Since it's not really a "useable" space, it seems, and it is visible from the front entry, I would find a very simple white console table, and do either a small collection of colored pottery on the table (and the floor under/beside it), or glass pieces. It could really add some color and interest to both floors in that way.

Both ideas are good. Iam thinking two wingback chairs and a table. Maybe even a grandmothers clock.

A small console with a drawer could be used as a writing desk. This is a great place for a lap top to call home. Make sure the desk is finished on the back since it is visible from the entry. A small, bright, wing back would be cute for the chair. I would also move the rug closer to the stair rail so it defines the space with its own identity. a nice lamp on top will complete the look.

Some good ideas above except I would nix the console with anything on top, including a lamp. Sounds too much like an accident waiting to happen.

I always worry about toddlers crawling up on couches, chairs, tables, etc.. and going right over the railing. Even if YOU don't have small children, visitors might.

Hi,
I would say 2 chairs and a table . What is on the right side ? Across from the stairs?

Do you want to use this space or do you want to display it? If you want keep it as a display space, either think tall and big that won't fall over the rail (sculpture, indoor tree, double upright bass) or low and heavy (like your chaise with a lamp, hope chest, antique trunks). If you want it to be space you use, you might want to think about how to add "walls": curtains or stained glass panels hung from the ceiling, repurposed doors, screening plants like palms or even an indoor trellis for ivy to climb. Good luck!

Nice opportunity!

The key is to make it inviting from the first level. With the couch turned away from the entrance, it is not inviting. I would make it into a reading nook. Books along the wall( very neatly displayed). Perhaps some art work (would need to see that wall.

Then a couple of chairs facing toward the front hall. Sklrted chairs would be ideal, so that the view from the front hall is not the bottom of the chairs.

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You could have built, a piece of white panelled furniture, like a long chest, to match the decor with circular holes in side entrance doors at either end (separated in the middle by an inner wall) for kitty could be making good use of the space. On one side there's a litter box and on the other a bed. No more litter bits on the bathroom floor every morning! If the unit is built long enough, between the two kitty spaces, you could put the litter container, shovel, baggies and a dust buster. If possible have an electrical outlet placed in the floor so you can have the dust buster plugged in at all times inside the chest. To make the 'chest' look lighter, put it on round ball feet. A chair and foot rest with a reading light and resting place for a phone charger could be useful.

Yes,kids and drunks could climb up and fall.

About falling; don't worry; even crawling babies have an instinct that depth is dangerous and they will stop and refuse to cross a deep space. (saw it on a documentary.) Children would be falling out of all Paris windows if that weren't the case.
Another idea; enrol the children in Suzuki piano lessons and put a baby grand in the space plus a chair for the supervising Mum. Not only would the piano be beautiful in such a setting, the sonority would be incredible with the openness of the space and there are no distractions. With lessons and the daily practice, the children will become more civilized (those who are hell bent on hurling themselves off balconies) and the space would be ideal for a family concert with some chairs brought into the 'concert hall'. You've killed 6 birds with one stone. And for a 7th bird, if you play the piano yourself, you could play at bedtime as the children are drifting off to sleep to calm them and create sweet dreams. What wonderful memories that would make for them one day. Okay 8 birds!

I'm going to comment on my own comment; I renovated my house over a two year period and what I learned most when thinking of a space is HOW you will use it. HOW will adding certain elements make the space more functional and user friendly? It's not just a matter of the aesthetics.
I question using the space to read, because you might prefer a space where you have a view of the garden or you are near the kitchen where dinner is cooking, near the basement where children are playing....not holed up in a space far from the action or view.
However, a sofa in that space could serve as a transitional space where you read bedtime stories to children. When considering the sofa, it should be cosy. When deciding on the purchase of a lamp, for example, you may want low light (gets the body;s melatonin going before bed) but light enough to read; the placement being behind the reader. It requires imagining...the many ways you could use the space; imagining your family's particular needs now and in the future.
I still like the cat litter chest idea or the baby grand or low upright piano best....with a potted palm next to it...with a grown light aiming down from the ceiling that has a one switch control. ..which could also light up the sheet music. (Example of thinking through HOW you are going to actually use the space...in detail.)
Day dreaming is actually a lot of fun! Suggestion: Lie down with your eyes closed; some of the best ideas come when you are least distracted, feeling rested and can just imagine freely.
Good luck!

Two things will greatly improve the landing space visually from both upstairs and downstairs looking up.

Purchase a 30" round folding table on the internet. Get fabric and have a skirted tablecloth made.next purchase 3 or 4 substantial pictures. (220 x 30 or 20x 36) and place them on the stair wall. Another idea if you fave a family is to do a black and white portrait of your children framed.

What about angling the chaise and adding some tallish potted plants(real or artificial) behind the chair and along the rail? Add a small table and lamp, a few decorative accessories.

Hi! I think two chairs and a table would look nice. Here are a few ideas for you:

http://deciture.com/shop/furniture/world-market/peacock-blue-lorna-chair/

http://deciture.com/shop/furniture/world-market/paprika-quincy-chair/

Hope this helps you!

You already have the chaise there...Simply move the area rug to the center of this whole space, angle the chaise on it , not cramped into the corner as is now, and get a small decorative round table to place next to it on one side. On the other side and from behind add either a tall live plant...one easily taken proper care of...or if you must, an artificial one, I would suggest a beautiful fern from your florist shop made to the size needed for that space on a complimentary, to the table, pedestal. Additionally adding a decorative 3 panel floor screen with material inserts that would be viewed from both sides...Use the area for whatever you like...reading, napping, or as some have mentioned, lullying a child to a peaceful bedtime..If I was there I could do this for you within an hour or so...But I'm not so...You go girl! You can do it! ;) ~~~ .But please do not make this area a home for a cat and poo box!

Move rug over to bannister and place chaise on an angle across the corner. Add a standing lamp behind. If the wall on the right does not have a doorway, add bookshelfs and fill with books and interesting objects.
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Ithink it looks nice the way it is.I would have suggested a chaise lounge if you didn't have one. If you're tired of the way it looks, how about some tall plants/fake trees behind the chaise(between the chaise and the railing)?