michigammemom What an intriguing space. I covet the library loft! Even with your wall of windows, your chalet appears dark, so I would utilize light colored furnishings and keep the paint color a light neutral like Benjamin Moore's Shaker Beige. Your beams are a big part of the character of your chalet, so unless you absolutely have to cover them for insulating purposes, I would not add more wood to the ceiling. I do however love this cable light system to modernize your beams and illuminate your room. Your paneling appears to be a high quality redwood. If it's in good shape I would be inclined to keep it and give it a good cleaning. Good luck and please post photos of your progress.

Dytecture I agree this is a great space with lots of potential. Personally I would have tongue and groove between the ceiling beams and leave the beams as they are.

Carolina Photo To Go LLC I would leave the beams as they are! In fact, I like your home in all its uniqueness!

Susan Mills Design I like all the suggestions so far, the lighting, the tongue and groove and the beams left alone. I too covet that loft library! How amazing is that when the snow is falling and your sitting all snug up there:)

I would remove anything that blocks any light coming in from the windows, even the lamp and is that a sofa table behind your sofa? I can't see well enough to determine. You could place two lamps on there.

You could add this light fixture to really bump up the light in the space.

Enjoy your wonderful and unique cabin!

Tracy Shields Thanks everyone for your comments. There is a side board along the left wall of windows, but there's walking space between the two. It's hard to see because of bad lighting, but it is a rather dark spot in the afternoon. In the morning, the sun streams in.

Eventually, we would like to get all new lighting and ceiling fans. I really love the Gabriel Builders Pic. We plan to use NUSS Construction (NJ). They built Jon Runyan's house and they're very good about designing A-frame ceilings and beams. http://www.nussconstruction.com/projects/projects2.cfm?theid=2

chrisosh The beams should really be called rafters, they look to be quite deep so you could inset tongue and groove on battens over a layer of insulation have inset lighting and still retain the original appearance of the ceiling.

judyg As chrisosh suggested get lighting up in the ceiling. And I love the chandelier which Susan Mills suggested. It looks as if you have room for two of them (on dimmers).