I agree about consulting an architect or a designer who can work up a scale drawing including perspectives. That said, the ~ 8 foot ceiling was the standard for decades (and still is in much construction), and people have been perfectly content in reasonably sized rooms with 8 foot ceilings. I think the need for extra tall ceiling heights, particularly these near double height spaces, is grossly overstated in modern architecture. I live in a building with 14' ceilings and 23 foot (approximate length) parlors. This is a Very high ceiling. The floor I lived on with the 10 foot ceilings was a much more human scale for an interior, and 8.5 - 9 would have been adequate too, without the ornamental ceilings.

we are pretty set (99%) are getting the fans. however, getting them wired if we weren't to get them is a great idea! jennybc: the 2 rooms are going to be guest/computer style rooms. we have no kids and don't plan on having any. if we do, it will be just one. the upstairs calls for 8 foot ceilings with a vaulted ceiling in every bedroom. we are doing an angled tray in the master and still unsure about the other 2 bedrooms...either vault or leave at 8'. edit: also, we were thinking....in the great room with those 3 or 4 windows, what if you do those windows as a casement style? would that work? we're trying to get the same look of the fixed window in the rear of the house. i don't know much about casement windows and how much more they would be compared to double-hungs. the window is about 3x6/7 and then another square window above it (not sure how big that one is right now, maybe 3x2). i'm not sure if the casements are even made in that size. This post was edited by stblgt on Thu, Sep 12, 13 at 9:40

Darn! For some reason the majority of the photo is cut off, so you can't see everything properly.

I guess the next step depends on how far you want to go with a remodel. it looks like the ceilings and wall are clear douglas fir, beautiful. for flooring, bring home samples of what you like and look at them throughout the day and night, as your room has so much natural light, the colors will change a lot. if you think you may re-do your kitchen floors, i’d recommend a clear swedish finish on the red oak. i owned a similar 50’s modern home in seattle with red oak floors and they turned out beautifully, not amber at all. the swedish finish is a semi matte finish, easy to care for and doesn’t give glare from the light coming in from your windows. if you extend this flooring into the living room, it will make the house feel very cohesive and authenic. best of luck, its a lovely home.