I'm not sure why the vaulted ceiling is an issue, maybe I'm missing something. Ceiling fans generally have a drop rod that you can get in any length, so the ceiling doesn't need to be flat. Same goes with light fixtures - pendants always hang vertically. We also have surface-mounted fixtures (without fans) on our vaulted ceilings in a couple places, it works just fine.

My challenge is getting appropriate assistance and advice such as how big the fan should be or lumens to light a large vaulted room 12x14x8 to 11 ft high. Is additional support needed for a fan? Home Depot's website offers not help on the fixtures they offer.... Are there certain brands that are better? How low should we hang the fan, down to 8"?

A room that size can handle a 48-52 inch fan. If it ends up close to a wall maybe step down to 42", but I wouldn't go smaller than that. Look for something with 3 or 4 sockets, you can experiment with bulb wattage after the room is painted and furnished.

Once you get the fan located, you can consider 1 or 2 other fixtures if some task lighting makes sense in the space. Probably limit to 1- or 2-socket fixtures if you go that way.

The ceiling fan needs support. In new construction, a 2x4 brace is installed between joists to carry the weight and torque of the fan. For retrofit, you can either add a brace or if the ceiling is inaccessible there are contraptions that fit through the 4"x4" hole you create for the electrical box that span between joists and compression fit by spinning the rod sort of like a reverse turnbuckle. I'll find a link and post it. I've used them and had good results but I did find one coming loose once after about 6 years and had to retighten it.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-15-5-cu-in-Retrofit-Ceiling-Fan-Saf-T-Brace-0110000/204845572/

Thanks, that makes sense. Now I can shop! Cheers!