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.

Perhaps a large round table might mean a rug is not at all necessary. It could be a metal tray table, or carved wood like Rebecca Mitchell Interiors illustrates. Ideas also to consider, using multiple tables can be found at http://www.houzz.com/multiple-coffee-tables. I also agree with comments above that some color is needed on the walls. You could then hang round mirrors, or an unusual curved shape like RMI shows above.

Referring to the sketch above as option 1 you can have two option, option 1, as obvious cutout at the middle of the u shape staircase, in addition to this you can also have a double height entrance foyer with a chandelier in between hanging from the top. on first floor you can shift the balcony door side ways as mentioned with a circle. referring to the image above option 2 option 2 would be a complete change of staircase orientation , bringing the staircase in front foyer, extending the upper cutout as marked in dotted line, the new found area can help you extend your both bathrooms areas or can help you put some ground floor furniture or a informal study area.(see if your FSI permits to all these changes). and on the top your new area can accommodate your big gym equipment's like treadmill , and some additional gym storage. here you can also get to know from top who has arrived to your front door peeking downwards. further the walls of this area can be decorated while doing interiors and make the foyer look grand & luxurious. option three, If you are thinking of giving a cutout in center of the hall, please avoid, your areas above wont be usable in an appropriate way. cheers

Anita Vitrified tiles by themselves do not particularly allow the walls to breathe, and hence are prone to cracking. That being said they do not collect moss either. If you are however set on using these tiles, I suggest you use them in a mosaic fashion, where smaller tiles or broken pieces are used. This will allow the wall to breathe, though the moss collection might be more due to the greater amount of grating.