5 dumbest renovation fads

You don't need - and shouldn't want - all your lighting to come from the ceiling. Your room has three dimensions, so use the walls of your room as space for sconces while adding floor outlets so you can place lamps beside a loveseat or table.

Combine these elements with switches and dimmers and you can create different moods at the twist of a knob - not just corner-bar dim or operating-room bright.

The Payoff:

12 ceiling fixtures, installed: $1,800
Three sconces, two floor outlets, installed: $900