Find big art. You CAN do it, even if it's framed museum posters with the museum ID part lopped off. I have 11 foot high ceilings and huge rooms, and my framed Ingres ladies add a lot to the space.

Hang a large fabric panel, stretched on canvas stretchers. (I have some in my place that are 36" x 54"). Remnants of Marimekko or other cool fabrics can be found relatively cheaply and hung easily for a big pop of color on a wall.

Tall plants will draw the eye upward.

The stretched fabric as 'instant wall art' is a little dorm room feeling. If you can't afford a really big piece of artwork, try a really big standing mirror.

Or, if you've got the space, try a big graphic mobile to hang from your ceiling. Something that will pick up colors elsewhere in the room and draw the eye upward.

http://www.polishposter.com/html/cieslewicz.html

my go to for inexpensive, fresh art...group two on the bottom, two above...leave only 2 inches between each so it gives the impression of one large piece.

have a graffiti art canvas party......buy a piece of art canvas (by the yard at art supply stores). provide markers or spray cans (outside use only), and invite friends over to fill with drawings and images, words.

create sleeve at the top and bottom, insert aluminum or wood slat, and hang.

It's really hard to suggest art for someone if you know nothing about them. Having said that, you should consider having a favorite photo blown up. Look for something unusual or patterened. If you look around online you can find some fairly inexpensive to very expensive options for making as big of a statement as you want. Something a little abstract makes a huge statement at that size.

Another Idea that I've had for my own place is to use a large strip of interesting/fancy wallpaper and placing it (not pasting it) in a strategic spot... like the end of a hallway. A metal rod at the top and bottom will keep things straight and taut.

Oh and adding to Maude's suggestion... try the International Poster Gallery on Newbury St. They have many large sized, interesting posters. It will cost you though...

Why not get a huge canvas from the art store and a bunch of paints from the paintstore - lay it on the floor over a painters canvas (to catch the drips) and Jackson Pollock with it?

Actually, Modfan, when it has classic Marimekko panels by Maija Isola stretched on it, it has zero resemblance to a dorm room.

I have 11 foot ceilings so I deal with this all the time - it is really hard to get something tall. In fact, if you want to buy the 9' tall tribal wall hanging I'm about to replace...

Go to Chinatown and get inexpensive hanging scrolls for narrow walls and paper lanterns to hang at various heights to move the eye.

Consider putting floor lamps on top of 3" tall bookcases - may make them just the right height.

Look at ikat textiles from the Indonesian of Sumba - they're large, as are Japanese "boys day" banners. They'll cost at least $500 each but make a real statement. Or buy a large suzani or other tribal textile on eBay.

Group smaller items up a wall - vinyl record covers, photos, textiles, shallow baskets, whatever.

When you place things in your room, be aware that the eye needs to flow both across the room and up the walls, so be sure to vary the heights of things. This is MUCH more of an issue with high ceilings.

And don't be surprised if you're a bit chilly at some times of the year - with high ceilings, the heat isn't where you are.

Good luck!

I also have a landlord with a "no painting" clause in the lease. However, I was able to change her ming by promising to repaint the walls 30 days prior to moving out and adding this in an addendum to the lease. It took a bit of convincing (I believe my firstborn was mentioned), but it worked. I am now blissfully painting the bedroom area aruba pink and adding a fabulous pattern to the hallway.

good luck!

Oops! it's "mind", not "ming"