We have given thoughtful consideration to all suggestions - thank you. I would like to ask another question - not sure of Houzz protocol about starting new thread so forgive me if I err here. We have a beautiful elk antler chandelier and thinking about where to install in the new house ... great room is obvious choice. We could hang it from the middle beam in the room - other opinions? Here is a pic. Size is approx. 42" side-to-side and it is about 28" high ... without the chain. In this picture we don't have a very high ceiling in the entry so had to squish it close to the beam.. PS To give you all an idea of our aesthetic, my husband is a bow hunter and ranch/hunting style house is naturally where we lean ...

Thank you for all the feedback. It is really helpful. We really don't plan on going anywhere, which makes me think that I need to choose what will make us most happy for living her another 20 years. I suppose we can take the paint off down the road if it just isn't working out. The contractor wants to get the ceiling painted first before floors and cabinets just because it is easier for them. But we can tell them we want to go slow. I have my heart set on the wood floors and we found something that all 7 of us (hubby and 5 daughters) all like. They are all really wanting to try the painted ceilings too. The girls are ready for a house change (teenagers) and so I think we might just go for it. I found these photos from another log house remodel that look like what we are aiming for. The sink we have now is an 1920's farmhouse that I found at a flea market. I love the look but it is really stained beyond what we can afford to repair. We've been "test driving" it to see if we want to invest in the special sink base we would need. But it hasn't been very comfortable to use... stains easily, small drain, dishes chip easily even with a grid in the bottom. So we are going to put in a new farmhouse sink and keep this one for a work sink elsewhere.

Deck looks great, can you share details on the decking and roof? we are designing a deck and asked our contractor for roof over it. He is saying we need architectural drawings and roof extension permit from the city. so trying to understand how expensive the actual roof material and construction is before we decide to add roof to our project

The tallest point doesn't matter. It is the lowest point that does. I agree with millworkman that it doesn't look like you have enough space at the lowest point for a layer of T& G as well as beams. The lowest point of a rafter is going to be too close to the tops of your cased openings. The room will likely feel like the roof is coming down around you. Notice the space above the windows in your inspo photo. Your house does not have that amount of space.