I spent 2 days on my own in Tokyo and had a VERY difficult time, but the decor had nothing to do with it. I had only 2 meals in 2 days because I couldn't find restaurants. I'd find these windows with food displays, and no door into the restaurant. The doors on either side of the restaurant would lead into the lobby of an apartment building, or into some dark stairs into a basement, which I wasn't going to explore. My 2 meals ended up being at McDonalds and Subway. :/ I was generally lost the whole time. It was a stopover on my way home from a work trip in China. In China, taxis are cheap (by North American standards). So I'd find a taxi stand and hand the driver a card given to me by the hotel that told the driver where to go, and he'd bring me home. Leaving the hotel, I'd have the doorman write down where I was going throughout the day on a piece of paper, and I'd give that to the driver. But in Tokyo, taxis were out of my budget. So I took the subway. And somehow I had no issue finding my stop (English characters on subway signs?). But then I'd come out of the subway, have no idea which way I was facing, and couldn't read the kanji on the street signs. That's pretty much my only memories of Japan, being lost.

I love art on stair ways and landings, it creates curiosity and a sense of mystery about what is unseen in the rest of the home. Original art is compelling and to my thinking well worth the investment, so I think an oil painting would be great in that spot. With art the best way is to buy what "speaks" to you so if you are uncertain and close to a city with an art museum they often have lend/lease programs where for a relatively small fee you can select an original piece to hang for a month or so. These are not pieces from their collection, but from (usually) local artists. If you like the piece the option to buy is available. It gives you a chance to see what you enjoy. From there you can look to similar prints, if that's what the budget allows, or seek out artists at city art walks, open studio days, or even local art schools. Some savvy interior decorators I know even find great stuff at thrift stores. If you decide to go with a mirror and chest, then adding a beautiful lamp and a large vase with fresh flowers, to reflect in the glass, would be lovely as well.

Your foyer is gorgeous. Not knowing what your style is, first go "shopping" in your home. You would be surprised the collection you can gather. I agree with a larger lamp and small framed art (butterflies/vintage tile). A collection of same type or same color items is always impressive. Add a runner rug in front of the buffet. Here are some inspiration pics: ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Crystal vases and sculpture/bust ^ ^ ^ ^ Artistic flower arrangement and same type vessels ^ ^ ^ ^ Family or trip black and white photos in beautiful frames with other black and white framed alike photos in between windows and a sculpture and two tall thin lamps between windows ^ ^ ^ ^ Simple vase with branches, and artful composition of framed collection (bugs/jewelry/pressed flowers). The silver leaf frame and the gold gilt accessories sharpen the vignette.

start with 30 in deep and 6 ft long...a farmhouse style island. open shelf below or else 15 in deep cabinets or drawers..... on kitchen side. best is 15 in overhang with a few stools if you really think seating will be appreciated it appears youd have walk around clearance if you stick w about 30 in . thing to do is tape off these approx dimensions w blue tape on the floor and see what happens with ?walkability and is 6 feet about right for what youd desire for use. ???? taping off on floor is your action to evaluate since there is nothing there. .