You need to get estimates anywhay so the contractors should be able to advise you about this. I can't see why they did that though .

If you want the room to look more finished it would help to get rid of the exposed conduit. The best way to do that is to install furring on the walls, install new gyp. board and run electrical behind that.

I dont see why they did it that way either, but, there must be a reason. It shows up more because of the white strip between the two levels. If you have paint the same color, or plan on painting,, then paint it all the same color except for the trim at the bottom, and the trim around the door. (including the strips, and the electrical conduits, etc, it would be barely noticable. Its the white on the gray walls, that call attention to it. Also the drapery that you have on that wall. I cant tell why its there, but, if it is something you want to keep there, get some extender type curtain rod brackets, so it doesnt all lean in at the top. It would look much nicer if the draperies were also shortened so they just barely touch the floor. Congratulations on your new home.

Thank you all for your responses. I have plantation shutters currently but I have not ordered curtains because of the inset look of the old ones. I am afraid they left it like this “for a reason”. If I get foam insulation and drywall or just drywall, something “Florida” will happen that I am not prepared for. Yes, I want to hide the electric too. But for some reason, the shelf bothers me the most!! Thank you again, and if you can think of problems or solutions about this shelf please speak freely!!

Or if you have a reliable contractor you really like in Sarasota County, please let me know. I’m afraid if I randomly get someone, they will do the work to get paid. Not if the work is the right decision.

They probably did this to raise the ceiling height for habitable spaces. A door is 6'8" and in most areas a 7' minimum ceiling height is required.

What is the finish over the concrete block?

First check to see if that is a permited space.

Oh, and the correct name is concrete block, not cinder block.

Thank you! On the concrete wall there is an awful bumpy texture but it is intentional, it’s also in the laundry room. Once I get the shelf situation taken care of, I want to get it sanded and smooth plastered (I think that’s the term) and painted. I had a company paint the exterior of the house and they said they could smooth it all out and paint on top if I liked that look. They didn’t recommend that though because it would chip. The room is permitted, thanks for double checking. I swear everything needs permitting in Florida!!