Why ceiling lights? Just lamps will give you better lighting.

Is there a reason pot lights are out??? Seems the obvious solution. Go with covers that blend into the ceiling colour (maybe even custom stained) and you'll have subtle, modern light when you need it. I agree that you should also get lamps for statement and dramatic lighting.

How tall are your ceilings? They look squat, are they 8 feet at the shortest end? I'd rethink ceiling lights on low ceilings...

A lot depends on how you will use the living room (reading, talking, watching tv, birdwatching out those huge windows) and the users' ages. If you want bright overall light, consider dimmable LED ceiling panels that look like skylights. Then add task lighting (floor and table lamps). As eyes age, they need 2-3 times more light than young eyes to see with the same precision.

Something like this looks like a skylight:

2'x2' Dimmable LED Panels With Edge-Lit T-Bar Grid Troffer, Set of 2, Cool White · More Info

Install brown or black track lighting on or near the beams to make it "disappear". Use small scale spot lights angled up or down along the track to highlight.

Layer the lighting with lamps.

Thanks for suggestions and ideas. Lamps will be used as appropriate. The beams and ceiling are beautiful and the usual can lights can’t be used, although there may be new products out there that haven’t been on our radar. We also have a lot of art that will need accent lighting. You gotta love the style and craftsmanship these houses bring, but there are also a few challenges that require a bit of problem solving.

Have you considered hiring a pro lighting designer? The artwork lighting may need extensive work by an electrician, so it would be good to have an overall plan before starting work.

I wouldn't do ceiling lights in this room. I have a feeling the exclusion was intentional at design conception. I think they'd be a distraction.

I own and grew up in a MCM. I've visited several others over the years and it's pretty common for MCM houses in our region to not have ceiling lights in the living room.

My advice is to move in, get situated, get some table and floor lamps (and lots of them because the days in PNW are mostly gray, damp and dreary - welcome to the PNW!) After four seasons in the house, you can reassess ceiling lighting.

You have a jewel. Please remember that furnishings, art and textiles can do wonders to bring in "light". Best wishes!

Rail lighting from Tech would be my first choice, in bronze. Also dont forget these houses usually had half hot switches so lights could be swagged, part of the charm