Guess I have to preface this with forgive me for I have sinned ;-)
We have ‘obviously’ fake box beams, no center beam, 18' to the ridge, recessed lights, and a lot going on with vault, dormer, wood ceiling and probably something else that's a no-no.
DH built the decorative A-trusses after we moved in – scaffolding for LR
furniture is fun. Plans called for 3, the middle one being centered on the dormer but we nixed that as the space developed. We love the 'beams' and the look they give the space. They are knotty cypress, 1 x 8 sides with 1 x 6 bottoms let in roughly 3/8” (that's what DH remembers, could be off). It does draw down the height of the ridge and speaks to the human scale. This is the first and last house we'll build and wanted a vaulted living room for the sense of space, dormer for light but knew we'd use the beams to cozy it up. As for lighting we have puh-lenty of light from 4 deep slope LED recessed modules and 2 flat ceiling modules in the dormer (always on dimmers) but never considered them as the only light source. Floor/table lamps for task, ambiance and to make it a home. Our fan does not have lights, never really like them and I would never have cable lighting but those are both personal preference. O/A room size is 17' 10" x 20’, ceiling is 6” poplar nickel gap.
I like the suggestion to do a mock-up for both rooms if it helps you decide. You do have elements to consider that we did not and of course want everything to play together nicely and not look as if you threw it together without thought. Sometimes adding an ingredient overflows the pot but sometimes it’s the ingredient that makes all the other flavors harmonize.
Hope these are helpful - do come back and show us what you decide.
Q
love this look
Q