As a custom home builder, surely you know an architect or two you could consult.

Thank you for your feedback. I do, and I have. Everybody has great vision, including most people in this community. I enjoy the different design ideas from all the professionals on this site. Nothing wrong with getting several sets of experienced eyes on a project as that typically yields the best results. Thanks again PPF

I love the beams and the openness--I would not change the ceiling! I might raise the floor in that front living room areas, adjacent to the entry, allowing you you unify the flooring. That will make the entry/living room feel like one and it all will feel bigger. Good luck!

Raise the floor, remove the railings, as shirlpp and Just the Thing said.

You can tape white shelf paper over the rafters to test if you'd like to paint them the white ceiling color. Flattening the ceiling would remove the grace, airiness and drama from these rooms.

As other have said, I’d leave the ceiling alone and spend my money on getting the floor to one level, then new continuous flooring for the first floor (and bonus is you get to remove the railings)

O do no think the beams suit the house and 16' ceilings will then require maybe new HVAC system to handle the new volume . Yes to raising the floor but that will aslo open a can of worms . I would need to see pics of that whole space next to the entry , the railing is just tacky , If you post the plan in jpeg i could read it too

Your home is beautiful, love the outdoor setting. I would look at raising the living room floor first. With idea to replace all flooring from entry throughout the visible areas. Keep vaulted ceiling but decide after flooring if beam color needs an update.
Look forward to seeing your updates.

Thank you all for the responses, My apologies, I should have been a bit more descriptive with my original post. The entire house is being gutted, the floors and railing will all be demoed out and a continuous floor will be used throughout the entire main space. The 3 main support pillars are being removed as well with new supports being erected within the walls to carry the beam load. The front bay window is being removed and the entire front entry is being reworked. We are a little stumped on our entry and could use some design insight as it relates to the office, dining and entry spaces and how they all work together. Both sets of floorplans are attached for reference. Our only hangup with the new design of the plans is really the entry and the main room. The rest of the plans are pretty well dialed in. Thank you all for all the insight

This is a really well done home that might provide you with some inspriation.