CAN LIGHTS • LOVE'EM OR DUMP'EM

Just because you have multiple light sources doesn’t mean a space has to be super bright all the time. Dimmers, the quality of the light, and the type of trim you use can really change the feel. Relying only on overhead lighting doesn’t make for a comfortable space. That’s why it’s so important to have lighting coming from different levels and directions throughout a room.

Think of it like whole-house audio: when sound is distributed evenly, you don’t have to blast the volume in one room just to hear it in another. Lighting works the same way—when it’s layered and spread out, no single fixture has to overcompensate, which avoids harsh “hot spots” and keeps the room feeling balanced.

I’m a big believer in having three levels of light: overhead for general lighting, mid-level (like sconces or eye-level fixtures), and floor-level lighting that often points upward. In historic homes, it makes sense to keep ceiling lighting minimal, and if you’re lucky enough to have a beautiful vaulted ceiling, cove lighting around the perimeter is a great alternative to canned lights.

Personally, I lean toward 2-inch recessed lights and switch up chandeliers depending on the room. Lamps are a must, and I always love accenting art and sculptures with focused lighting.