I need to see whaere this waas removed . IMO if you want to open it get MUCH better lighting take the plants off that ledge and IMO all thta darl not matching trim is too much wood. I do not see the FP so show us that . Post the new pics in a comment here DO NOT start another post /

You're not showing us the items you reference.

Take out the stone base.

Reconfigure the closet so there are no angles in the room

Can you post a picture taken from the other side of the stone pony wall?

Does the pony wall contain plumbing left over from the aquarium?

I agree with Beverly that the closet and stone base seem detrimental as is. Do you want to keep them, change them, or adorn them? Does the ruggedness of the stone fit with the home and your taste? And I agree that context is needed: additional photos, your color preferences, your style preferences.

I'll add that carpet seems inappropriate in a foyer. Something like a large-format tile or honed stone would be better. You'd want a matte finish floor, not high gloss nor rough like the stone you show. A charcoal grey would really show off the wood grain. I noticed you have several black accents. Can you post a photo of the wall sculpture in the stairs?