What is your style? Furniture plan? What about the flooring? What is the mood you are trying to create?

I googled "white ceiling with black beams" and looked at the images. I'd say about 25% look fabulous. But the strength of the grid created isn't the easiest element to work with. So unless you love it, I would not do it.

From an Eastern Feng Shui perspective, painting exposed beams to the color of ceiling is considered to be a good Feng Shui practice. So, if that puts your mind at ease... :)

I think focusing on general decor at eye level is a good direction, and that will take care of the ceiling. Except maybe if you are installing additional lighting, chandeliers, etc., where ceiling comes into play. But in any case, you have a nice clean palette to work with.

No. : ) An empty room is just that.