Renovating a 1950s California bungalow with great knotty pine wood vaulted ceilings. Unfortunately there is no ceiling lighting and no attic space to run wiring through. I'd like to not run conduit across the ceiling if possible. It is very dark throughout the house because the wood is dark. Its been a difficult inner battle to decide not to paint the boards white, they're just in too good of condition and I'm sure down the road I's be scorned for it. So since that option is out I think the next best thing is to overdo the lighting and really brighten up the place Possible solutions I've considered to lighten without running conduit on the ceiling:

1. Cable lights - I'm afraid these might look too "busy" and I'm also not sure how many to run. In between every beam, or every other beam?

2. Install crown molding on the lower and higher walls where the beams are supported and hide up-lighting behind that which could light up the ceiling and reflect into the room.

3. Some sort of wall sconces - again I'm afraid of making the walls look busy with too many sconces. Up lights only or up and down?

The style we are going for is clean/modern/minimalist. Also considering adding one or two skylights, but that only solves my lighting problem half the time.

Appreciate the suggestions!