As far as the entranceway rug is concerned, I'm in the "turn it 90 degrees" camp. I would really like to see a rug that lengthwise (orientation: facing the door) fits from the staircase wall on the left to the step edge on the right, and widthwise, from the door to at least the edge of the staircase, but extends no further that piece of wall partition. Another option is to go with something large but neutral to fit the space (like the sisal), but then layer a smaller rug or mat with a stronger pattern that you like where the length equals the width of the door. That way, the smaller one catches most of the dirt/mud/whatever, but the larger one gives the space the correct proportions. It's also a possible solution for the living room. And as far as the living room is concerned, I think part of the issue that you're having is simply from furniture placement. For example, I'll bet that the leather chair closest to the entryway door doesn't get used nearly as much as the other seats for two reasons: a) only the other leather chair is actually a comfortable talking distance from it, and b) people don't usually feel comfortable having their back to an entranceway. It tends to make us feel nervous; when I'm in restaurants, I sometimes find myself looking behind just instinctively. Your living room has fantastic windows and a wonderfully chunky fireplace that's the right scale for them, but the other side of the room doesn't seem to balance it out. A bookshelf or similar kind of unit is a frequent solution, and if you found something with a deep base, then you could use it as closed storage space (for your adorable little girl's toys, perhaps?), and then use the higher shelves for display, or just things you would prefer out of her reach. I'd also love another few shots from different angles inside of the living room. Right now, all I know on the one side is that you have a balcony above a green chair, but I have no idea if that wall partition is actually a full wall underneath it or just a support beam with a transition to another space.

Joanieponie here is a picture of the barn doors and track. They are mounted on the family room side. Someone suggested I could mount art to the doors and I think that's a very interesting idea that could look really great! Seems like everyone feels it makes most sense to keep the current entry and add a second one to the hallway. I'm on board with that and think it's the best option too. I sure am glad I received so many opinions because I was so tempted to close up the wall entirely and I probably would have been kicking myself later. I better call the GC first thing in the morning to let him know he doesn't need to bring drywall - just his hammer to bust out a second opening. He'll be thrilled since he thought I was off my rocker wanting to already Reno our new house he just built! Thanks everyone!

OK that helps. Bringing in the black will really help your overall look. Black helps "ground" a space. Here is a look that might be interesting and different for your high volume entry space. The glass globes hang from a center plate and you can design whatever look you want because each glass globe hangs independently. Believe it or not, it is pretty inexpensive as fixtures go for large, high ceiling spaces. This is a large home I did a couple years ago and with this turning staircase and a long window that faced outside, we wanted a "statement". This did it and didn't break the bank. You can get different numbers of glass balls as well. A good lighting store could help you do something like this.

Your home looks lovely and those floors are incredible. You must be in the northeast. The trick with this space is the scaling of the furniture. That's why I love telephone tables. Here is one I found on craigslist with perfect dimensions 29"wide x 19"deep x 32"high. These are great little pieces and enormously practical. With that being 19"deep, you have 45" side to side to work in the console. Go for something 10" deep and as long as you feel is the right length. Console bases can be made from anything and tops in wood/glass/stone. In your space, consider a mirror as large as possible to open it up. Carefully curating everything is the key for a well designed small space. I posted this pic to show you that even with many items in an entrance, it works and still looks open. I personally like classic contemporary, but layering interesting items looks welcoming and exciting.