With the traditional, decorative elements of the ceiling, I would be inclined to go with a more traditional, but still relatively simple, looking ceiling fan. Maybe take in some photos of your ceiling and get the sales person's opinion? You'll also need to consider placement since a ceiling fan has the potential to disrupt the decorative elements if haphazardly placed.

Thanks all. I love Cool, Calm, Collected - it's only a suburb away from where I live... their prices are normally $$$, but they have beautiful stuff. I actually already have that West Elm light fitting in my stair case! (How embarrassing) - I love it (and they actually have it in brass in the USA but not here). Whoever suggested light in the box, thanks, I don't think I've seen that site before. I quite like this one from there: http://www.lightinthebox.com/american-creative-personality-living-room-dining-room-villa-art-pendant_p4587353.html?pos=ultimately_buy_2&prm=1.3.5.0 The search will continue! And I will still curse some of those US website for their beauties :P

Having the kitchen as the hero makes sense. As suggested you can always add brass fittings to replace the chrome as you can afford them. Alternatively you can swap out the brass to chrome when you sell. If you are not planning to flip, do what you love. Your home is the one place where you can do what you like just for you. Enjoy what makes your heart happy rather than making choices for an unknown buyer in the future.

Lol, Gunmetal has a more industrial feel to it so may go with the aged brass but it comes down to what you think.