Opps, I missed out a piece of the issue. We would like to have the ceiling of the entire hallway space and great room be joined together cohesively, so that it doesn't feel like a hallway travesing the space as much as it is all one space. For that reason we want to remove the arch altogether, along with the wing walls and have it look morel like the photo I posted above.

BethH, yes we just recently bid out the job to switch our mantle with a dark piece of reclaimed wood. Unfortunately due to the way the original to home mantle was placed, the contractors did not want to take it on and felt that it would be difficult and we would have to paint the original limestone b/c there would be obvious color differences since it was protected under the mantle and used as a wood burning fireplace for decades. Since our total exterior is a limestone plantation style home we wanted to keep it limestone and not paint it white. We added a darker mirror. It's on it's way.

I'm trying to figure something similar for my master bath remodel. With such a dark paint, I'd do a classic bright white on the wainscot & ceiling. My only fear is that the wall color looks like it would clash (shows as cream in pics). A warm natural stain for the door & replace the clear glass with frosted panes (or if your crafty & have a steady hand, diy it).

Wall ovens in a bad place. Fridge should be moved to the outside for accessibility to others in the kitchen without intruding into the work zone. The ovens have no landing zone to set a hot pan of something to check it's temp, etc. Agree with that area being too "heavy". I think it LOOKS Like you have a lot of room but you will prep between the sink and cooktop and you will feel enclosed and cramped (by Mrs Pete's 'always outs'). AND you'll be booking the dishwasher. A 2d plan with measurements and how this room related to others will get your more relevant feedback. Right now - this one does not feel cohesive or well thought out from a "how does a kitchen really work" standpoint.