I like second plan! That space will fit the wardrobe perfectly. Take all colors from the art. The colors can be lighter or darker than the colors you see in art. Take "Venice" with you to paint store and they might be able to help you choose good colors. Idea: paint four walls the same and see if you like that. If you feel the room lacks interest, then paint the accent wall. Choose a pale green that harmonizes with "Venice" and a darker green accent. Yellow + red accent White + blue accent

I think a comfortable distance between the island and the counter is around 42". It seems that you have only 30" between your cook top and the counter. I might be a little too tight. The wall between the entrance and the kitchen could be 4' long instead of 6', you would then be able to move the island a foot which would give you more room between the cook top and the island. Could you switch the location of the toilet and vanity in your dad's bathroom so your enter facing a vanity instead of a toilet which is a lot nicer.

OK... but the wire wont be lower as it is fixed now. The wire in the pics below is the wall facing each other. They were leveled on equal height but the beam on one wall makes it seem a little above. But i think you guys are absolutely right that up and down lights wont look good there. I think you are right about down lights lessismoore. Would it look good if i go with two different lights on opposite walls??? it would look odd right.

I agree with painting the doors. All my interior doors are a deep charcoal grey. You'd be surprised how expensive it makes them look. That aside I would start with a rug. A huge rug. Something chic with a lot of color. Then add love seats in white, colorful pillows, and chairs in fabrics that pickup the colors in your rug. No BIG furniture. Just because you have a big room doesn't mean you need to stick a brown sectional in it. A couple fancy topiary would look great under those windows. And dont forget lighting.