I agree with the suggestion to grow hedges or shrubs on either side of the stairs. I would suggest replacing the existing pots on either side of the top of the stairs which much larger "statement" pots with some interesting, tall and narrow architectural plants to create an artificial "doorway" and somewhat "grand entrance" onto the deck. I would potentially compliment those pots with some smaller, rectangular planter boxes around the edges of the deck (with much shorter, but complimentary plantings) to enhance the feeling that it is an outdoor room (and to prevent anyone from accidentially stepping off the edge of the deck). I would also re-arrange the furniture so that there is a clear thoroughfare from the stairs to the timber doors. And I would consider creating a faux entry feel by removing the blue box/esky (?) against the wall between the window and door and replacing it with a small, durable/outdoor "console table" and then hanging an appropriate outdoor artwork or even a mirror above the table. For example: http://www.bigw.com.au/home-gifts/home-décor/arboreta-mirror-107699.htm This might help the space to feel more like an "entry". You could even go for the obvious and add a "welcome" mat outside the door and/or a painting with "welcome to my/our home" (or a similar phrase) on the wall. For example: http://www.target.com.au/p/wall-words-hello/56300024

Love all the wonderful comments above. The only thing I would add is: really consider what you want to use this room for... What do you want the room to do? Welcoming guests? If it is welcoming, then think about what makes you feel welcomed when you walk in - that ahhhh feeling.....maybe plants (a bonsai project would work well in that light), some family photos instead of a mirror, coat hanger behind door, buffet table (where you stand your G&T chrystal set on a nice sliver tray). Or is it a Staging ground for getting out the door? Then perhaps the mirror, some sort of rack for bags & hats etc, a bench for sitting and putting on shoes, cork board for reminders etc (it is possible to have these all behind a thin closet so closed doors hide any clutter). Whatever you choose, I just find it helpful to keep the rooms purpose in mind.

As you are only looking for ideas perhaps a starting point would be a modern, square style of entrance that you could get ideas from. I couldn't find what I wanted exactly for a photo, but I think if you took points from this photo and adjust to your budget it might suit?? Eg. I think if you can get a nice wide door with a bit of glass on either side, it would really present well. Raising the height of the concrete at the front door with decking tiles or stone tiles depending on your style could really enhance. Concrete pavers you could even make yourself! They can be smaller or larger and if scaled right to the proportions of the house can make it a little more formal. As you have the driveway on the side, I would put a screen on the left and emphasise the left column making a feature of it as in the picture. The column on the right does not align with the entrance, I would not emphasise that column? But perhaps hard to gauge from one photo. If you went for wood this might be an idea.

I'd ask the question from the opposite point of view . What will closing the lounge off achieve ? It may make it look dark , it may make it look pokey , you have Bed 5 the other side of the entry , and although that presumably won't be used much , I'd actually be more inclined to try and hide that door . If you are worried about a steady stream of people heading to the stairs or kitchen , disrupting the people in the lounge , then why would you put the lounge there in the first place ? Enjoy the space , or move the lounge would be my obvious observation .