Best to post your space as well

That’s my space, although not the best pic

I like the example with the millwork on the lower half.

Thank you!

Always lean toward decorating at the level where the people live.

Thank you! I haven’t heard that before, mkes sense!

Top- the bottom looks too busy

I often prefer the bottom, however, with your room, I would like it on the top.

I like the dark coffered ceiling in your first photo, the 2nd photo emphasizes the horizontal trim rather than vertical, which is a good thing. I really like the drapery in this photo, the placement of the stripe is genius to draw your eye down. Both of your examples achieve the same thing, cutting the wall height horizontally to add comfort to the space. Keep your art placement in mind. I would create a horizontal band between the two sets of windows, but we are only seeing these two walls. This 2nd photo is over the top but shows the emphasis on the horizontal band of trim above the drapery.