You can go larger on the light fixture that you think you can. Typically you can add another 2-3 inches when you are dealing with a two story ceiling compared to a lower ceiling, because the high proportions will trick the eye into thinking that the fixture is smaller than it is. For example, see this article: https://www.1800lighting.com/blog/entryway-foyer/choose-perfect-light-foyer.html This may open up your style options. Good luck!

From what I am seeing yes drop it to be seen .

The smoke detector will be removed

Quite some time ago I advised someone regarding a free standing wall placed in front of their front door to create a "foyer." This is not it and this is not free standing, but creating something similar that floats directly in front of the doors would also give you useful wall space on the living room side of it. It might not even have to come all the way to the ceiling; call it a "glorified" pony wall or room divider if you will. If needed, you could make it deep enough for a closet, but that will eat up living room floor space. ...just to get your creative juices flowing...