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 like it as is. I'd maybe consider a feature pendant light (or three) in the "void" above the stairs going down, but with the unique ceiling I don't think it needs it. Maybe a piece of art on the upstairs wall that is directly opposite the entry door. Something abstract / simple so that it looks nice when viewed from a distance (i.e. the front door). Otherwise, is there anything you *need* in the entry? For example, a bench or stool to put on and remove shoes? A small table to place mail, keys, sunglasses, etc. Some hooks for umbrellas, coats, hats, etc? A mirror to double-check your appearance before you leave the house?

thank you for your ideas. They all look really beautiful. I've had a little play around and got this? what do you think? I think the picture might look better higher up on the wall?

I like Julie’s idea for multiple matching frames down the left side of your hallway. It could be just enough to draw your eye down the hallway, without changing the depth of the space (that adding a console table would do). I would suggest adding the artwork/photographs (at eye height) along the majority of the wall space (odd numbers look the best; 5, 7 or even 9 prints!) to invite your guests into and along the space. See how it looks with just the artwork added first, before deciding if you even need a console table as well. Good luck!