I'm having a hard time understanding the area from the pics. What do you see as you walk in, and how wide/long is the foyer? It looks like the top pic is a view of the stairs going down with a gate at the top? Is that a TV or a picture hanging on that back wall?

I agree, it's really hard to get a perspective. Are the double doors the front doors?

The double doors are to a den. Here's the floorplan, if it helps - I'm working in the vaulted entry:

http://landforms.com/plans/141_Carlee/floorplans

The pictures were taken from where I was standing at the front door, and then from the 'living room'.

The thing on the wall is a see-through fireplace

For now with young children and pets I think focusing on art for the walls and area rugs with slip proof undermats will really help to add character to the space.

Ok, now I understand, thanks!

I would put narrow consoles or demilune tables on each wall on either side of the stairway, with mirrors or art over each one, and non-breakable items on each table (baskets, artificial plants, decorative boxes). Maybe a large piece of ironwork over the see-through fireplace.

I'd put a large rug in the area by the front door.

Oh, my, that just seems like really bad "Feng shui", to have the door open up to descending stairs. I think you need to direct people to the left, into the LR. Since you have a study and a nice big FR, perhaps you don't use it much. So, a wall from den to LR, with a ledge or narrow console table and great artwork above. Treat the LR as a sitting area, but with plenty of walking space. This will also keep people from veering to the right into the guest room; they will head back from the LR into the kitchen and Fr where the view and action are.

Above the fireplace, a rug or runner or, maybe, a kimono.

Agree with roarah about art and rugs. You don't want to put tables where anyone could possibly climb up and go over the railing. I love the see-through fireplace!