My first impression is that it's all very dark. On my monitor, it's showing as dark gray and brown. If you want to stick with the gray's, could you go lighter? If you're willing to pass over to the warm side, a beige that picks up the lightest tone in the wood stairs would make the space feel not so closed in. Could you find a piece of furniture that could still store all the boots and shoes, but be closed? And the wood items up on the shelf. Would you ever think of replacing those with something open or perhaps with glass. Like maybe a collection of lanterns? Maybe a more open table instead of the one you now have your white flowers on. Then a mirror above?

Hello thinze.

Couple of immediate thoughts for the space come to mind.

First would be to pair down the color block and outlining of the walls, less emphasis on the angles in the space, let the interest of angles speak for themselves, a bit less abruptly, neautralize them a bit. Then add interest back in by adding either a select group or a multitude of colors thru artwork; pottery/glassware; area rugs and by painting the three doors.

Start by selecting area rugs and art with splashes of colors that please you. Select area rugs that can be thrown into a washing machine, or that can be hosed off, indoor outdoor rugs come in a wide assortment of colors and patterns, and in your case will serve the purpose for walk off before stepping on to impervious tile, a rubber rug liner will help eliminate slipping and movement. A pattern in the rugs will add interest and hide dirt better than the solid dark rugs that you have now. They are inexpensive as well.

Regarding the space to the left of your coat closet, the one with the low wood cabinet, think of it as a greeting wall, you should add special interest here. I would suggest a taller table or cabinet, to replace the low early American piece, consider a painted piece of furniture, rather than a stained piece.

Then select a fabulous piece of art, be that a painting; photograph; metal or wood wall sculpture, think tall, letting it reach the same, or slightly above the door height, is okay.

Regarding a mirror, it should always reflect something of beauty or interest, so with that thought, another idea would be to add a tall mirror above the table, or cabinet, and then treat yourself to a fresh cut of flowers each week, set up a deal with a local florist, take whatever they have left over, or can get in abundance at a deal, the flowers will be a beautiful reflection in the mirror and will add life to the space, why wait for someone to buy us flowers, it is one of the nicest things we can treat ourselves to, nothing says I care about myself mor than flowers.

Whatever it is that you do there, think of it as something that greets you, something that you love to see as you enter your home.

Then have fun, paint the doors, either all the same or as individuals, either subtle or as a statement of color, something to enhance the added colors of the art and rugs.

Add additional color to the soffit above the doors, with pottery; glass or even painted wood art, or add a mutitude of imagery or paintings or prints spanning a cross the entire area, left to right, above the doors, just keep in mind that whatever you select should be viewable and identifiable from a distance, so simple large imagery, splashes of color or black and white, whichever balances out best for you.

Lastly, consdier replacing the light fixture over head, the piece hanging there looks like it belongs over a dining room table or a pool table, find something of interest that belongs in a foyer.

Hope this helps, please post new imagery once done.

Deb Dall

Feels a bit claustrophobic and also not very functional. I would paint the brown the same as the rest of the space. Replace the two mats with a large rug (could use a matching runner on the stairs), a new chandelier would be impactful and I would look for a bench/storage type unit. Can you add wire shelving in the cupboard for shoes that not worn every day and add baskets under a bench for shoes used on a daily basis. Instead of the table/mirror, just go with a large mirror. I would also remove all of the items on the shelf, as its too heavy and busy. Look at lots of inspiration pictures to get a feel of the look/style you prefer and save until you have enough of an idea of the direction you want to head and select light and airy accessories.

Lighter paint colors.

Thank you for the wonderful ideas.

open the closet and make a mini mudroom

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