Lighting is a critical element of any interior design. It sets the mood for the space, whether its a commercial or a private residence. Good lighting can make any space look bigger, brighter, and more inviting. With so many options of lighting available, its important to get it right to create a strong visual statement. General lighting is the overall illumination of a space, and it should be the first step in planning a lighting scheme. Its typically provided by ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, or recessed lighting. Depending on the space and the desired atmosphere, you may also want to add ambient lighting to provide soft glow throughout the room. There are many types of ambient lighting available including rope lights, candles, and track lighting. For task lighting, you want to focus on lighting thats practical and appropriate for the space. This is usually the case in bathrooms, kitchens, and home offices. If youre lighting an activity room, you may need to consider lights such as floor lamps and spotlights to best illuminate the space. Finally, you may want to incorporate accent lighting to bring attention to certain features or highlight artwork. Spotlights, wall sconces, track lighting, and backlighting are all great options for accent lighting. Ultimately, its important to decide what type and level of lighting you want, and then think about where and how youll get it. With careful planning, you can create a beautiful and functional space thats properly illuminated.