The proposal reconfigures the space by changing the entrance to the kitchen and thus providing a wide view of the dining and living room. This opening will most certainly need a structural beam that, as you said, can be hidden in the false ceiling. You will notice that I recommend you move some furniture in this area for greater continuity between the spaces and the new kitchen, so now the piano, which has presence and an important weight in the decoration, in the main entrance of the room. And now the dining table is more connected with the kitchen.
The decision to close the original entrance to the kitchen and move the pantry room was to let in as much natural light as possible. In this side of the kitchen you will have cabinets up to the ceiling with plenty storage and so leave the other side with more open view. The island is the new focus point of the project, a place designed to increase work area and storage space, plus a meeting point with a lot of space around to allow passing and fluent work.
