You use your front door? Do you have a back entrance by the garage? I would still put a console table, lamp and a chair . The space is narrow so I would suggest you just stick with that or a bench with built in shoe holders or one with baskets.

A shoe storage bench would be a great way to combine seating and storage. Plus it would allow you to add some fun accent pillows to bring in some color to the front entrance! And you can never go wrong with a wall of family photos, that would look great!!

I like your idea for the table and two lamps to go on the right side. I also think you could lean a mirror up against the wall. I think that you have a great idea to do family pictures on the left, and you could vary them in size, shape, and color. Here are a few suggestions:

http://www.deciture.com/shop/furniture/7/sylvan-console-table/

http://www.deciture.com/shop/furniture/7/east-india-console-table/

http://www.deciture.com/shop/lighting/7/stratton-table-lamp/

Thanks everyone for your input! We do have a back entrance but it is directly off the dining area. If you look at the picture with the front door open, straight directly at the back is the back entrance. Ideally I would have preferred having a mudroom again, but we didn't get that with this house; that entrance is directly by the stair and you can see that door in the first picture. The hallway may look narrow, but it is not. I could put two tables on each wall and there's still tons of space, but I think it would be too much.

I think what I find most difficult is choosing pieces which will work in this house and we can carry it over to our next house. I prefer more whites and greys while this house is more yellowy cream/brown. Despite being a neutral color palette it is still hard to pick. Bah!! Any advice on that?

mirrors work well too