Eric
If the listening position is across the large opening separating the kitchen and entertainment room, given you have an opening on the right that makes it difficult to put both surrounds to the side of your listenning position, I'd recommend placing then as the former owner has only lower them so the bottom of the speakers are flush (or nearly so) with the openning (to allow space between the top of your surroiounds and the ceiling).

Enjoy your new house - Paul