This article was written before we did a re-do on our last house.   So please overlook the colors and patterns which are now out of date.   The principles in this article are timeless.    Since we’ve been living in our RV while building the next house, I’m reminded nightly that lighting is oh, so important.  Have I mentioned that I hate fluorescents?!  Fortunately, there is a wall sconce in our RV with gentle ambient light to warm up our little space and a pretty ceiling fixture that casts diffused light on our table/desk/work surface.  (OK, I’m back.  As I was glancing up at said fixture, it struck me how dirty it was.  Had to go wash it.  Much better now. . . which reminds me to mention that early Fall is a great time to wash interior light fixtures.  After the bugs and dust of Summer, the grime has accumulated on every light fixture.  Cleaning now will actually increase the level of light in your home during the dark months of Winter.)