What about recessed cans? They can be used on sloped ceilings and look quiet and clean. Use LED bulbs please!

OP says husband doesnt want them.

i think you and husband need to give in to a mixture of lights on chains and recessed. angled flush mounts would be silly beyond words.

Well, with what you describe in your husband not wanting can lights, then I guess I would go with floor lamps, table lamps and sconces.

I love cable lights for this exact application . Go to a good lighting store and see the options you can have with this system you can even lay it out so you have drop lights where end tables are instead of running cords all over