White Linen up /down sconce. Regardless of the wall treatment you plan to use. They are beautiful and will blend into the wall... I have these and they are stunning, and look better in person. The furniture piece is overwhelming the space. the black staircase is too much contrast, unless you plan to change up the color scheme to something more dramatic.

https://www.houzz.com/products/inspire-led-collection-led-wall-sconce-white-prvw-vr~144759078?lid=106740489

It's always more difficult when you're trying to comeup with a layout that will work with the light sconces and in this case a plant ledge to boot.

@tracefloyd: I completely agree!! Thank you! The sideboard is too wide, and can't be moved under the mezzanine because there's an opening (pic attached). This is 2 ikea shoe cabinets joined together due to the limited shoe cabinet options. I'll also replace the wall lights w/ downlights, thank you for that!!

@Architecturaldetails: Indeed. I'm thinking of a gallery wall of all black and white photos.

You have a first-class foyer space. I know you might need a place to store shoes, (although I don't understand why that task wouldn't be accomplished through a Mud Room) you don't purchase an IKEA cabinet and place it in a space like this. It's inappropriate. It's the same reason you don't place a Cat Tree or litterbox in the foyer.

Consider placing some type of hinged top bench/ottoman in front of each window for storing shoes. You can drill holes in the bottom to increase circulation. That allows a person to sit when removing or stepping into shoes

Could you just continue the curve up to the ceiling?

@BeverlyFLADeziner: lol fair point. I love the look, but DH & I need the shoes on a rack vs bin. I'll think about finding something where I can build the rack inside.

@palimpsest: Great thought, I had that too. The ceilings are 18ft, leaving quite a cutout (see pic 1). What if I do a small cutout there? All drywall/ no cutout would make the front door &shutters look asymmetrical against the wall (pic 2). Hmm

@Mozaico: Great idea! Let me look for some muted mosaics, that's really creative.

If it goes all the way up, it will just look like a curved wall against a curved staircase. It will disappear relatively compared to what it looks like not. You don't have to do anything where the skeleton is. Just continue straight up from what is already there.

It would look something like this

Extend it all the way up- it won’t be cheap but it will go from awkward to elegant. I can’t quite see what’s best for the alcove at the bottom- extend the curve so it meets the door or build a shallow closet (shoes!). The curve ledge thing screams builder half do

I love the dark staircase and disagree that it is too much contrast.

The shoe storage is the focal point of the room and a boxy unit there is just wrong.

Fixing the big wall is not going to help with that, sorry.

This ^^^^

start with a big potted plant on that ledge?

I'm in the 'continue the curve up/ shoes in the alcove' camp.

You could put your shoe storage on the panel wall next to the hall. Hang art there. Then a rounded bench would go against the curved stair wall. A plant and area rug next to the front door to help define the foyer from the living room. Here is a rough sketch: