I und

erstand the want for natural light! 10x4 is a large cut out. Are you thinking horizontal above the couch? Is that a load bearing wall? If so you'll need someone with structural knowledge. Otherwise could you do two long vertical openings to each side of the sofa perhaps between studs which would let in light, but still allow some feeling of privacy in the one area . Do you want to visually see between the rooms, or just have the light? You'll also get all the sounds and smells. I did upper openings in our country farm home- pics 1 & 2.. Mine are far different since I did it between the studs, but it does add light and air flow. In our farm conference room we did two upper windows with matte glass- Pics 3 & 4.. The window in the 3rd pic actually goes out to a garage. On the last picture I didn't want the "window" down low since the restroom doors were opposite it in the hallway.

What do you use that space between the front door and dining for?