I would use graphic black and white rugs and choose a strong color such as red or lime green or colbalt blue as the color that gives punch to you apt. Get some pillows to pick up the color from the shelve where I would put some modern vases. You can find them at Marshalls or Burlington Coat Factory etc. for almost nothing or Home Goods.

I would love to share one of my favourite pieces from a hallway collection, but I also adore the accent/feature wall idea and the image that Dytecture shared. I think a better light fitting is needed too, to make it lighter, brighter and more current. Do you have glass in your front door?

Do you want to add some drama as in a sense of arrival. My first thoughts were to paint the handrail and that white post in black, either gloss or matt depending on decor choices. Then a black and white rug or runner, do you like cow hide or zebra patterns? Without knowing your decor style, the vintage cupboard could work with but I think it is too big for the space. So a low bench or console with mirror would be nice with a rug... your style preference will be the guide for all of these. Do you like a white theme on timber with wallpaper for background & black or white for furniture. Is wallpaper an option? Like this elegant contemporary theme. Storage under the stairs or even a mini office? There are so many inspirational photos on Houzz and I'm sure you will get many more ideas from other posters, good luck!

Maybe you could consider a bar fridge that may fit where shelving for microwave is... this could hold your daily used foods and then have your larger fridge in a garage area to hold things less used? http://www.google.com.au/shopping/product/879529927670433319?lsf=seller:9455133,store:5516113429362448143&prds=oid:5429649432223856483&q=bar+fridge&hl=en-au&ei=67UVWMGnIYKR8wWl0ZHQBA&lsft=gclid:CMHmgr2UgtACFdWWvQodHk4MvQ