We have raked ceilings in our new split level extension that follows the fall of the land (and in the rooms that were part of the skillion sections of the old cottage) and I love the sense of space they give and also the fact that the inside reflects what is happening on the outside of the house. We have used ceiling boards (painted white – I didn't want to feel like I was living in a cigar box) both in the old cottage and in the new section and they certainly add an enormous amount of visual interest to the rooms as well. However, I endorse the comments about the added trickiness of light fittings. Pendants with rods are out and pay particular attention to the little rose/canopy thingies that connect pendants to the ceiling – make sure that they sit flush with the ceiling and don't have weird unsightly bits that you can suddenly see because of the angled ceiling. We have successfully used LED downlights with a recessed diffuser and dimmer switches to make sure there is no glare but if the raked angle isn't too extreme they are a definite possibility.

Looking at the first below I'd say, to be on the safe side, the bedhead should show half to three quarters above your tallest pillow. The second photo I believe shows too much bedhead.

You can have what ever ceiling height you can afford. But also think of what height windows, internal and external doors will be. What heating and cooling system you will install. What window treatments will be required for extra height windows, etc etc. Our double storey home has 2700mm ceilings throughout with 2400 doors and windows. This height is ideal. A gable ceiling in the living and dining areas, I think, has more character than a 5 metre ceiling in one room. Have 2700 ceilings throughout the remainder of home. Depends on the aesthetic you are going for, to what the design could be.

Renovating or restoring as many Victorian features as possible .....Should the 3300 section of your hallway have the original cornice, retain/restore, Many Victorian terraces have a bulkhead along the hall with arch and corbels.