Answer: Yes.

YES, far too busy. That’s WAY too much going on in one space.

Agree with others. It is way too much. It will cost lots to build, and detracts from the space. A big NO.

A big no. Keep it simple!

Are you sure your "architect" is really a licensed architect?

If so, it may be time for a change.

Thanks for your input everyone. I am going to ask my guy to simplify the ceiling to one or two trays and remove all that wood molding. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't making decisions in a vacuum.

I appreciate the help. Thank a bunch.

Is this commercial space?? It looks that way. I would change the ceiling design and lighting completely.

Here are some better designs.

HonestlyFloi think even those are too much

Could be but assuming owner likes basic look so just softening things up.

Why spend all that money to make the ceiling the center of interest?

Simplify the ceiling--no coffers, please--and save some $$$, improving the overall appearance of the space.

OP, I'm sorry, but your architect's renderings look like a spooky set from a future Terminator movie or something.

Meanwhile, Flo's first pic looks like the flight deck of an intergalactic battleship. :-D I watch too much sci-fi apparently.

At any rate, neither feels like a comfortable and relaxing room in an upscale home.

OP, what are you trying to accomplish with your ceiling? Are there some conditions you have to deal with in the ceiling we don't understand? I would surely simplify and don't want to discourage you from some dream you might have, but you can do better. Now is the time to revise the plan.

This is great. I think I wanted to be different. Everyone has coffered ceilings in their Craftsman homes around here. I saw some cove lit trays in some condos in NYC and they looked really good... so I was incorporating that feature. The great room has 14ft ceilings, so it is not typical height for a living room.

Based on comments, I am going to simplify the design. Probably just do one or two (one dining and one living) cove lights to separate the rooms. What do you think? See attached photos.

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One cove in each of the living and dining is a significant improvement.

But are you convinced you really need a cove at all?

I think you might be better off getting some spectacular chandeliers and lighting to define the spaces. Better place to put your budget dollars. Check out ylighting for contemporary designs. You will need some customization to get proper hanging distances. Many great sources for awesome lighting. Just a few. Look around and see what appeals and we can help you with sources.

To me, the rendering looks like it belongs to an office. It doesn't look like a home.

It looks austere in a not friendly way.

One reason I say that is that those rectangular lights look like traditional office ceiling fluorescents.

The furniture clusters are also organized as though at an office. They don't encourage interaction. They look like they're for men/women in suits who are not supposed to be touchy-feely with one another.

Perhaps it would be helpful to hire a designer and get a design plan together with furnishings, art, rugs and lighting. We design below 9’ so unless you plan some unique ceiling treatment your furnishings will drive design choices. And lighting concepts. Loads of great things can be done.