At 1100 sf, I would remove the wall.

Can you build an entry beyond the front door?

Thank you, but with three kids we won't be here forever and we would never see that money returned.

You need a sculpture piece here. Something you really like, but standing sculpture - no plants, no frames - a statement piece since it is your entry. The wall is great and the shelves (aren't ugly - they are graphic the way they are laid out) limit the size of what you can display. You could look for small sculptures - ikea wood manniquins that you place in there in different poses would work with the shelves, but I like the idea of a standing flat sculpture that would fill at least 2/3 high if you took the shelves out and just left the cap.
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/acrobat-sculpture-metal-objects/?pkey=cdecorative-accents&cm_src=decorative-accents||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_- as an example but it should be personal and lovely for you . .

you could take out the shelves and insert a stained glass pane or fill the shelves with glass pots, bottles that will reflect the light from doorway.

I would just put up dry wall there and hang an interesting piece of art or a mirror.

Hi! I think I would put a vase on the left side where there is a tall opening with flowers:

http://deciture.com/shop/decor/9/honey-bulb-rattan-coil-vases/

http://deciture.com/shop/decor/9/white-velvet-plum-blossoms-set-2/

@Warner Decor Very pretty thank you! The hard part is that it is a tight space. When people come over I need to get out of the "foyer" so they can come in. I'm afraid flowers would be in the way. I really need an out of the box and novel idea for this.

The other problem is that anything you place up there needs to look good from both sides.

colored glass vases- all different shapes, colors and sizes.

The shelf allows natural light from the door's clear panel to reach the interior rooms. So I would not close the opening with drywall or anything else. If you are not familiar with a product called "Quake Hold" http://www.quakehold.com/ I recommend you get some. Then use it to hold whatever you do end up putting on those shelves so that accidental brushing or bumping by rowdy kids won't knock it over, or off the shelves. This stuff works really well. See the link on that page for "collectibles."

Personally, I'd be inclined to put brightly colored glass or crystal vases or other pieces in there so they'd collect the natural light.

I hear you on the clutter and nick knacks ... not exactly what you want to see when you walk in the door. A few suggestions for you (i'm a Mom of young kids too): glass blocks (these would let the light in, give privacy, keep it clean but add some style), a two way bulletin board and/or chalk board (remember things on your way out, hang family pictures/works of art from school on the other side and if doing the bulletin board use a nice fabric as the background so it is almost a piece of art for the living room), just remove the shelves (I know you said it looks too plain, but from time to time you can put flowers or hang a wreath or ornaments at Christmas but at least it's clean, doesn't feel like something is missing and creates a way to communicate/look into the living room.

GOOD LUCK!!

@Jessica Quake Hold is exactly what I need! I have 3 year old twins and they are always knocking things off those shelves. I'm tempted to sather the whole house in it! Thank you

I would remove wall and leave bottom part of wall intact as a divider. It will look more open and brighter.

I LOVE that idea! You have solved the problem! Now to find a leaded glass panel to fit the space. I'm so excited!

Close up the entire wall and create a dramatic entry foyer. Place a narrow console table (parsons style would be best) against the wall, hang a mirror above, and flank the mirror with sconces. Entry foyers are warm, welcoming, and provide a (temporary) place for packages and keys.

Hey thanks for the enthusiastic response. You made me really glad I weighed in! Good luck finding the art glass. Etsy is often a good resource of course.

Robin, While I agree this is perfectly charming in many homes, my foyer is way too small for that. I would have trouble opening the front door ;) lol! Maybe in my next home

sjb2814 - I will check out Etsy. We have an architectural salvage warehouse right by my house. What a great excuse to go there. By the way yours is gorgeous!

Tell us what you find!! There might be some wonderful gate or metal piece that would add some character/fun to that space if a stained glass panel isn't available. Good luck on the hunt!

I was about to suggest an ornamental iron insert....however I like the stained glass pic posted by sjb2814 in an earlier post better than my own idea. Nice piece of glass. It would look great there and still allow light through.

Good Luck with whatever you decide!

The Cinque Team

I will post photos when I find it. I know the general size I need, so I will bring my measurements and an open mind.

You can often find classes on designing stained glass somewhere local. Imagine if you had a piece you and your boys designed and made together (it might make them more careful of it) and it could reflect your personality as well. Just do a Google search for "stained glass class" and find something local. That would also let you choose the proper size for your space instead of hunting for something that fits.

Great idea Jessica. If I didn't have 15 unfinished projects already, I would do that.

I don't know if you live near a city that has one, but many architectural salvage places sell vintage stained glass windows that are still in their original window frame. Some are multicolored, some just clear bevels and they are usually economically priced, much cheaper than having one made. These have withstood years of use, and will be a little more 'robust' than the one in the above posting, which is just in a zinc frame. And the window frame will be a neat allusion to having a real window in that space. Don't try to get one to fill the space... Just hang it from chain like the above post.