It appears your foyer is just not large enough to put any piece of furniture there without infringing on the DR space. You might have a wall mounted shelf on the wall before the kitchen entry and possibly place a stool underneath it for seating. Possibly, not knowing how large your dining table is, you could orient it perpendicular to the windows, which could give you more wall space for your entry. As for the light, just make sure it is over your table. Don't worry about whether it is centered with the front windows.

Don't have time to answer all of your questions but here's what I can suggest: 1) Lower the mantle on fireplace a little, as well as the painting in the niche. (See #2 here) Consider changing the mantle to something less rustic and paint in color A (see next suggestion) 2) Open spaces should be cohesive - which you can easily do with paint. Choose 2 colors or 2 shades of the same color and vary placement in different areas. (see #5 here) Consider adding a simple chair rail to the dining area. For example, with minimal effort, you could use color A below the chair rail in dining area, as the dominant color in window treatments fabric (I"d use draw drapes) , the back wall of niche, throw pillows, lamps ac, and maybe an area rug in living room, and in accessories (see #3 here) in living room and kitchen. I'd consider adding some of that color to kitchen also -- back of open cabinets for example, recovering bar stools and dining room chair seats to match drapery fabric and possibly slip covering one of the armchairs in the living room in a pattern that incorporates the wall colors with other colors in the space. You want to use coordinates, not just the same solid everywhere so look for different textures or patterns to add. Hope that helps. I've inclluded links to additional info about topics I mentioned that I think you'll find helpful. 3) see #2 - I'd choose lamps with either a base or shade to match color A. (See #7 here) 4) Add plants. If you aren't there often enough to take care of them, use artificial greenery.

Since you are changing floors.....why not take down the dining room walls and capture all that square footage to make a great entertainment space with a true eat in kitchen space and enjoy your nice big kitchen, all in one...? If you want a formal dining room, turn your formal living into the dining room?!

The (real, licensed) architect drew in the same layout we’ve seen in suburban model homes everywhere. He freely admitted that these layouts are not his strong suit and didn’t want to spend any time in it. I didn’t share the drawing because I don’t want to get hung up on tweaking the original idea. I thought starting with a blank slate would inspire more creativity. Also, I’d prefer to have a round dining table for better interaction when we’re all together. I’d also like to avoid placing the TV above the fireplace if there are better alternatives.