Skylights in a dining room, especially 3?? is a waste of money. Lighting would be better use of reno budget IMO. Two different ceiling heights in a small space looks very choppy so I wouldn't do that. Drawing is very hard to read and assess, but I don't like step down rooms like the fam room? Level it out if you can. Especially if you have small children that can be quite a dangerous situation. If you can post a clearer drawing, might be able to help more with the kitchen.

thank you, Flo. I'll try to figure our a way to get better photos, and I uploaded the kitchen only as an edit to the original post.

I agree re: lighting, the skylights unnecessary (esp with lots of windows and sliding glass doors). So instead of two different ceilings, would you just exist with a flat 8 foot ceiling? I'm trying to picture it in my head, as I really desired "height".

the design of the step-down was for two reasons:

1. out of consideration for my father in law who is wheelchair bound: trying to keep a relatively flat space that allows him to mobilize/sit in rooms without us having to physically transport. So the family room can let him seat "above" us while still feeling included.

2. also, the step-down room allows me to get the 9 foot ceilings I want (since we are keeping the upstairs structure above, the only option is to lower the ground)

Any thoughts on kitchen design? Or room sizes? Do they feel spacious even if sqft lacking? Any ideas?

I don't have specific kitchen designer. I'll google what "tray or pop up" area means...I think the problem is the shape/division from the limits above literally come half-way into room, so if I'm imagining a rectangle pop-up inside a rectangle that won't work here :/

the "drop down" in family room allows for flat floor for all of house/single level except that space of step down.