I see this is a very old thread , with lots of comments . I've just skim read them , but I haven't seen anyone suggest anything like my 'top-of-my-head' idea -- I love the wood , and the white contrast , but pretty boring . Whats your favourite colour , or what ties in with the other rooms ? It might be blue or red or yellow or orange or green , as examples . So paint the skirting board and around the door a pastel shade of your choice , and add a small 30cm x 30cm abstract painting featuring that colour as the primary dominant one , above ( or possibly below , or maybe even get 2 matching/complementary ones ) the control panel . One lighting crowd suggested glass shades -- I'd actually go for someothing large but wooden , in much the same shade as your floors and steps , with LED bulbs -- you can get some stunning ones around 80-100 cm in diameter ( sort of a star ball shape ) for $300-400 . Total budget then $500 plus a painter and maybe electrician , unless you DIY .

I would just LOVE a space like this in my home, for I would agree with dohraime above and keep the flow and view into your lounge space free-flowing. One can never have too many views to gaze at! I would make the space say "library" and: - keep the wall unit and include plenty of books - keep the gorgeous floor lamp - add 2 small lightish coloured, plain or patterned comfy chairs and a small coffee table underneath the stairs - add a complimentary console table on the wall opposite the stairs - add a large stylish mirror over the console table to bounce light around the fairly dark space - add a generously sized, patterned rug with some lightish colours in it, round or oblong, whichever you prefer. If the comfy chairs are patterned, ensure the rug coordinates with them Oh .... And a statement pendant ceiling light as well even though you have down lights already good luck!

Keep an eye on your bromeliads. Now that the tree has gone, they might not like so much sun and will need to be moved. Maybe under your front window? The stone edging screams 80's, I agree with removing it or growing something to cascade over the top. Stump removal can be expensive. Maybe attack the multiple stump clump with shovels and an axe to get it below ground level. You could put a birdbath or sculpture on top of the large stump? Even a large decorative pot? Clumping bamboos grow quickly and could add some softness. I like the previous suggestion of grasses too. Good luck with it.

I think the table disappears. It is sideways in the far corner as you enter and the colour blends into the background. It's a nice table but it doesn't appear to be doing anything except trying not to be noticed. Does it serve any purpose? Is it a dropzone for keys and mail for instance? If you want to keep it in the hallway I agree with the advice to move it to the centre of the wall instead of in the corner. I also like the idea of a bold wall colour or a large bold artwork. Do you need anything else in the hallway, mirror, coat hooks, an umbrella stand?