Split Level Entry Design

[Andrew Tuquilar]

Hey guys,

So I'm closing on my first property in one week, so I'm in the process of planing out the rehab. One area I'm having trouble with is the entry of the house. When you walk in the front door on the main(top) level the living room is to the right and I plan on making the space to the left a formal dining area. However, I believe that it looks TOO open with railings on both sides of the stairs. My initial thought was to build a wall in place of the railing on the left, but then I thought a half wall would be nice as well. A half wall would seperate the dining area but still allow some flow.

What do you guys think? Lighting is not an issue since there are huge windows on both sides. Also, the railing will get replaced since the balusters are way to far apart and was done incorrectly.