Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - transitions and design (Laminate installation)

I will be installing my first laminate floor pretty soon, and while I'm confident in my ability to do the job, I'm struggling with one aspect. I'll be doing the foyer, living room, hallway and three bedrooms. When entering the house through the front door, I think it would look best if the boards ran length wise through the foyer and into the living room. Here's the problem. The hallway runs perpendicular to how I want the boards running in the living room, and I want the boards running length wise down the hallway as well. Can I butt the short ends of the boards to the long side of a perpendicular board? Or do I need to use T-molding? I'd really rather not have a T-molding "bump" between the living room and hallway but I don't want it to look stupid either. Also, the hallway has an "L" at the end. Should I "turn" the boards with the corner or keep them running the same way as the rest of the hallway?

I've been looking at "Stepco" laminate flooring. Is it a good brand? Comments?

More questions later... I'm sure. John

Whenever possible, it is best to lay flooring perpendicular to the joists for maximum stability.

I'll be installing it over concrete.