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Okay seriously, the number one way to make it look great is to put away the junk. The duct is the least of the problems. You must clean up the space. Replace the rug with a Sisal Rug (they also make imitation indoor/outdoor sisal rugs).
Then you can see my previous post:
1. Get rid of the pegs for coats and shoes. In a small space, added storage like this takes up valuable visual space. And you live in Tega Cay, SC, it's not that cold for most of the year. Sure today it's 40-degrees out, but you can put your coat in a closet somewhere else. And shoes in the entryway? Put them away.
2. Try adding moulding to the entry way. Wainscoting and beadboard or other materials added to the walls can actually incorporate the 30" x 30" furnace intake into the design and you will not notice it any longer. This can be done inexpensively with 1" x 4" particle board which can be painted very inexpensively but give you a GREAT upscale look. If you want photos of similar project, email me back.
3. Also, dont be afraid to paint the banister. Some homeowners find that this helps enlarge the space by eliminating a big dark "LINE" running through the space. But this would depends on the overall design of the space.
I am remodeling my entry and stairs and hallway presently. I would suggest using a light neutral color for hte entryway. A light color or maybe add the bold bright white moulding to a neutral palette will brighten up a small space that gets limited light. Additionally one centerpiece will help to attract attention to the location, but you only wanna draw the eye to one spot and no more than that in a small space. I agree a nice vase and fresh flowers or a plant is an excellent suggestion. No coat rack or anything like this. Have a closet close to the entry to hide all this. If there is none, build one or get a hall tree or bench with storage under it for shoes and things. Crown moulding helps with the wow factor and I believe would draw the eyes upward and make it appear to have a tall ceiling. Additionally stairs can always be touched up with paint and/or waxing/refisnishing the wood treads and bannister. The way I look at it this spot should give the punch ...it is where the wow factor should happen upon walking throught he door. Good Luck, it has taken me forever but I have had zero help and am meticulous or OCD as my wife would call it.
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I figured out how to add pics, now picture this without the stuff -- but I also need storage spots to hand coats and put shoes --- can you help? 
Any ideas for putting wow in dull entryway?
lawolf
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Our front entry is tiny. Steps go up on right, three steps down after small walkway, to big, ugly furnace intake/cold air return (30x30) Can't cover vent --- yuck! Also, hall is about 36 inches wide and we hang coats (on pegs) , put shoes there. Entry itself is hardwood, stairway is carpeted in neutrals, banister is dark wood, hallway walls are offwhite. Too small for a bench or urns, etc. Nice entry rug -- updated front door to glass, wrought iron -- anything else we can do? Help?
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