Entry to the house is a dark hallway

I'd paint the walls a very light color immediately. Right now they look like wallboard, and they seem to be absorbing whatever light does come in.

paint the walls lighter color.replace the carpet with a neutral color,use art work with bright colors

Hello! Lightening the walls with white paint is a great idea! In addition, I like the idea presented at the link below. It shows a lighted window created at the end of the hall to give the hall a brighter, larger look. While you cannot make one for the end of the entryway, since your front door is there, the “fake window” would look good on either wall. A large hanging mirror would also open the space.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/windows/my-long-dark-hallway-needed-some-lights-14056800?se=fol_new-20170925-2&slg=eb30fe23a9fc83e5521e645ffbe8df4d-27032738&post_position=1

Strategic mirrors, Sconce lighting, art with accent light. Could do inexpensive shiplap hack & white wash before other décor ideas. 1/4" plywood cut into same with strips but vary length. Use liquid nails to adhere and quarters to space. Then white wash & decorate. If there is any light on other side of door you could cut out size you want in door, get glass from glass shop/not big box, then frame it out. In my house I used recessed lighting throughout because I don't like dark rooms, & I put them all on dimmer, then I used pretty decorative lighting also for options. Okay 1 more option. You can put crown molding at slightly lower position and have open top where you run strand lighting (similar to white Christmas lights)

I have a few ideas in addition to painting it a light color 1) hang mirrors on the wall, l have 2 that look like windows in my dark hallway 2) take an old window (thrift store) use etching crime to make it translucent and tuck battery powered light strips, or stings behind it to make it look like light coming in 3) use a semi-gloss or high gloss paint on the hall walls, they are very reflective 4) If you have a one story house adding even one light tunnel makes a huge difference. We added one to our hallway and one to a very dark windowless bathroom 3 years ago, I still check to see if the light switch is turned on

Definitely want the paint to be glossy! Crown molding would work to hide a light source.

For an elegant entry, I would do the trey ceiling a beautiful metallic like Rustoleum's Metallic ceiling in sterling silver/dark pewter, the walls I would do a strie pearl in pale grey or white, http://31qwwx2bh9ox35t0h84591ug.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Polished-plaster-strie-mineral-pearl-flashe-moscow-sample.jpg

ceiling.... https://i.pinimg.com/236x/3b/f7/82/3bf78202b346f8cfc4ade2f55796e3a7--paint-decor-ceiling-color.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/3b/f7/82/3bf78202b346f8cfc4ade2f55796e3a7--paint-decor-ceiling-color.jpg

https://www.google.com/search?q=pearl+strie+walls&client=opera&hs=did&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi1hfuU3drWAhVJImMKHVT2DQkQ7AkINw&biw=1366&bih=629#imgrc=Wp3DPcQfweedWM:

Then I would add moulding up near the trey ceiling and put in some LED strip lighting. add a couple elegant sconces on each side, and maybe even a glass and chrome half moon shelf for your keys.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/53/02/b7/5302b758e0856cab2f6d924f7b6f04c9.jpg

http://www.lampsplus.com/products/possini-euro-design-13-and-one-quarter-inch-high-art-glass-wall-sconce__17057.html

http://www.lampsplus.com/products/possini-euro-exeter-3-inch-wide-led-nickel-bathroom-light__5t766.html

Perhaps a small table with a lamp - I'd put a mirror over it so it reflects the light.

Could you install one of those tube skylights?

I agree solar tube or skylight, mirrors...

Long oriental or other patterned runner to fit your taste . Comes in a roll at the carpet store. They will cut and bind the ends for you. Pick up a light shade in the runner and paint the walls. Consider crown molding if your budget allows. Some large beautiful artwork. If you are on a budge, look at thrift stores. Pick up one of the colors in the rug, and look for paintings that have those colors. Some metallic candle wall sconces. Looks like you have adequate room for a semi circle or oblong table, with a mirror, and a side chair. Great to be able to sit you pocket book/keys prior to leaving the house, etc.

Mirrors give an illusion of windows and reflect opposite of it. You need mirrors and maybe silver toned decor

The simplest solution is to replace your front door with one that has a large window area. Beautiful front doors can be purchased at a reasonable cost at a Habitat for Humanity Restore, or similar.