This is a structural evil that you will have to live with. But there are ways to turn it to your advantage. You could add a false ceiling between the beam and the far wall (about 6 " or so above the height of the soffit (bottom height) of the beam. As an extension of the false ceiling, you can also add a matching fake beam on the far wall side. Then recess lights into the false ceiling. In this way, you can turn this portion of the ceiling into a feature. With this feature, you could also turn attention away from the upturned 'pit' portion between the beam and the far wall. A fake beam at the far end will not interfere with circulation space, since you could place an entertainment unit there As an alternative to the false ceiling, you could create shallower beams in wood in that portion, parallel to the existing beam

Hi Ni, I just thought of something....did you say you planned to do the stencil motifs on the window wall? If so, I am thinking they will be mostly hidden by the curtains. I wonder if it might be better to stencil the long wall that is on the right side of the room when looking toward the window. I could see this being a pretty backdrop to the prayer box (I think that’s what you called it?) and your wood cuttings. Then maybe the opposite wall (the one with the kitchen doorway) could hold a large piece of art?

I'd go for make it white; then right there, flop one nice little white overstuffed loveseat or something that fit, or one big whopping chair, and fit in a tiny table and light; treat that corner as it's very own micro-retreat, and the seating is to not face out into the room. Like little lounge spots put under stairs, make this one dedicated to the view; and make it minimal. Decorate the rest of the room as if the column and retreat bit isn't there.

Yes sure ... we did something which I believe is a club of various ideas and expertise.. Though incomplete now , I will post what we have done till now. First we have around 8 feet appox glass 12 mm between the pillars. secondly we have three boxes 27" in height with focus halogens at the bottom. Now we will decorate these boxes with glass pebbles for awesome reflective / color effect. -I do need idea on what fillers can be used which will make me buy less glass pebbles ..else i would need at least 30kg plus of these pebbles. Thirdly we will now have glass film behind these 3 tall glasses to make it quite attractive and something which will look better with or without light. The idea is to add some golden plants in the middle i.e golden leaves and branches etc. -I would like more input on what films would look great behind these pillars. Or any other idea. I will definitely post once we are done with it.