I plan to install laminate flooring in my family room kitchen and dining room and would like it to all flow together. The rooms are open to each other. I would like advice on the direction in which to lay the flooring. The planks are about 5 inches wide.

The family room is long and narrow (11.5' wide X 18.5'long) with the entrance to it being a 5 foot opening from the foyer and front doors of the house. The room extends down long and narrow to the 8 ft. sliding glass doors at the far end. There is one solid long wall on the left side that is 18.5' long. On the opposite side the room opens into the kitchen with a peninsula and open walkway into the kitchen. See attached photo.

Should the flooring run lengthwise meaning south to north and in the direction you would walk into the room from the front door and then out the back door? Or should the flooring run width wise from west to east to make this narrow room not look even longer and narrower like a bowling alley?

Please advice. Thanks