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.

Hi Emma! Megan from Bluethumb online art gallery here. I agree with what a few people have said already about using an artwork that reflects light, either by framing it behind glass or using metallic materials on a canvas. Birds are really trending at the moment! https://bluethumb.com.au/becbartell/Artwork/black-sunrise  This piece uses gold leaf to create a reflective background. https://bluethumb.com.au/sally-browne/Artwork/cockatiel-forest Sally Browne's work is very popular, and looks great behind a frame. It's also predominantly white, which will keep the space feeling open and airy. Alternatively, a bold pop of colour will keep the space feeling alive https://bluethumb.com.au/lilynova/Artwork/abundance-of-the-heart https://bluethumb.com.au/penelopeoatesart/Artwork/landscape-narratives Let me know if you'd like any more suggestions! Cheers, Megan

try backing your chair closer to the door and/or putting your sideboard, a narrow cabinet or low bookshelf along part of the length and/or width of the step.. placed on the lower floor but tall enough to be seen as waist height from the higher step ie at least 90cms total height (and once you're satisfied with the look it might be a good idea to attach the new cabinet to the vertical step for stability) the cabinet could be used as storage from the living room side or for a setdown space for keys, handbag, shoes, hats etc on the entry side with a plant and/or decorative items on top and then push the light coloured rug up against the step so the different colour highlights the change in floor height

Is the first pic you posted an older one , maybe off the for sale ad ? It looks several shades yellower , but the gardens are quite different too . So that leads me to conclude it is fading on its own account -- that makes it easier IMO , just do nothing and it'll fade more ! Buttery yellow and brown were 80's , and pretty naff now , but instead of black , I'd go a Japanese Black -- a bit more matt , even blue hues there too -- more interesting , again just my opinion . The terracota does look slightly out of proportion , but lighter walls , darker trim and the orangeness of the terracota for interest would be my go , but then I'm not a fan of too much white on walls -- I'd prefer the 'relaxed casual' of a beige , jap black and terracota to crisp whites . I also assume that timber and the area to the 'right' of the stairs is the area closest to the street ? No matter what you do ( I'd go Jap Black stain on the wood , but do what YOU want ) I'd look at a bark garden or rock garden , with probably cactus and flax and reds and yellows and greens -- the timber looks too much in proportion to the render in the picture , so i'd soften that ( basically hide part of it ) . I like the character and it can get even better -- a great base ! Well done !