A house changes completely after sunset.
During the day, windows and natural light dominate. At night, artificial lighting becomes architecture.
Do not simply fill every ceiling with recessed cans.
Think in layers: ambient light, task light, accent light, indirect light, decorative fixtures, exterior light, and landscape light.
Put light where work actually happens.
Kitchen counters, bathroom mirrors, desks, closets, stairs, and laundry areas need purposeful illumination.
Then create mood.
Family rooms need different lighting for conversation and movies. Dining rooms need flexibility. Outdoor spaces should feel warm, not like parking lots.
Controls matter too.
Where are the switches? Can you turn off bedroom lights from bed? Can you light the backyard before stepping outside? Can you shut down most of the house at night with one command?
Automation is useful, but manual operation should remain obvious.
Nobody should need a software update to turn on a lamp.