I'm finding lighting to be quite a challenge. It's actually one of the lower allowances in my project, but we have 14' ceilings in the kitchen. To light that space, I am worried it will either look like swiss cheese (and I really don't want to do recessed!) or a pendant farm. Or I'll end up with some gigantic fixtures that are $$$ and reflect in the darn TV that is across from the sink (where I really will need light). We had a very modern styled kitchen in our Garden District house with maple shaker cabs and polished black granite (done in 1995 by previous owner) and I will admit that with the 14' ceiling there the recessed lights were adequate - but there was also a complete wall (counter to ceiling) of windows overlooking the cocktail pool. I have some natural light in the new house, but not that much. I am definitely finding lighting the most challenging aspect of our project. Everything else, no problem. Whipped through the tile and plumbing fixtures, appliances, flooring, wall and trim colors...but lights. I hate working in shadows so I'm really stressed about making my selections. I'm going to need more light, too, since I'm sure I'm not doing my eyes any favors staring into a computer monitor looking at lights all day.

I don't think antique brass goes with light wood tones. You need at least a rich midtone. I think painting the blades white would just make the metal stand out more (brass is lovely, but motors and brackets usually aren't meant to be have starring roles). I also think it would look like you took an old fan and tried to make it new -- not always the look you are after. I have antique brass with cherry blades in my LR and don't find it heavy at all. I do have 10 ft ceilings.

Here are some ceiling fans with modern farmhouse style that can possibly fit in your room. Some of them are 52" and others are not--when they're not, I noted that in parentheses: Hunter Sentinel Hunter Matheston Hunter Donegan (44") Hunter Donegan (44", different style) Hunter Devon Park Hunter Prim (42") Hunter Crestfield (42") Hunter Cedar Key (44")

Without the remote you can't adjust the fan speed. Is that okay? Does the fan have bulbs that are replaceable? What's the brand and model of the fan?