True about the LED bulbs. And I agree about hating an off-center chandelier. That would drive me absolutely nuts! I was just on the Aladdin light lift website and they make lifts that are "remote mount." That might work in this situation. My contractor is looking into it.

HI -- I do not like houses that have these large open useless spaces . This is always a problem for noise and how to paint them and how to decorate . You would have to hire painters and the use of scaffolding and the high cost to do so and to maintain. That wasted square footage could be better used in the upstairs living areas . You could have some applied moldings in a square pattern or wallpaper for interest , or quilted fabric panels but some does not help with the sound . Tapestries or rugs or soft wall hangings helps a bit... as for a large painting that can be home made or the affect done with a wallpaper mural or a hired Artist . Maybe in the future consider having some of the area built in for useable square footage . That will add better value to the house .

Hi Everyone! Here’s an update, we are considering the herringbone design in foyer and hallway leading upto kitchen. Do you think that would look nice or do you like straight plank better? If we were to do brass inlay, do you know if it’s possible on unfinished flooring? We are sanding and staining on site. Thank you!

I like the current slate floor. It is beautiful and unique. I think the issue (if any) is that from what I can see in the adjacent room - your style is very traditional/transitional - and so the bold, MCM type floor is sort of the unwelcome guest. I don’t know if painting the floor solves that, because you still would have the free-flowing/staggered design/patterning of the slate - plus, you then permanently alter the floor. As another option, you could consider getting a much larger entry rug - that complements the rug in the adjacent area. The entry rug does not have to match that other rug in color, etc.; but should be a similar style - and an entry rug that would just about completely cover the slate floor. A rough view of the general idea: