This is an older house with no overhead light in the livingroom. It is required that there be an on/off switch by the front door that controls an outlet where a lamp can be plugged in. There is an existing on/off switch by the door for the porch light and an electrical outlet close to it. It will be nearly impossible to thread wires from the basement up because these are plaster walls, not drywall. What can I do?

There are wireless remote controls that would fit the bill. They control anything that will plug into it. You just have to deal with battery replacements

Unless you have conduit Smoothy hasthe best answer. I recently installed a wireless remote for my work shop, works great until I reach the main panel for the rest of the lights