In a residential setting the most unimaginative and harsh lighting has to be pocket ceiling lights. I understand that they attempt to evenly illuminate a room. But at what cost? The lighting fixture is installed into a hollow opening in the ceiling. In older structures beautifully molded ceilings have to be eradicated or “dropped” to accommodate these fixtures.

These lights which go by different names - recessed accent lighting, pot lights and down lights are some of the most offensive lighting on the market. Considered revolutionary for their time, designers have been moving away from them in favor of more serene solutions.

These lights can’t help but cast an unattractive scalloped light and shadow on the walls. To avoid these pools of light, the designer and installer should be aware of how close to space the fixtures as well as the ratio of distance from the wall to ceiling height. If not, they look like this. Dare we be more creative? 

Unless performing a medical procedure (okay, maaaybe for kitchen prep), or lighting artwork. Or if you just can’t live without them, then they can be put on dimmers. For a softer more soothing alternative and a sense of zoned contrast try these: a strip of lighting discretely placed under the kitchen cabinets, or over the cabinets if you have the space between the cabinets and ceiling, living room wall sconces, floor lamps, table task lighting, or ceiling chandeliers.