I live somewhere that ceiling fans are seldom used so I don't know if this would work..but I put a Fantech bathroom fan in my new bath that would suck the fuzz off a peach. It is a very strong motor hidden in the attic space (so it is virtually silent) and it has two fan outlets connected by ductwork, one in the shower and one over the tub. It is a very small grill around a halogen can light (small, maybe 2"? light). It is not noticeable as a fan and if I turn it on, I can feel air being sucked under the bathroom door, a LOT of air. I don't know if air circulation by sucking instead of blowing would work for your purposes, but it would definitely move the hot air off the ceiling. The light and fan operate independently. This is my model and I see they have an add-on so you can have 3 outlets. I chose the halogen because it could be dimmed and was a smaller bulb I think. The premium is rated for a higher cfm. Maybe you could talk to the company and see if they have experience with this kind of application. It is SOOO quiet! Here is a link that might be useful: Fantech

Without knowing the style of the home or where it is located, it's tough to say with just that picture. So depending on those answers, I would go for a rustic look and either leave the dark wood wall as is, OR I would paint all of that diagonal paneling a lighter color, and in either case would update the fireplace. If rustic isn't the look, then I would remove the paneling and drywall and then update the fireplace.

Staining it will make it obviously fake, painting it will make it hidden fake.

Just vaulted LR ceiling. Will have three beams. Question: White painted beams or wood stained beams? House is in a coastal town. Will have wood mantel and wood floating shelves above white cabinets on either side of fireplace. Opinions welcome.