apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

If it were me, it would need some kind of landing strip. Maybe a bench at the end where the little table is, so you can take your shoes off and hang up your coat and/or a purse.

The nichy thingy is an interesting feature... looks like a display place, where you'd hang some fancy thing to impress your guests... that's not entirely 'cozy' but it's got possibilities...

How's the light through that window? A tall plant in that little corner, perhaps?

Can you paint? If so, maybe a darker warmer color on the walls would help lessen the white-monochrome look.

Adding a runner-rug would help, too.

I think the current style of furniture is kinda formal and very "leggy" looking. If you have more wood furniture that is more solid (less negative space created by spindly table legs), that will help fill the space, too. Once you get your stuff in there - the space might feel less formal.

First off, I think I'd get rid of the pieces from the "Museum of History" exhibit in the hallway - it just doesn't help the place feel warm and homey.

The niche is great - If you don't want to paint the whole hallway and living room (I wouldn't paint just the hall alone) I'd paint the interior of the niche a nice soft greyish/taupe tone (can you match the lovely little tiles in your marble floor?) Then find a nice traditional wooden 3-4 drawer chest that will fit within that niche and use that to collect cellphones, mail, etc. A nice round or octagonal mirror in a gilded frame placed above this chest and an orchid in an elegant china cachepot will help round out that space.

At the end of the hall, place an upholstered bench - perhaps something with a nicely carved X-Base? Above the bench, replace the mirror with a nice large art piece - something that is peaceful and will draw your guests into your home.

Finally, a richly colored runner down the center - perhaps a Persian carpet with tones of red and gold or red and navy?

That's the landlord's stuff, so I'm guessing it'll go away when they move in.

Firstly...you should definitely get rid of the rugs on the wall! Bleh!

2ndly, if you're allowed to paint, definitely paint the walls. I think what would look REALLY lovely is a navy blue or a taupe, in a eggshell finish. This would look great if you replace the pendant light with a tiny chandelier or pendant piece. Shouldn't be too hard to do.

I would put something on the right wall, such as a comfortable long bench with a large piece of artwork above it, or perhaps something similar to this: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11970/index.cfm?pkey=call-entryway

or this (inside the red box): http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=11vlj4x&s=4

You should also hang some lovely artwork in place of the mirror and console.

As for the nook, I think what would look really neat is if you could find some chunky floating shelves that would fit the space (i.e. west elm), build a "bookcase" with three shelves, and display some beautiful vases.