We just bought our first house (!!!!) but are having difficulties deciding how to arrange the rooms on the main floor.

There are a couple main things we need to address:

1. Front door opens right into stairs going up and living room - how do we create front-entry storage for all our coats, etc.?

2. Do we put a TV in both the front room and the back, or just one? We like to watch TV while we cook and sometimes eat dinner.

3. How would the TV room set up work in the front? TV against the stair-well wall or opposite? Couch / chair placement?

4. We were thinking about getting a counter-height kitchen table since it seems weird to have a low table in the middle of the kitchen - anyone have any thoughts on this either way?

5. Any other recommendations on how to arrange the kitchen seating?

I've uploaded the floor plan here for reference - ANY input at all would be much appreciated!!

Thanks in advance :)