White gives the feeling of more light, taller and open. Black or dark ceilings give a warmer or cozy feeling. In Susanne Susanka's book The Not So Big House, she explores the importance of the ceiling. In my 100 year old home near Drake University, I painted the exposed basement ceiling chocolate brown, then installed can lights. The can lights are mounted so the bulb is level with the bottom of the floor joists. By projecting light from this point, it keeps the focus down and not on the exposed ceiling.

http://www.scottscreativehome.com/

Have you thought about the lose of energy without having that ceiling insulated? If it's not a concern then black gives is a nice look. Grey or white feels more industral to me.