Designers and landscapers love up-lights. The fixtures are inexpensive, the require almost no installation beyond a simple plug in, and they instantly light up and transform a space. Indoors you can set a can up light behind a floor plant, behind a piece of furniture like a chest or armoire, or on top of a cabinet. The light will wash over a wall or up to a ceiling, providing indirect light for the room.
The can of an up light can get hot or knocked over if it's on the floor, so if you have kids or pets, place them carefully.
I just took down a dated brass ceiling light that was getting tarnished and the finish was flaking off. Replacing it with a new, more up to date fixture was the solution. I had to be careful to get a fixture whose base was wider in diameter than the previous one so that the mark on the ceiling could be covered.
Another solution would be to install track lighting or recessed can lights. The light beam can be focused at artwork, a work area, onto the ceiling, or down. Dark halls, a dining room, or home office is a great place these minimalist lighting.
Often, bookshelves are dark and it's hard to find the book you're searching for. Install under shelf light fixtures, strip lights, small "hockey puck" lights, or a small lamp. If you choose a fixture with an electric cord, you might have to drill a hole the size of the plug into the back of the unit in order to get the plug to the wall outlet.
Instead of using all overhead lights, I love to install lighting under cabinets and conceal plugs and cords. Under cabinet lights shine the light right onto the work space and the room retains a wonderful ambiance. Using dimmers for all these lights is great, too.
I feel really strongly about ceiling fans, especially if you live in a warm climate. You can save loads of power over air conditioning and add a lovely decorative element, too. For extra convenience, include a remote control for both the light and the fan. You can control the fan and light from a chair or bed. What a luxury!
If you've invested in fine art, you probably already know this tip. But even modest art looks better with directed lighting focusing on it. Select the right size for your piece and the room.
With fresh, new lighting, you can achieve a fresh new look for your home. You don't have to spend a lot of money.