I personally don't like the angled windows either in a bungalow. If I'm understanding you correctly, the fireplace is in the center of the wall. You might try to sketch in two square 2.5' by 2.5' transoms above the DH windows allowing the windows to go higher where the ceiling allows and see how that looks. I don't have an exact picture of what you are asking, but if you look at the transom in the center gable of this elevation, you might get the idea. This room has a vaulted ceiling, 9' at the walls with a 10/12 pitch. The windows are being put in today, so I would be able to post an interior shot tomorrow for you if you are interested.

Thanks everyone! Palimpsest - I agree, the styles are so different. The overall style of the house is not rustic, but I think if done correctly we could possibly pull off either one. Photo 2 is probably closest to the overall style of the whole house, with the warmer colors of photo 3. But the rustic mantel is really going to lean us a lot more in that direction overall since it is such a focal point. I don't disagree the mantel in the first one is too formal for the stacked stone, just trying to find something that compromises the two I can live with. nini804 - I think the photo 3 shows a "dressier" stone that I could live with. I've seen something very similar in a parade home in our area that I liked ok. I agree - part of it is I'm totally over this look because it is so ubiquitous and I am not really into trendy at all. Although many of our choices are going to scream 2015 I'm sure, I'm trying to channel timeless as much as I can. Beams - original plan was to have two simple stained beams, although again to have a more polished look, not rough and rustic. Not sure yet if we are going to do them now, add them later, or wait and see how it comes together. mshahmd - thanks so much, great pic! I'd love to see photos of what you ended up doing if you have them! glad to know we aren't the only ones : ) zorro - have you already posted pics of your place on the build thread? I'll check it out if so. This room has our best views and also has a lot of windows, including 2 large ones flanking fireplace similar to what you describe

I have Simply White uppers, and my ceiling and trim are also that color. They still look a little different because one is a flat ceiling paint, one a satin trim, and one a conversion varnish. Looks great together, and not like I spilled the same paint everywhere ;)

Your roof framing is missing structural elements, so the roof loads are pushing your walls out. Google "rafter ties" (you have "collar ties" what you are calling "cross beams", and those are fairly insignificant compared to rafter ties). You can still have an open ceiling with a finished surface plane though, you just need some lower "cross beams."