I use a magnetic strip and love that it keeps the bench clear. I don't like knife blocks very much as they are hard to keep clean. I use quite a few knives frequently and I don't find they get dusty at all – and the ones I use less frequently, like the fish filleting knife, I just wipe with a damp cloth before using but, as I usually touch it up with the sharpener before tackling a fish, I would wipe it after sharpening anyway. I have mine near the stove but in a reasonably discreet spot so I don't feel that they are out on display.

Consider combining the concept of console with shoe storage. Check out this cabinet for example. http://www.mattblatt.com.au/Credenza-Storage/Bakbo-Tall-Cabinet.aspx?p19566c17#19568 It has a mid century modern feel and comes in both blond and walnut timber. While this style of cabinet is a bit taller than the average console or buffet it is still low enough for a mirror over the top. The advantage is it's a stylish piece of furniture that has shelves for shoes, hidden behind doors. Although the entry/hall is long it is already full of doors so try not to fill it up with furniture. A single cool looking piece of furniture on either walls #1 or #3 with some fabulous artwork on wall #5 and whichever of #1 and #3 doesn't have the cabinet on.

Fabulous idea if it keeps shoes that already pile up there tidy. Will it create a regular obstruction to flow as the whole family stops to take shoes on and off or is there room to circulate around? Btw where did you find this shoe cabinet??

We had a similar problem in our rental where we pretty much only had two walls that were suitable for hanging space and not a lot of functional storage. We went and purchased two billy bookcases, the 100cm high ones, and installed them side by side. Purchased a couple of extra shelves and made them shoe storage. They easily fit my shoes but my partners have to be on an angle so they don't jut out and you can adjust the height of the shelves to fit in boots or flats to maximise storage. It's nice knowing my shoes are stored and are not getting crushed or damaged and you are not rummaging through a box trying to find the other shoe. The top of the bookcases is used for storage also, with some nice baskets and my jewelry case. We also put a hanging hook on the side for my partners belts. While I don't a photo on hand of ours, a quick google of billy bookcase shoe storage will give you pages of examples.