How about gray wood and black shutters? Something like this..

can you post a pic? I've painted a few stained doors. I cleaned it well, and sanded it smooth, going from 120, 150, and then a 220. wipe clean w/mineral spirits or similar. now coat it w/an oil based primer. you can roll or brush it on, or use the Zinzzer in a can. once this dries, you must fine sand w/a 220 grit. wipe clean and remove all fine residue. now paint. use a good quality enamel paint. if this gets any type of weather, you must use a UV type of paint meant for exterior applications. painted side panels is a personal choice

clean with tsp and scrub it with a deck brush and repaint with flat paint since you dont know what product was used

That ceiling is beautiful! Personally I couldn't imagine painting that ceiling. It provides so much architectural interest and if you end up deciding on light colored drywall, it will create excellent contrast. I like your idea of staining parts of the stairs and ceiling to maybe the mantel. Because they are all different woods you may have to play around with various stains to get them all to match but the end result will leave your home looking really cohesive. No matter what you decide know that anything other than stain on your ceiling may devalue your home. Stained exposed wood ceilings are a striking feature that draws the eye upward. They give so much character and are highly sought after. At the end of the day though, all that matters is that you love it.