Let me be totally honest, ottomans with storage are my favorite thing for a neat look, that literally keeps me together. In this spot an ottoman could be one of a few pieces that might make this space more utilitarian. If you could add a room to your house or rooms dedicated to a task, or hobby what would it/they be?

What design style do you like?

I love eclectic wild styles. My living room is boho with a red oversized chair, yellow and purple accents, Quixie I like your idea of an ottoman! It would make sense to sit on and put shoes on and then just keep them in there for the week. We are clutter bugs though... Obviously ;) it's just so bare!

Eclectic is my favourite style to design!! I love mixing styles and textures! You said wild so here it goes......

1) A lucite dining table with a traditional design
2) A turquoise settee
3) An upholstered version of an Eames chair re: http://www.overstock.com/zh/Home-Garden/Ronnie-Wire-Base-White-Chairs-Set-of-2/3351572/product.html
4) Some yellow bar stools for the serving window

Continued.....

5) A boho rug (I actually have this one)
6) A sputnik or a modern twist on a chandelier
7) A French wooden armoire to replace the black shelving

A fauxdermy for above the serving window and some ideas for a centerpiece for the table (the monkey is very quirky!).

A silvery grey for the wall colour would keep all the attention on the furnishings. A metallic wallpaper would be amazing either for an accent wall or why not the whole dining room! :)

Lydia I love it!!! Thanks for the inspiration. I am excited to put together all the quirky ideas you've given. Thanks for getting ideas for the serving window, it's not something I've had before and just have ignored it until now!

I'm so happy you love it!!! The best part about being an interior designer is to be able to inspire and help someone achieve a design that reflects their personality.....thank you so much for loving my ideas! It's so refreshing to assist someone who likes to think outside the box. I'd be happy to help you along with your design process. I have alot more ideas so feel free to indulge me....lol!

Get rid of that mess and then post your picture! You're overlooking the obvious.

NO curio cabinets.

No peel and stick wall art.

Before you can even think about decorating you have to get the junk out and the room cleared. How can you even see the space?

Thank you for your recommendation leelee to clean. I've gotten some great ideas from others who could overlook my clutter and see the space that has potential!

Love Lydia's ideas! You'll need a large piece of art on the wall .. or a mirror.

Hi Lizzie, if the pic of the hall and outside door show your entry hall, perhaps you could get a storage ottoman to fit that wall and immediately you would have a place to put the shoes you wear daily. Is there a more attractive container for the dog food that is currently stored in that hall? Maybe a galvanized trash can, round wicker laundry hamper (with lid)? Then, I agree, just bite the bullet, and go through those boxes and other clutter and keep only what you use.

I agree Indianpatti! I am going to try and use that space above the serving window for something fun. I have a huge wall art design in my connecting living room and I'm not sure how that would look so close together? But a mirror is a great idea too :)

Thanks khdebenham! The dog food goes in a closet... I'm on crutches at the moment and that's why everything is a little out of place. That entry way is a thorn in my side. I looked at a few storage benches but the hallway is just so narrow that I'm thinking with groceries, dogs, etc. It will only be a problem to get around. I thought maybe hooks and a cool mirror?

Would you have enough space to put some vintage cinema seats in the entry way? They fold up so wouldn't take up as much space. It would look very funky with an ornate mirror. I had suggested an armoire for the dining room to be used as a closet.

They sell shelves that look like picture frames. I think that would look good with these ideas too! What about a trunk for your table? Like the ottoman idea you can just throw stuff in there, you know where it is, but no one sees the mess.