A cool, modern graphic designed runner, new door knobs and a few updated ceiling lights are a great start and easy fix to brighten and update your hallway. Have fun! {PRODUCT LINKS: http://www.atgstores.com/runners/safavieh-dhu554c-21-dhurries-runner-brown-ivory_g1461183.html http://www.atgstores.com/semi-flush-ceiling-lights/vaxcel-cr-cfu130nb-3-light-carlisle-semi-flush-ceiling-light-noble-bronze_g756367.html http://www.atgstores.com/indoor-door-handles/first-watch-security-1140-indoor-glass-knob-set_g806090.html

There is nothing worse than ceiling-mounted lights--harsh shadows, flat lighting. They are strictly for utility. I would put a large-ish, shallow cylindrical shade on them and put nothing more than a 15-watt bulb in them. Use them strictly for lighting your way as you walk through the room. I agree with Vincent; the chair in the corner doesn't fit at all, nor does the one under the A/C unit (put that one with its mate behind the love seat). And the curtains look smooshed. I think the problem with the bookcases is that they are uninteresting. Did you buy books-by-the-yard? What are all those identical books? They are visually uninteresting. I'd get rid of some of them and get some colorful ceramics/glass/photos. The room is absolutely overwhelmed with furniture. It needs one less love seat. Do you really need all of them? Pushing them against the walls/curtains so tightly just visually emphasizes the fact that there is too much furniture. I don't think a mirror above the fireplace will work. When people are sitting down (which is most of the time), all they will see is a reflection of the ceiling--the plain, white ceiling. Get some real art in there with some color.

I think it depends on the style and atmosphere you want to create in the room. If the room is a formal, traditional one like your picture, then one large showy pendant would look great. However if it is a modern or contemporary room then two ( or more) smaller pendants would be a nice feature. It would also pay to think about how much light you are expecting from the fitting, especially since it is a cathedral ceiling. Do you need the ceiling lights for good general lighting or just for atmosphere. Do you have any photos of your room so we can see a bit more?

Led lighting running on both sides of each of the beams - you can buy it in strips. I would go for a bright white but you can even get it in colours and or changing colours. I would also do the same along the floor under the cabinets and perhaps between the upper cabinets and bench top.