If you are in a warm climate and enjoy the air flow from ceiling fans, definitely use them. They are very practical for comfort and saving money on cooling costs.
I recommend though, that you go with a simple design, the same color as your ceiling, with no light attached. Overhead lighting is usually not the best anyway, and the ceiling fan should be as simple and non-obtrusive as possible. I think the idea is not to think of them as any type of decor, but as an item for comfort and practicality.

well, sometimes:
http://st.houzz.com/simgs/f6018bbb001beb3c_4-6974/modern-ceiling-fans.jpg

:)

Studio, yes that one is kind of nice, to add to the decor in a Polynesian (?) room. As long as there's nothing else up there on the ceiling! Nothing worse than a busy ceiling. :)

*L* Assuming a flush mount, I'd agree. None of my rooms utilize such,due to higher ceilings, so perhaps the safer advice is to suggest a decorative unit only when inclusion w the living space is desired? And I agree about the lightkit!!

I like modern fan co.

I understand the visual animosity towards ceiling fans. Can be dull and really just not interesting. I'd love to have a pretty chandelier in my bedroom. Simply love the circulation it provides. Summer nights wake up a little too warm, I flick the ceiling fan remote and it will be perfect. I feel good about not jacking up the air conditioning. Winter time in my great room it circulates the air better. Actually in my great room which is really long I have two matching ceiling fans, I do find that visually interesting. I find them very useful if not as fun as chandeliers.

Hi epcormier, Congrats on your new home and renovations! Have you considered or researched on bladeless fans ? Could they be an option in your space ? --