One of the main ways that people design an interior lighting scheme for their house is to consider the particular activities that will take place in the correlating areas and then choose lighting appropriate for those activities. After this is done, then general ceiling lighting is added in addition to the specialty lighting of each room.
I propose looking at a lighting scheme aesthetically from a vertical perspective. Imagine walking into each room and the lighting options available to you as you enter the room.
Perhaps there's a decorative piece of sculpture or artwork hanging on a way. This would be a great application of a single directional light that can be triggered by a single dimmer switch on the wall.
In addition to the art work there is a large dining room table. Another switch turns on and off six directional lights that are aimed straight down over the eating places around the table.
Then there is a band of indirect lighting surrounding the entire room. This lighting is hidden by paneling so that the light reflects upwards hitting the ceiling where each wall rises to meet it. This lighting too has its correlating dial on the light panel by the door.
Then imagine the other activities that will be taking place in that room, but think vertically. For example, if you will be reading your newspaper in the room, it makes sense for there to be a seated level light source, rather than a standing level light source.
Mentally walk around each room and think of the lighting effects that you would like to be able to control from the doorway as you enter. If there is a particularly large area, consider where you will place lighting so that you will be able to safely cross the area to other sides.
Track lighting is a simple and appealing way to light any kind of room with indirect lighting. By focusing track lighting on particular focal points, such as artwork or wide scattered angles across plain walls even, the rest of the room is lit from the reflected light bouncing off of the walls.
Find some interesting pieces of art for your wall or horizontal surfaces on which to focus track lighting, to make visually appealing and stimulating rooms. When in doubt, more light is better. You can always turn off a light to adjust the intensity of light in a room, but it's frustrating to search for extra lamps when you don't have adequate lighting in a room.
It's good to have at least two heights of lighting available in each room. There should be a bright overhead lighting system to make daytime activities easy to do. Optimally, these same general purpose lights can be put on a dimmer so that they can be adjusted for other types of activities.
Along with over head lighting, there should be lighting for all seating areas and specialty areas, such as pool tables or library shelves. Table lamps are great because they are so versatile. Table lamps can go anywhere to fill in dark spots in rooms of any kind.
When you're done decorating, walk around and notice if there are any spots that seem to be lacking something. Chances are, it's light. If you can't think of what to fill that spot with, try a plant and opening the window blinds in that area. Most of all, have fun. Experimenting with home lighting design can be tons of fun as long as you keep it... fun!
