If you don't want to stay with travertine floors in the entry, you might consider medium gray slate tiles, especially if your entry is one (or more) step(s) down from your main floor.

Thank you so much! Some answers to some questions: Budget around 3-5k (or more if needed), the cage is for the pup, and the sidelight window has a little privacy shade. As you can tell from the pictures, I'm really into classic European styles (hence the gold framed art in one picture). One foyer that inspires me is this one: [https://www.houzz.com/photos/calacatta-traditional-entry-new-york-phvw-vp~473673[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/calacatta-traditional-entry-new-york-phvw-vp~473673) , and [https://www.houzz.com/photos/hampstead-garden-suburb-house-traditional-staircase-london-phvw-vp~62027417[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/hampstead-garden-suburb-house-traditional-staircase-london-phvw-vp~62027417) which is much more spacious than the tiny hall, but it kind of illustrates my general style/theme. In a tight space like this, I'm not sure how I would pull it all together without making it look cluttered. Once again, thank you for the help.

For some reason, the full photo didn't attach the first time... here it is! Some really interesting comments. I am glad everyone thought painting the brick and shutters was a bad idea. I have been kinda torn about that. I definitely want to do new bigger, lighting. Sounds like painting the front door is popular, but I just bought the door and had it painted like wood. It is really beautiful. I will keep that idea for someday. A new rug and furniture is great idea. I was just thinking a few days ago about moving the sun to the back. I have a shrub there that should take up the space in a year or two. Thought about extending the porch somehow with large planters.

suezbell - some great ideas, thank you ! I really like the idea of extending the breezway back to make a foyer and covered porch on top. I love porches ! One thing though - the top of the floor of the breezeway is at grade whereas the top of the floor of the house lower level is about 2 feet below grade. It doesn't look like I would have room for a porch above, plus stairs would be required to access the porch from the living room. Also, I don't think we have the budget for anything additional to what's proposed. So, you think the garage with the shed roof looks ok with the breezeway & addition ? Definitely will consider a single door w/ sidelights at the breezeway entrance. Makes perfect sense. Still on the fence with windows at the front of the addition. See post above this one that shows possible window scheme. I'm not so keen on octagonal windows. The upper level full bath is existing. My design can keep it exactly the same except for the door. I could have the entry to the bathroom placed in the media room if I moved the bathroom sink across the room to where the proposed door will be. I know that it seems a little strange to go through a pantry. But it could be interesting. The pantry won't be a typical pantry - but more like a provisions store/ apothecary / elixir bar sort of thing. We are a bit unconventional. I agree that the living room is a bit long at 23'. based on this feedback, I moved the fireplace and sofa/sitting area towards the stairs by a few feet. The idea of a partition and closet is a good one- very practical. Something to consider, but I'm guessing my better half will want the expansiveness and view of the two story stairwell. I did manage to squeeze in an 18' long closet on the lower level at the front of the addition. You can see this in the renderings just above this post. What do you think of this closet ? Your idea of accessing the pantry/ storage from area near the stairwell is a good one. Something to look at further. As you mentioned, maybe split up the pantry into two seperate rooms. I would probably still want to access the pantry from the kitchen, but at the same time, I could get another 8' high wall cabinet in the kitchen. It would also give the kitchen a even more refined look. Below is a rendering of the kitchen as it is proposed now ( with the entry into the pantry). Again, thank you for all of the feedback. Very good information and much appreciated. I will take a closer look at your ideas and see what I can do. Mike