bump

A hallway is just that. It is so small and narrow I wouldn't worry about visual interest. What you have now looks like a ladies vanity/dressing table. Is there any way to remove the shelf and do a closet? With shelves? If you do a runner - so it doesn't look choppy - I would do a long one from the front door past the stairs. Small shorter ones will slip around

Your floors are lovely

Have you considered removing the interior door?

@jck910 I see what you mean. I attached a picture with less in it. I don't think I would have a need for another closet as there is a coat closet, linen closet and broom closet in the same hallway. I do like the idea of having a drop zone so that's why I wanted to leave ititititit as a ook and a place to hide kids shoes.

@Design Fan (NE z7a) I did think about removing this door, there is also anotheranother one the far side of the Hall (that leads to the kitchen. It seems like a lot of doors but I assume the original intent was to reduce noise to the bedrooms on the backside of the house if I had a party (and wanted to lessen the noise toto the kid's rooms).

I am not a fan of the make up area look. I would do what I could to make this look like a credenza. open on the bottom, no drawer, maybe a modern mirror.

Your last picture of the drop zone is much improved over your first version. Working forward from your last picture, mount a plain mirror above the table and maybe a smallish pendant light to hang above that.

I also question the door midway down the hall. It seems unnecessary and complicates your rug issue.

The hallway is fine. It's plain and simple, but it's a hallway. You pass through it. If you feel it "needs" some polish, give it a coat of paint and add two small, unique chandeliers + a few paintings.

I like the small dressing table, but I question its location -- this is off the front door? And I am sure a small closet would give you more storage. Could the table be relocated elsewhere in the house?