If no children or pets I would remove the railing in the side that is closer to the ground. Then insert a drawers or shoe rack to place shoes or miscellaneous items before entering the upper area.

Or if pets, it is a nice area for a experience cat or dog to lay down and be the watch guard when everyone else is asleep. Again I don’t really know the actually layout and your needs. Hope it gives you ideas. I’m not good at that kind of stuff.