Get a nice umbrella stand and some art around, or maybe a small seat/bench, if you have the space...

I would built something custom for this space, so that it fits just right and still leaves you enough space to move around.

First Idea: A little shelf like in the picture might be able to fit on the left wall. You could make it a little bit higher and maybe even fit a seat cushion on top of it so that you can sit down on it while putting on your shoes.
The only negative point is, that there would be less space besides the stairs to walk through. Size is definitely the key here.

Second Idea: How about a stair shelf along the stairs? MIght there be the option to incorporate that into the stairs? That would give you a lot more storage space without taking away any space to walk around. It would probably be a bigger project though.



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Here it is the measurements and more pics.

I prefer to have a place to store our shoes that won't show. In other words a closed storage system.

would something like this fit in front on the stair wall?

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Do you have an Ikea close to you? This unit takes up little room and is attached to the wall. http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/90178174/#/70178170

I like these ideas.

It's a tough space since it will be behind the door when it opens, and you've got a closet on the other side. But here goes. Find or build a narrow bench for the wall near the stairs. Put a long narrow basket or copper window planter below it for your shoes. Get a tallish copper planter for an umbrella stand to the right of the door. (Target has Smith and Hawken copper planters almost year round.)

Find a tall mirror for the bench wall. Spend your money on your rug and a beautiful light fixture for the hall. The Pottery Barn Olivia ceiling light in the shape of a star is might be nice in your hall since it's got semi-opaque glass facets like your front door--perfect place for mistletoe for you and your boyfriend. :) Hang it down far enough so that it's reflected in the tall mirror. Careful about how thick your entry rug is so that the door clears. Overstock and other places have fabulous indoor outdoor rugs though I find a nice oriental rug from a second shops add a lot of color and pattern so affordably. They're usually thin enough, too.

I want to create an wow factor when my guests walk in. Not too bold or not too boring.

Adding storage under the stairs would be a good choice for an entrance with such little space. You could easily create some hidden storage here as well as some architectural interest... (the panels could be hidden doors)

I'd use a small bench to hide the radiator, paint it a vibrant coral or tiffany blue. Maybe accent with a throw-quilt for the winter. Hang a couple small sketches with wide frames over the bench to make it appear more delicate.

I love the idea of the ceiling light!!! Thank you :)

Creating a wow factor can be really easy even in this tiny space. Since the stairs are the first thing you see when you open the door, you could paint the stair risers a contrasting color, add a medium-sized chandelier. Adding a large piece of artwork you love on the wall to the left of the front door would be a great way to express your personality. (and on a side note, extending the hardwood or laminate flooring from the dining room into the entrance space would visually expand the available room and avoid the choppiness created by two different types of flooring)

On second glance, I see you can't really center a long mirror over a possible bench because of the light fixtures. So get a large rectangular or oval one and hang it horizonally. Get a nicer switchplate that will coordinate with the front door hardware and
any overhead light you get.

Make sure your entry coordinates with any stair runner you get--a beautiful stair runner, maybe in zebra or leopard print or just a great pattern is something you'd see coming in. Use the staircase for beautiful art work.

here's an idea for practicality...IKEA makes wall mounted thin shoe storage units that close, and are not attention attractors (depending on the color) called 'Trones'. We have no hall at all, just an entry into the living room, and the Trones fit nicely just inside the door with hat pegs over. But you could put some colorful art piece above them to draw the 'wow' attention. :) good luck

Ugh, I responded before I realized that long hallway next to stairs has so much space. Find a great long, narrow bench for that spot with baskets underneath for shoes. Get a great runner for that hall that coordinates with a possible stair runner you get later on. Instead of a bench I suggested on the wall where the coat hooks are now, anchor a narrow shelf under a horizontal mirror. Put a beautiful bowl there for keys. with a horizontal mirror above it.

Here's how my Pottery Barn Olivia lamp looks in part of my entryway. If you get something like that, hang it low enough so that any mirror you put on the left wall reflects it. (I had to hang mine higher than I wanted to clear the door, so check that out if you put in an entryway pendant.) There's something really welcoming about that lamp.

You have to expand the photo to get a full view of the Olivia light. Over and out!

You guys have awesome ideas!!!!