Small spaces with raised ceilings could look really cool. These are expensive and lux features. Saying this, IMHO space and are more functional house many times more important than these features.

Personally, I would vote for more space, though I LOVE high ceilings.

Looks too narrow and maze-like to easily get a bed in the bedroom. :-(

Without seeing the dining/living combo room, my first thought was that it may look/feel strange to have half of it double height and half of it standard height, especially with it being on the smaller side.

I'm fairly risk-averse, though, in general, so keep that in mind, lol.

Post an entire layout and mark what is existing and won’t be changed. It’ll help everyone to see how these spaces relate to the whole.

Thanks for the feedback so far, an important point was made, where the study is there is currently a landing with a half railing to below. I only discovered on hand over this weekend that the railing actually has a latch and flips downward to accommodate lifting large furniture upstairs as the staircase is quite narrow. I am not sure my architect factored in that and if I put a ceiling there I am not sure how we accommodate moving thing. But as Expat Home Styling said space to live and enjoy is the real point.

IMO a small space with double height ceilings looks like a tunnel and that bedroom/ bath layout would confuse anyone. BTW those high ceilings gobble up heating and cooling $$$$

High ceilings are great until you have to maintain them. Have the ultra high ladders handy for the smoke alarm battery replacement at 2am.

Have your architect sketch what would happen if you enclose the "open to below" space into the master suite. I think you'll be astonished by the difference.

On another note: many of the dimensions are too cramped. i.e. 2'-11" hallway into the master is barely enough for a 2'-6" door plus narrow trim. This should be at least a 2'-8" door and minimum 3'-4" hallway. Much better is 3'-0" door and 4'-0" hallway. Makes me question your architects level of experience/ attention to detail.

I would prefer more function, less form. Many people in the double height crowd are closing off the upstairs for more function and lower heating/ac $$$$.

Point noted about the heating and cooling, however where I live neither is an issue. I fully agree that the hallways cramped and the closets are too small, thank you also for pointing out the doorway entrance. I really wish I could see what the area would look like because the feedback on whether the ceilings would be attractive or tunnel like is conflicting. I will give it some more thought. I am even considering ditching the patio instead to make room

Can you have the plan done in 3D? That may help you make a decision.

I'm not a fan of high ceilings they never feel homey to me so I'd for sure vote to lose it.

If you are struggling with this small portion of the house, there is a good chance the rest of the house may require some struggle.