For lower ceiling heights, keep the ceiling color lighter than the walls. Either go with white or a lighter shade of your wall color. If you are torn between the two options, go with white.

I've heard recommendations to go with a higher sheen/glossy paint for the ceiling to help reflect the light, but I'm still a fan of going with a flatter finish to hide imperfections in the drywall.

Regarding the walls, accessorize the space with large artwork. Larger pieces will make the ceilings feel taller. Also, floor-to-ceiling window treatments can also be used to help make the space feel taller by adding a vertical dimension to the space.

Finally, pick furniture pieces that feel "lighter" and have a lower profile to them. If your home has a modern vibe to it, embrace it.

I do not think the 8ft ceilings will make you feel scrunched in a 4000sq ft home.

divide and conquer. even a 9' ceiling will appear lower if the space is very large; just walk through the lower level of penn station some time to see what i mean.

a large open space can be divided into 'roomlets' with some space between. the more intimate the seating group, the more proportionally tall the ceiling will feel overhead. its when you can look the full length of the space that the ceiling really feels low.

you might even like having something like a floor to ceiling screen at the edge of the wall to give a more divided illusion.