How on earth did this happen? I think the only way around it would be to lower the first step to ground level, adding an additional step to pickup the incline, I realize this will mean reducing the tread depth, but perhaps over the four it will be minimal. Regardless, having these wonderful deep treads are pointless if you can't get up on them. I would definitely create lush architectural looking foliage beneath those stairs, and continue to spill out into orgsni shaped beds either side. Things like strappy leaves, variegated varieties, ginger pants, strelizias, birds nest ferns etc. Use boulders around your foundation line to help ground the house and marry it to the landscape. The entrance is a real statement, make it lush and dramatic, incorporate lighting both undemounted to the foliage and top lit to the stairs. To define your boundary with the council land, you could creTe a rock river bed lined with similar plantings of grasses etc. It would help draw your eye upward and create platforms in your yard.

I agree with the other comments the entry would look much nicer without the artificial flowers and pots. I would add a console table with mirror above as they can be both beautiful and useful. The table could be a mix of iron and wood and the mirror framed in iron which would be in keeping with your Tuscan theme. On the table I would place a small bowl or box for keys (house and car) and a vase were you can display perfumed flowers like lilies which will naturally perfume your entry (the also last a good 2-3 weeks and aren't that expensive. If not possible to have fresh flowers all the time then a glass vase filled with lemons, limes or oranges or even some branches with leaves still on will suit your Tuscan style. A chandelier would be lovely and I would suggest a rustic carriage black iron style which would tie in with the border tiles on the floor. I don't think you need an area rug as the tiles already have a border. I love a black front door but I don't think the inside of the door needs to be black so I would leave it white. On the wall opposite the front door I would place a collection of four, six or eight (depending on frame size) pictures of Tuscany in black frames with white matt. It is a lovely entry and it should be inviting and give guests a place to check their appearance before they enter your home. Hope you find these suggestions helpful.

Hi Zoe, Congratulations to you both on your 1st home purchase. Small designer furniture is what comes to mind. 2 seater sofa, lamp table, floor rug, small coffee table and a TV entertainment unit that fits the common wall at the kitchen end. Light coloured furniture & decor and the clever use of wall lighting will help make the room seem larger. The good thing is you can spend up big on the small amount of things you need to buy. Below are some images that I've found online that could be of interest to you. Links as follows: http://ynnu.net/tips-in-decorating-small-living-room-design-with-modern-furniture/elegant-grey-sofa-furniture-and-indoor-flowers-plant-in-small-living-room-decorating-design-ideas-2012 http://www.besthomedesigns.org/start-small-living-room-decorating-ideas/small-living-room-ideas/ http://abanthome.com/living-rooms-ideas-for-small-space/ http://www.a-v-designs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Very-Small-Living-Room-Ideas-66.jpg

Do you want to add some drama as in a sense of arrival. My first thoughts were to paint the handrail and that white post in black, either gloss or matt depending on decor choices. Then a black and white rug or runner, do you like cow hide or zebra patterns? Without knowing your decor style, the vintage cupboard could work with but I think it is too big for the space. So a low bench or console with mirror would be nice with a rug... your style preference will be the guide for all of these. Do you like a white theme on timber with wallpaper for background & black or white for furniture. Is wallpaper an option? Like this elegant contemporary theme. Storage under the stairs or even a mini office? There are so many inspirational photos on Houzz and I'm sure you will get many more ideas from other posters, good luck!