The creamy/ I.e. warm white walls are going to be a nice change for you. Lighter, brighter and will really update the house, since grey fad is essentially over.
I am a bit unclear on complete layout from these pics. I don’t think 2 story foyer is an issue; it can lend a feeling of spaciousness, but the area at eye level is main factor in equation.
It is nice seeing fireplace from entry. Also nice that it is on the angle it’s on and not directly facing front door. The plant that is pictured also works very well. If kitchen is open to dining room and entry, as it appears to be, perhaps some kind of slider to allow for option of closing kitchen area off. A flexible wall, for all intents and purposes.
And I would put French doors on the den entry. Doors would open into den, so as not to block stairs. As shown below:
Another option, or additional option, would be to close off dining room and kitchen from foyer with a door system.
Some type of door system... A slider could give you the option of being able to leave part of it open to see fireplace from entry. Or you could completely close it off. Again, a flexible wall.
Q