Our sitting area has a double height ceiling and extremly tall window. Whilst this means we have plenty of natural light and heat we have lots of problems with how to decorate this space.

The room is 11' 3" x 15' 6" (3.4m x4.75m). The window is at one end. The other end opens almost fully on to a dining are (normal height ceiling which often looks&feels pokey in contrast). The third wall has a one-and-a-third height arched opening which uses about 1/3 of the walls length. The fourth wall is complete.

The ceiling has a simple, uninspiring knockdown finish but no trim/coving/cornice and no ceiling light, nor provision for a ceiling light.

I feel like saying, if you want a comfortable, stylish looking room, you shouldn't start from here!

We like most of the furniture and the rug we have in the room. As to walls, our tastes run to the fabulous blue-grey-greens tones that F&B tease people with. And patterned paper- but loose, organic, richly hued patterns. We can't bear monochrome 'key' patterns, or chintz of course ;)

Fundamental problem is, how to cope with the vast expanse of wall above the natural sight lines.

Do we divide and conquer with coving/trim at different levels? Do we combine paint and paper? How would that look? Do we hang enormous, overlong pictures?

Simply stumped- I would love some advice, please!