I would paint or wall paper all the walls, continuing the application down the hall on the wall opposite the staircase. I would paint my doors in a color that complements your selected wall treatment. If there is room, add a small round table to the middle of the foyer with modern chandelier placed hanging over it.

I am thinking of a white background wallpaper with modern design of grays and golds or silvers, or for a real kick, a wallpaper of profusion of large flowers, very modern look. If you use the first wallpaper, you might not have to paint your doors.

Yes I agree with wallpaper. Not large flowers though, I think that that style will be out of fashion soon.

I actually really like the space and the architectural elements as they are. Those stairs are from a restrained mindset and I would stick with that. You have a beautiful set of sculptural stairs and beautiful doors, everything else will be either accent or competition (clutter). So think of anything you are doing as an restrained accent - will it accent and highlight the natural beauty of the space. Paint the walls a color (I lean neutral in this case) that will differentiate them from the door trim and go with either a real plant or a sculpture. The piece that goes there should be tall and skinny. Eventually you will get that additional room completed, and you want whatever you do to accent those open doors rather than distract from them.

I really quite like your entryway. What I'm thinking is that it has this stripped-down Scandinavian feel to it, with the clear panels, white paint, and bright wood. I would play that up--that "something is here, but it's so very minimal." Keep anything you bring in light and almost transparent--with a bit of whimsy--and I think you'll find the personality of the space. For instance, take out the print pillow on your ghost chair and replace it with, say, a Lurex throw in silver, or a metallic hide pillow. I love the idea of an ornate white frame around your screen, turning it into a piece of "interactive art." Maybe a clear shelf or two on the wall, holding a few small books (with the bindings removed, for that stripped-down look) and a small crystal-beaded chandelier, hanging low over that spot, as if you have this tiny little reading nook tucked in here. I'd then be a bit eccentric and fix tiny figures in the corners of random steps…things small enough to not be in the way, but to draw the eye up the stairs by creating curiosity as to what might be next, and where. (My brain is visualizing this with Lego figures…maybe painted flat white or mirrored silver. It's possible that my own living room is overrun with Legos and I'm trying to convince myself it's a design element…)

Gorgeous space and I do understand the frustration-factor of trying to decorate around work-in-progress.

Have you considered a lucite / acrylic / plexi console table - probably made-to-measure - from a local acrylic manufacturer? On the west coast we have a chain of stores called Tap Plastics that seems to be very creative and not heart-stoppingly expensive.

Just the sheer chunkiness of this is a start - [houzz=]

Maybe an acrylic table with a shelf? [houzz=]

And note the brightly colored trays on the shelf for a possible pop of color - [houzz=]

And maybe continue the "pop-of-color" with a solid color hassock cube under the table? [houzz=]

Maybe add a dramatic lamp or hang a similarly dramatic small chandelier over the table?

A tall mother-in-law tongue in a cool pot and paint the closet doors black.

How do you feel about a Grandfather clock? Believe it or not, you can find them that are23" wide, I have one! You have plenty of height. They stick out from the wall about 14". Mine is blonde oak, about the color of your stairs.

PS: It does create the WOW factor!

I like your doors very much.... where can they be purchased?

I would move the thermostat, open the doors , wall paper with a coordinating paper , paint the doors and change to a more dramatic handle

Paint all the doors glossy black, carpet runner in the stairs?

Your home makes its first impression at the entry so it’s important to fashion an introductory space with an inviting atmosphere, and makes visitors feel welcome and at ease. I just wrote an article with photos, the PDF is at http://slidesha.re/19pep0I.
Paint the wall and doors a dark semi gloss color, and the door trim, baseboard, and molding white. A small table with a buffet lamp (small) will add charm, character, and a place to toss keys. Another option instead of paint is a dramatic wallpaper.
Get some great door knobs!

lots of ideas here, but not much response---what do YOU like? My husband was a glass artist. At one time he fashioned large hanging glass pieces, similar to windchimes, for someones atrium, which was at the center of the house and seen from most rooms. It was hung from the ceiling (which was glass) extending nearly to the floor and composed of slim pieces of colored glass, chosen for their color, and hung at different levels. It moved slightly with the air and sent prisms of light around the room. It was simple but spectacular. something like that might be all you need in that narrow corner---it would certainly be different. It was held together by simple fishing line through holes drilled in each end of the glass pieces. Any stained glass studio has pieces of glass leftover from window projects that they sell by the pound, and any local Glass artist would certainly be able to fashion something like that for you.

If your foyer has some ceiling height and space here is another Antique Light with a
WOW FACTOR.

I think you need contrast and dramatic lighting if you want a Wow factor. You have beautiful lighting on the stair - you could carry it through with a black chandelier or something that throws interesting shadows. You could put up a mirror or picture with a lot of dark or glossiness to it and downlight it dramatically. You could put in a rug with dark patterns. You could veneer the door with a grain that is dramatic and add a slightly glossy finish to it. I think what you put for an example hints at what could work - glossy chair brings in the glass from the stair railing, and pillow brings in contrast. You need elements like that but that are big and showy. I don't know your style, but you could even do wallpaper on the walls or a stencil on the door - something that goes with the glossy black front door. I don't think adding one thing to that little wall will create wow - I think you need a couple of elements to make the space homey and show your style. It is beautiful, but lacking contrast and a sense of who lives there.

I am so overwhelmed by all your comments

Thank you all so much. I am very greateful.

Is it possible to send private messages or "tag" people in these discussion boards?

paint the doors black and change the door handles to something better. plus try the photo frame idea or the floating shelf idea - something with legs (like a chair) will compete with the bottom stair tread. Hate when builders put infrastructure in places like that!

@kmkane - thank you!
The sad thing is that it was us who wanted it like that, and really wanted the double doors on the entertainment room. We were very young at the time :(

Install an impressive chandelier. Purchase a tall iron/glass table top, I'd out a spider plant on it. Then above it purchase a colorful canvas that fits the space.

B - would you consider removing the doors altogether and make the opening less wide? That's another option for making the 23" wall wider. OR...... is it at all possible to move the location of the thermostat? Or heck, just cover the thermostat with a piece of art that has a little door over it! Best wishes and remember to send us pictures of what you do

A nice bright wall paper and a side table for a vase full of flowers. The side table would most likely have to be custom made to fit the space. Check out Etsy.com to find someone who can make a table to your exact specifications.

How about a suit of armor? Or a life-size version of this guy? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Italian-Harlequin-Crackle-Finish-Black-White-Sculpture-/250980356267
Seriously, I was thinking of some kind of fun piece in black and white, which you seem to like, maybe a mask with a face that would flip up so you could get to the thermostat....
Other than that, I like Groveraxle's sculpture, or the wire coat rack idea--something long and which speaks to your black/white aesthetic.

ps I don't think you need to wallpaper.

A beautiful and unique light fixture would do the trick of the WOW factor in an entrance. We make Contemporary Stained Glass Lighting and our fixtures are often used in entrances. For entrances we recommend going with the Shells, the Tanzania, and/or the Shabbat candles. We customize size and color; visit our website at http://www.lightinart.com/ to see some more options.

I actually think the foyer is already making the statement you desire. You enter to see immaculate wood floors and a gorgeous stairway with glass inserts and simply elegant and obviously expensive doors. There is room for people to enter and the space is not stuffed with things. The absolute most I would consider is a small floating modern shelf with an over the top arrangement. If I found an outstanding sculpture instead of a shelf that would be the only other thing I would consider. I appreciate a spare modern aesthetic and your entry is lovely in its simplicity and use of materials.

Thank you all so much!!!

I had never seen these 3D sculptural wall tile/panels before. They seem to be available in slim panels - 19.5" to 24" wide - in white and in several styles. Might be fun to play with these as a subtle, floor to ceiling wall sculpture on that 24" wall, and it looks like it would be doable to work with the "thermostat", too -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121195118663?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2648

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111190679251?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111244291738?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111190751015?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121195107425?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121195105587?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

I have no affiliation with these folks. I saw these and immediately thought about this "dilemma". These look like they could offer a very subtle and unexpected texture to the skinny wall, and they don't seem to be terribly expensive. And I can't figure out where to use them in my house, so I'd love to see them used in a more modern home. ;)

Just an idea - enjoy.

If you need anymore inspiration take a look at my "Entry Way" board on Pinterest

http://www.pinterest.com/bryghtcom/entry-ways/

A fused glass wall sculpture on stand offs would brighten the area. Maybe a digital photo printed to canvas would also look great. Either with a simple metal table with thin legs and fairly tall.

https://www.facebook.com/daleallen.spiry/photos

Don't know what's behind the double doors but I'd the biggest problem is that you aren't given anything to look at when you walk in. Either removing the doors all together or adding doors that have frosted glass may add more dimension to the entrance. Other than that a vertical sculpture would also do the trick.

Thank you @FeelsLikeHeaven - behind the double doors is an unfinished TV/entertainment room.

You can use an entry mirror with lights, like our Perito Moreno Collection

http://www.irisdesignstudio.com/#!product/prd12/1504343615/perito-moreno-dual

Thanks everyone.

Here's a thought....

Thank you bryght.com
That is very creative indeed. But would it work with our non-flush doors?

Think about a pendant light that will cast an elaborate shadow? Maybe paint the wall a different colour. A darker colour will cast a sharper shadow.

a light fixture with bling--and I agree a wall color that matches or is a bit darker than your
stairway carpet

Hi
Check out Greg Natale interior design
Cheers

I would put a very skinny tallboy/slim chest of drawers and a lovely squat round vase on top to hide the controller. Top drawer can be felt lined/partitioned off for keys etc. You can never have enough storage, it always comes in handy. It doesn't have to be old fashioned, even a nordic inspired piece would be lovely. Easier to keep dust at bay rather than having things out on display etc.
Good luck!

Could you suspend from the ceiling a waterfall or chandelier type glass 3D sculpture or art piece

There have been a few occasions when people have wanted the wow factor so here is a very simple solution.

Maybe Barkley, the dog butler, in Modern Family. Or a lifesize storm trooper.

Come and meet me and other artists from Shakespeare Grove Artist Studios and see my new "Lip di lip" drip paint series of small abstract works displayed at The Gallery, at St Kilda Town Hall, St kilda. Melbourne. (Carlisle Street Entrance.) 6pm-8pm 18th August 2016. regards, Enza. website:www.enzabenincasa.com.au

enza this is an old post

So what was the outcome for your design dilemma?
What does the space now look like, what did you end up doing?

I see this is a very old thread , with lots of comments . I've just skim read them , but I haven't seen anyone suggest anything like my 'top-of-my-head' idea -- I love the wood , and the white contrast , but pretty boring . Whats your favourite colour , or what ties in with the other rooms ? It might be blue or red or yellow or orange or green , as examples . So paint the skirting board and around the door a pastel shade of your choice , and add a small 30cm x 30cm abstract painting featuring that colour as the primary dominant one , above ( or possibly below , or maybe even get 2 matching/complementary ones ) the control panel .

One lighting crowd suggested glass shades -- I'd actually go for someothing large but wooden , in much the same shade as your floors and steps , with LED bulbs -- you can get some stunning ones around 80-100 cm in diameter ( sort of a star ball shape ) for $300-400 .

Total budget then $500 plus a painter and maybe electrician , unless you DIY .

You are focusing on the wrong thing to add wow in this area. It will always look small and squeezed in and its not enough on its own to dress the area. I would suggest a statement rug that would work as a piece of art and be the hero in the space. Add some greenery with a plant against that wall. Alternatively make the staircase the hero and stain the treads black or cover the stairs in carpet down the centre, leaving the edges in wood.