Hi TS

Have you heard about Industrial genre of a interior design.
You can save the money of installing plaster ceiling by following "Industrial" style.

http://renotalk-live.s3.amazonaws.com/foru...5_448_26128.jpg
or try google "industrial living room ceiling designs"

Fengshui-wise, please bear in mind that one doesn't recommend to sit or sleep under the beams, one can get health problem or frequent headaches.