Lighting installation varies quite a bit depending on the individual demands of different projects. Still, there are some universals to consider before you take on any major lighting project. Be sure you study up on the different types of lighting you have to choose from, and what their most popular uses are, so you can make the most informed decision possible when your lighting installation gets underway.
Indoor Lighting
When it comes to indoor lighting, perhaps the most important thing to get out of your head is the idea that one size fits all. In fact, there are several types of lighting that can create the ideal lighting environment when used in combination.
Task Lighting refers to lighting directed towards a particular task. Whether that's working at your desk, chopping veggies in your kitchen, or illuminating your sewing corner, task lighting directs light to a specific work area.
Ambient Lighting is what most people think of when they think of home lighting. It refers to the general lighting in your home that provides illumination to your living spaces.
Accent Lighting is task lighting without an agenda. It's installed to illuminate pieces of artwork, specific architectural features, and other areas of interest. The idea here is to highlight unique and beautiful areas of your home.
Utility Lighting refers to bright, general lighting. Where ambient lighting seeks to create a comfortable atmosphere, the goal of utility lighting is total illumination. Work lights and some outdoor lighting fall into this category.
Once you understand these lighting basics, the trick is finding the right combination of light and fixtures for any given space. A kitchen, for example, might have task lighting over the stove, sink and cutting board, recessed lighting to provide ambient light for the entire area, and some track lighting to accent the stained glass inlay over the kitchen window. You'll be surprised how beautiful and functional your living spaces can be once you bring all these different lighting types together.
Outdoor Lighting
Lighting installation is also a common home improvement task outdoors. The proper application of lighting on your deck, porch, patio, walkways, and other areas can transform your backyard from the dog's domain to an enjoyable extension of your living space. Rope lights, post lights, recessed lights (in decks), well lights, mushroom lights, and solar powered low voltage lighting are just a few of the options available to you. With outdoor lighting you want take into consideration all the same factors as you did indoors, just tone it down some. Ambient recessed lights in a deck are far more inviting than a blinding utility light over the door, post lighting makes for great task lighting around stairs and steps, and it's a good idea to install a strong, focused task light over the grill so you won't have to rush to get those steaks done before the sun goes down.
Take Advantage of Your Available Resources
Whether you choose to do your own lighting installation or have someone else do it for you, keep in mind that there's a wealth of professional resources out there for you to draw on. Talk to an interior designer or decorator about helping you design the optimal lighting situation for your home, and contact a lighting supplier about fixture options and installation procedures. Finally, remember that any time you're working with electricity, there are serious safety risks involved. If you're not experienced in this area, you're probably best off hiring an electrician to perform your lighting installation for you. 
Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.
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