Your inspiration photos seem to solve your needs. A long bench, with drawer or basket storage below and a double hook (possible a shelf) beneath each window, would give you a lot of storage. You may even have room to add a tall, pull out cabinet at each end or you could modify the closet to have a pull out as well as hanging area. You could add ceiling height, deep cabinets over your washer and dryer and a countertop for folding. If you must have a hamper, as in your pictures, buy a decorative one and store it under your window. After that, just add a rug and it would look great.

Would you be interested in these traditional patterned pieces the planter to the left of the entry table with a tall plant to keep with the height of the ceilings and to the right in that spot under the stairs an ottoman to offer a space to sit and possibly take off your shoes and put down your keys on the table when getting home or while waiting for someone when you are leaving, I think it offers a sense of comfort to have a small spot to sit down right in the entry and makes it more home like.

I don't mind the table and mirror and can't really think of anything besides art that would fit on that wall. Can't see the table details well but could it be painted? How about red to match your lovely door? What would say "fresh and cozy" to you for that space? Have you thought of a new light fixture? A runner and a larger rug in the entrance could look good. I don't find the clock visible from the door to be welcoming so I'd be tempted to remove it.

You're still going to have to pay for someone to remove the arch for the transom - I'm wondering if you could have someone frame up an arched shelf so you keep the original arch but close it up for privacy. And, having said that, you could also fill the arch in to accommodate a standard glass panel door and hang an arched decorative piece above to mimic the rest of your arches...