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.

Yes definitely would!! It brings its own personality to the room, allowing you to become extra creative. I love the idea of having a roof window, bringing natural light which opens up a room for sure.

Good morning! I love love love your ceiling! As others have asked - is it something that repeats through the house? I would 100% keep them - the key is to work with them not fight against them. I would also replace the light fitting - look at having recess lights installed. There are a number of things that you can do when you have such a prominent feature such as this in a room - you either choose to work with it and 'calm' it down into the space - such as painting the ceiling and the walls in the same colour - or you say - to hell with it and make it the hero of the room. I have seen some stunning ceilings where the walls have been painted in a 'white' and the ceiling painted in a strong colour such as navy which then ties into accents in the room. It would obviously depend on your personal style. Good luck!

Is there a particular reason you want to lower the alfresco height ? If I had to make a choice , I'd almost prefer to go for 2.7 indoors , 3 metre alfresco , because thats where you want that open feeling , the luxury of space and height , moreso in in an alfresco . As far as being noticed , the only time it wouldn't be too noticable ( IMO ) is if the alfresco floor was lower than the house level -- if you step 'outside' through a standard or sliding door , and the roof feels lower , I suspect you would notice it . That , afterall , is why you go for a 3 metre inside height , to feel open and spacious .