For me, the biggest problem, as others have pointed out, is that it is just too dark. I would paint it the color of the rest of your walls, or even a nice light green. I don't think anything else you change will have the immediate positive impact that changing the wall paint will. I think the other elements you have may even fall into line and you won't need to change as much. Just my opinion, YMMV. Good luck!

The rest of the area might reveal another option - there are so many colors - is there a reason for the blue and the grey?

The door will be painted soon, and eventually Ill even get new doors throughout the home with white trim.

I agree about painting. it is too dark for a foyer, especially since the rest of the house is light. does anyone know of a beige that reads more grey than pink/beige?

Do you need the hooks there? I'd remove that shiplap, paint the walls the same as the rest of the home and purchase a console that compliments the mirror.

You did not ask this, but if you are going to be doing significant repainting, don't use shiny paint on the ceiling again. I think one of the reasons it does not look white in photos is that the sheen is a little reflective and picking up other colors.

Target has this 30 in round mirror that might look nice there.

https://www.target.com/p/round-framed-mirror-hearth-hand-with-magnolia/-/A-82289032

I think the mirror is just too small think long rectangular mirror with a simple brass frame. I agree that the door being painted the same as the accent wall would be nice too and someone’s comment about the height of the plant- maybe a wood plant stand to bring up the height and have a coat on the hook(at least one for visual interest) on the left and possibly think about but would be way more work, hanging shiplap horizontally. Good luck!

Cut the paneling down to either eye height or bar height you can keep the color of you like on the paneling but lighten up the wall above remove the bench put in a sofa table with a lamp and some where to drop small things out seems like a small area to be leaving everything, either put that mirror above the ledge on the paneling as it can lean forward or place a plate trail above the paneling and place a mirror on that fastened to the wall discreetly to take on last look
Have fun

Cheryl Harrington

Bright white bench, octagonal mirror, and paint the door the wall color but many many shades lighter. The door color now clashes with the accent wall. Secondly, there are too many woods going on so I suggest the white bench. The white bench will also brighten things up. Lastly, the shape of your current mirror relates to nothing else at all. The octagonal mirror pulls out the shapes in the lighting fixture and the geometry in the glass sidelights.

Coudl add a fun rug too. Blue and green is best IMO.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324298721869

You always hear people say you need a mirror in the entry to 'check' yourself as you go out the door, but do you? I know/see many lovely homes with no mirror anywhere near the door. If it were my entry and I didn't really need a mirror there, I would put up some colorful artwork instead, which I think would solve a lot of the problems with it being so somber. I like the wood bench, but maybe add a cushion to bring out colors in the art (if you add that) and remove the pillow. It looks a bit awkward. I do think the hooks added to a board, maybe offset from the art (I know I'm pushing art, lol) instead of lined up and divided in the middle like they are now. Some asymmetry would be good. I'd probably take out the plant or replace it with something softer and curvier...it doesn't look friendly, like it might impale someone ;-) Not knowing where you live and what is needed in the way of storage there, I would probably replace the plant with a large basket for gloves and hats if you use them. Or add a hat/glove basket and put a new, larger, softer plant on the door side of the bench.
I think the light fixture is too delicate for the scale of the bench. I'd probably look for something with a softer appearance, more in keeping with the style of the bench.

I can't edit to add these, but maybe do something like this with your hooks and hang them to one side or the other:

bench with cushion:

I too feel that the blue on the door and the green on the wall don't work well together.

I like the green with the natural wood colour bench, but I feel the green is just too dark in the space. (the pillows need to go) I think some of the paint needs to change and I'd paint the trim around the entry door white, no matter what colour the door ends up. I like the sage leaf colour below, as well as cloudy sky. But neither would work with the dark blue door.

green paint colours with honey oak - Google Search · More Info

The hooks, IMO are missing some heft. They just look a bit sad and lonely all on their own. And the mirror isn't meshing well with the other components.

If you want hooks and a mirror here are some options that might look nice:

rustic hooks and cubbies mirror - Google Search · More Info

rustic hooks and cubbies mirror - Google Search · More Info

I like cubbies and baskets to keep things tidy and at the front door I find the pile up of shoes very annoying so I like my bench to have shoe racks underneath the get the shoes out of the way. Maybe a vintage umbrella stand for some height as well.

When you've sorted the paint colours, a nice rug (maybe ruggables since they are washable). Someone above showed some jute options that I think would look great.

I'd be tempted to veer completely away from the colours you have there now. What do you think about the interior of the door being black and the walls and trim going white?

Hillside Road II · More Info

I would lighten it up by painting the wood a nice clean light color. a long horizontal mirror with a bold fame. then a coat hook bar under the mirror. Maybe pillows in a nice pattern to pop everything.

For a beige, check BM Richmond Gray or BM Kingsport Gray — they are “good” colors that seem to blend greige over pink. I personally think it is the brass that is making the space look off. The mirror actually “points” to the light fixture, and the light fixture is missing the look I think you are imagining and it is flush with your ceiling. A semi-flush should still deal with your lower ceiling and provide some separation from that ceiling so it looks a little higher. Find something that perhaps has arms and is maybe 20-30” wide. Find a mirror (auctions, Marketplace, etc.) that is interesting, and taller than the one you have now. Hang it near the front door. Mount the hooks on a edge-eased board, 6-8” apart, and then install that board near the other end of the wall — that way all the coats and jackets won’t get in the way of using the bench (nice). For the light, go to Home Depot, Lowe’s, Build, Amazon or Houzz Products and search on semi-flush and the size — don’t add too many factors to the search, you can do the rest with your eyes. You have good ideas, just need some rearranging.

Wow you've already gotten a lot of comments. I agree that it is off. The glaring thing to me is the mirror. You said you love it-could you get two more? Having a grouping of three spaced out above the hooks might help with the weight of the wall. The color is a bit dark also. I would not change the idea of the space nor the front door. Maybe a plant to one side (fake or otherwise) to soften things up a bit. A rug would center things and help it visually be treated as a "room". But with children, it may get in the way. Baskets either above the hooks or under the bench would help with storing seasonal items.

Cook Bonner Ebeling - Mt Pleasant - Traditional - Entry - Charleston - by Newport653 Architectural Photography | Houzz

Sunset Avenue - Transitional - Entry - Chicago - by M House Development | Houzz

Coats and Cubbies - Traditional - Entry - New York - by Crisp Architects | Houzz

Needs some molding at the top definitely!!

It’s really not the color in my opinion, it’s the awkward spacing issue from the mirror to the low bench and across the longer wall. The mirror would be fine if you put a much higher entry table there that was not as wide as the bench. Sops up that spacing in the middle. Perhaps a small table lamp on one side, and decor or vase with flowers on the other. Then, you might have room for a small floor plant at the end. Could always place a decorative dish on the table for keys. I would not want to see coats hanging next to your pretty mirror, but not sure if you have a coat closet nearby. Normally see those hooks in a “wall cubby” setting with open bins for storage. JMO, of course!

Paint the wall and the door a shade of white or pastel - that would make a huge difference. Then go from there. The grey wall and brown wood bench clash horribly - like people who wear a black outfit and brown shoes or visa-versa - best to be ALL in the browns/beiges or ALL in black/grey and NOT mix together in one place or one outfit.

Hi if you repaint the gray wall to match your navy blue door I think that would make your entry look cohesive and beautiful I’d also swap out the green pillow to a nice patterned pillow that has navy, creams and browns in it to complement all your colors it would pick up the wood tones, the cream on the wall above your door and then it would blend in the navy. If you don’t want a navy wall then I’d change your gray wall to the same color of cream you used above your door. The mirror is pretty but seems small for that large sized wall I’d either look for a larger mirror and move that one to a smaller wall space or take it off and just do all hooks across the wall space

Perhaps inexpensive fix like change pillow to reflect door color, add narrow black shelf to anchor the mirror and tie in light switch, small vase or object that relects the plant basket in color or texture. Possible taller plant but not one significantly larger in girth.

I don't think you need to paint, I think you can work with what you've already done.

Gold wire wall baskets would help balance out the gray wall and add practical entry storage for things like gloves and umbrellas that can't hang on hooks. Even a single shallow basket under the mirror would balance out the mirror. 2 matching or coordinating panoramic mirrors or framed pieces of art above the hooks would help, also. Perhaps wood with gold accent frames.

Did anyone suggest only having the paneling go up to chair rail height rather than the whole wall? And then of course I agree with using a lighter color on that wall. And possibly a bench with a built-in coatrack/hooks. I completely agree with the comment about using a rectangular mirror. Looks like a challenging space.

how about a big hall tree to replace everything? It could have seating, hooks, mirror, etc. I think you need a good sized anchor piece.

Great start. Love the color. The mirror is off scale should be larger - a tall one would help. And I agree that the hooks could use a base - just a good blocks of wood in the same or similar grain to the bench.

From what you wrote in your first paragraph, it sounds like you've just redone your entryway so I've kept my suggestions to a minimum. I would paint the door in the same dark gray as the wall with the wood frame in white. A cushion for the bench in white & grey complemented with coordinated pillows and a small wicker basket just to balance things out. Your plant is too small and looks like space is limited so perhaps same type but fuller and higher. Hang the brass hooks on a white planks so that it stands out on the grey wall, and you can also buy more modern looking hooks. I would replace the mirror with a large round one to fill in the space more. I also suggest a rug with more pattern and contrast (look at indoor/outdoor rugs which are easy to maintain).

If you want more accessories, you can hang wicker/straw handbags and hats above the hooks.

I love that color! What about buying 2 rectangular pictures that fill some space on the top?

This is BEAUTIFUL, Jessica! You did a GREAT job! I'd just eliminate the distracting mirror. You don't even need to replace it with anything.

Sometimes getting used to a new esthetic takes time to "grow" on you. I'd remove the mirror and just live with this for awhile and see if you don't come to love the look.

Love the gray shiplap! Love your light fixture! Love the hardwood floor, the rug, the wooden bench.

I think you did a masterful job!

I'll admit that I didn't carefully read every comment, but I don't think I've seen anything that asks about your particular style. The house is a split level, which probably means 1960s-1980s construction. Is that a correct assumption? Are you trying to do anything that's a nod to the decor of the home's era, or do you just want an attractive and functional layout? What is your usual style preference? The saturated deep grey hints at a pretty modern aesthetic, but the hooks and mirror are more traditional. I'd start with figuring that out, and working out how you want to use that space (guest outerwear only? kids everyday? just keys and phone?), then go from there.

I would put this pillow cover over the green pillow

Black Ivory 20"x20" Pillow Cover Cotton Abstract Embroidered - Moroccan Lounge · More Info

And put your plant basket up on a pedestal, not on the floor

Middlebury Accent Table · More Info

Use the far right hook to dangle the ”PEACE” pillow on a small chain. Or dangle a small framed artwork on a chain, maybe a family pic or….

"Sloths Hanging Out on Bright Teal" Mini Framed Canvas by Eli Halpin · More Info

Grey and wood can be good combo, and especially with brass finishes to brighten. :)

I liked lise's photoshop of the grey door.

Instead of a small table for the plant or pedestal, why not a planter on legs such the one below? As for the black & white cushion, you don't want something to compete with the carpet so lets say it's with the one proposed, a simpler pattern is better, lots of options to shoose from...

Do you want a more formal look in your front hall, or a more casual "mudroom" look - ? I am guessing that you do not have a coat closet. If you are going for a formal entry hall, replace the bench with a taller, narrow console table. If you do have a coat closet, then make sure it is free of clutter like old boxes, etc., and install the hooks there. I like the texture of the panelling - try painting it a lighter shade, as there's not much light in here. The grey color is muddy looking compared to the very bright blue front door. I am not wild about the bright blue either. Paint that the same color as the walls, and find your colors in fabrics and artworks. Select artwork based on your own taste, not a specific size or color. Mirror is optional. With the addition of artwork, it could possibly be placed off center. You have that light switch panel to work around. If you are going for a "mudroom" look in the absence of a coat closet, have a cushion made for the bench, have the coat hooks mounted on wood panels and re-install them. In very cold weather there will be a collection of scarves, caps and gloves - perhaps find a large basket for these. The potted plant is never going to do well without light, and sitting on the floor, it's probably going to be knocked over a lot. Find a new happy spot for it.

I played with changing the blue door to white to lighten the space (but I like lisedv's gray with white trim also), continuing the white baseboard onto the shiplap wall, replacing the delicate-looking mirror with a chunkier one that relates to the chunky bench, hanging it off-center so it's not right up against the light switches, adding a basket on the bench for balance, and "growing" the plant. See what you think.

Hmmm. I only clicked on the second picture to enlarge it and thus didn’t see the striped carpet. I would switch it out to a solid dark one. If you like the carpet, then I would not to put a black and white pillow on the bench — but haven’t immediately got an idea what I would put there. I’m going to think about it and come back.

I like the the quasi-global Asian feel of the some of the decor objects mixed up with the more traditional American elements. It’s got personality!

But whatever you do, it would help to get the plant off the floor. it’s just too low.

If you didn’t want to paint the door at all, you could try a rug that brings all the colors together. And definitely still change mirror to octagonal or something more linear

If you keep the rug, would do one of these pillows

Blue Throw Pillow Covers 16"x16" Silk, Moroccan Blue · More Info

Sparkles Home Rhinestone Moroccan Pillow, 20", Gray, Blues · More Info

And this planter

Dilan Boho Glam Handcrafted Tripod Planter, Antique Brass and Black · More Info

I would ditch the little ”PEACE” Pillow, but dangle something from the far right hook, or hang a Turkish Uzbek hat on the hook

(These can be bought on Etsy)

So here is a great cheap small bag from Etsy that I think would look great hooked on the far right hook

https://www.etsy.com/listing/789695429/kilim-bag-organic-wool-rug-turkish-bag?rec_type=ad&ref=pla_similar_listing_top-3&pro=1&frs=1&sts=1&listing_id=789695429&listing_slug=kilim-bag-organic-wool-rug-turkish-bag&plkey=801044ce4ce2b9b7179c9a9d01516a60a9fb20be%3A789695429

Or, instead of a pillow on the bench, you could try a big navy tote on the bench

If you decide on adding handbags and straw hats to coordinate with the decor I show above, you possibly already own some and there's a variety of models at good prices on Amazon such as these:

I don't like that wood mirror with the wood bench I always thought that other American weren't I still say change out the light fixture maybe around ball type of fixture of metal

I love everything you chose! I think your issue is actually arrangement. Instead of centering the bench, push it all the way to the right to where the plant sits currently. I'd keep your existing mirror and add several more in a grouping over the bench, a small gallery wall of mirrors. You have natural asymmetry because of the switchplate, location so roll with it rather than fight it. Dip some of the mirrors down closer to the bench. Mix wood and gold-tone frames. You'll need to relo the coat hooks...that's ok. I'd actually stagger 5 closer to the door where there's a top row of three and a bottom row of two in the gaps from the top. Throw a small mirror or two over on that side as well. Depending on your ceiling height, and if you still have the parts for the chandelier, trade out the drop piece you used for the next longer  one to bring it a bit lower. From there, just add some more greenery and a few more pillows.

The entry door's color seems in discussion - so I'll ask if entire entry area is somber/ too dark; ok; or lit ideally?

Based on one of mvcanada's suggestions above that I really like, here's another take of your entryway. Repaint the wall in white, the door in black with white frame. Paint the bench in black and accessorize with 2 pillows. Buy a planter on legs and a new plant. You can also spray paint your lighting fixture in black (leaving the center part in brass if that's what you like). Not a big expense but a big change that makes your entryway brighter and more inviting.

You can find a vintage mirror such as shown above en Etsy.com.

OP seems to have abandoned the discussion and some of the good ideas offered here. I think the image on the right here is the secret sauce. Good job lisedv!

The main problem is the bench is the wrong size for the space. it looks as if it will block the door from opening fully. A smaller bench that gives the door room to open would work better. Then reposition the hooks and mirror to fill the space remaining.

I really like what Simplynatural did with your entry (in the photo). I actually have a very similar rectangular mirror, and it has worked wonders in every space I put it. Steer clear of pillows and anything that isn’t functional for the space. Also like the basket that Simplynatural placed on the bench.

Sorry defintely not abandoned!! i love the suggestions! i will update when i can get something better up, however im loving all the adjustments made!

Don't know where you're at with your entrance renovation but just saw this on Houzz and thought of you as it's something you can easily do. Paint your wood planks white. You can find ready made cubicles such as shown below:

The sketch shows this done with Ikea Kallak Series, each unit $49.99 each.

It seems the molding in the rest of the house is white. I would paint the wood molding white around the door, and paint the door a lighter gray or white also. I would take down the mirror, put hooks all the way across, but mount all the hooks on a board to pop it out an inch and make it look more dynamic. Then I'd add a shelf running the full length above the hooks/board. Get rid of the blue pillow.

Start with that. Then take a step back and decide the details. Accessorize shelf with baskets, books, artwork. hang a cute hat on one of the hooks.