It would be helpful to see all four views from standing in this location.

What about a beautiful light fixture? It will need to be flush because of doors but can add a lot of look to a small entry.

Great wall color can help too, but it opens a can of worms in a connecting space with stair case.

Also, you find the space feels larger without the two small picture which are a visual reminder of the narrowness of the door and stairs. I’d remove them.

if it were me, I would focus on giving some oomf to the stairs so the eye goes there and ignores the closet door - does it have enough lighting? a terrific striped rug or runner can look great - I wallpapered my risers 🙈

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We really could use better pictures.

The rug looks like it is the wrong size, the runner on the stairs should be changed and get a new door for the closet that has some detail to it like a frosted french door. Some paint other than white couldn't hurt either.

You took a photo of a photo on a phone? Why not just attach the actual photo?

It is a closet in your entry. It is what it is. Get rid of the two pictures that highlight the narrow space. Get a runner for the staircase and maybe use a warmer paint color. Can't really tell on the paint color, because of your photo of a photo.

Without knowing your taste or budget, wanted to show how to lighten and create a unified entry. Consider the “concepts“ and look on line as to what appeals to you. Think big picture, define your priority and I’d start with the stairwell.

A really easy job is to add molding and paint the closet door + a modern handle.

At some point, suggest a small rug and a cute pendant. Your foyer will be completely changed. Good luck.

I like @Maureen's suggestions. You could also create a hidden door. A shelf/ledge could be mounted to hold a small bowl for keys or small plant (both glued/musuem wax so they don't slide off when opening/closing the door), then place a mirror above that.

I don't like looking at a wall of doors in my master bedroom (3 closet doors on one wall). I decided to make them hidden doors after seeing this video.

VIDEO

There are lots of different ideas for hidden doors. Instead of seeing a door it looks like a wall with a pretty piece of art or a shallow bookcase.

A friend has a door from her kitchen to her laundry room that looks like a bookcase. It's amazing. I wish I had a picture of it.

Well I have seen it all now. I'm always perplexed when people can figure out how to post a screenshot but not the actual photo (it's the same steps minus taking the screenshot).

But a picture of a picture on another phone! That beats all. You know you can send photos to other phones? Then you could just attach the original photo.

geez, guys! there are all kinds of reasons it might be hard to transfer the photo. why don't' we focus on the actual question? yeowch.

If there is a ceiling fixture in the stairwell, replace it with a chandelier that brightens and low enough to be seen from the front door. Keeping head space of course when traveling the stairs. Change out the staircase thick carpeting to a runner. Beautiful ideas mentioned above. Remove the pictures and as mentioned bring the visual to the staircase. I have the same door as you enter our home and hung an art gallery in the adjacent spaces. The bookcase idea is neat, but may be above your budget? We don’t know your budget? There is bookcase wallpaper but then again, when you walk in, it would be in your face, dark and stopping. Start with the stairwell and the rooms outside the closet door.

" bad first impression "

Correct, yes your initial question is not a good first impression.

Two other posters have already suggested these two idea but I will reiterate those. If the door has to stay and cannot be moved paint it so that it becomes a feature. On the other hand you could make it a "hidden" door that disappears into the surrounding wall.

Love the idea of a hidden door. So many options.

I slso agree with better runner and entry rug..