Perpendicular from the DOOR. The last photo in your latest post shows the planks sitting perpendicular (running "across" the threshold) is the less attractive way to do this. The OTHER thing to take into consideration is DIRECTION OF NATURAL LIGHT. Assuming your home has the same type of windows/natural lighting, you want to run the planks in the same direction as the source of natural light (windows). That means the long beams of light will be the same direction as the long length of the floor planks. Your last photo shows the OPPOSITE to what I'm pointing out. I would run the long length of the plank from the DOOR to the bottom of the stairs (the opposite to what your last photo shows). Going back to your original plans, that means the LONG LENGTH of the plank will start at the door and run AWAY to the back of the home (past the stairs and into the great room). And all the rooms will keep this direction. It will mean the flow of natural lighting is maintained with the direction of the plank - a double bonus.

You need to run the floors opposite the direction of the joists. If you are on a concrete slab and using engineered wood then you can go either direction and posting photos of the plan will get your question answered.

ok, you sure you want to use laminate? you don't want replace the 2.5" (or 3.5'?) oak flooring? if you get the unfinished T&G stained on site, you may be able to salvage some of the flooring. (even though it may looked thrashed, you'd be surprised at what taking off a layer and re-staining them can do. I've refinished wood that looked like it belonged in the garbage. when I redid it, you'd have sworn it was new). Have you called out a reputable company to see what they say? The reason I'm pushing it is, hardwood or engineered is always preferable. LVP is not long lasting and certainly isn't a trade 'up'. Flooring is one of the most important upgrades in a home, so you shouldn't scrimp. remember, wood floors will be the last flooring this home needs for 50 years (barring disasters). vinyl lasts, what, 10 years? if you had to replace it 3 times, would it still be worth the lower cost? You think those gray vinyl planks will still be 'in' 8 years from now? I can tell you w/100% that the wood will still be in style. And the stained wood will look so good next to your black brick. Kudos to you for picking a bold choice. what else do you plan on doing in that room? what color were you going to paint that fireplace wall? doing any wood furniture? rugs?

This is the tile. It's fairly neutral with no real pattern to it. https://www.msisurfaces.com/porcelain-praia/crema/ Laying it lengthwise with the floor is the most logical choice. I just wasn't sure if it would accentuate the length of the room too much (if that's a bad thing).