Hail No. If you want to keep the traditional look, every fixture, every detail counts, its a style all its own.

Some old houses were pretty gloomy. If your recessed lights are unobtrusive I'd say go for it. You're keeping a "look", not restoring to the original specs.

A recessed light with a brass trim would look more period correct. i have 3'' brass recessed halogen lights in my bath it looks sharp.

Sconces look very classy and period correct and give you the extra light you are looking for

Sue, it's fine to add the contemporary to a farmhouse this old; you can add the lighting and alot more; you just have to keep a balance. For example lets use a dining room. Simply incorporate a chandelier within the recessed lighting of this room and you'll achieve that balance with the right chandelier.

What you want to be careful of when using recessed lighting in any space is another type of balance and that is in respect to the lighting itself. No bright and shadow areas, the lighting is even. . . even when highlighting features and fixtures. This is done through can sizes, selections of function i.e., flood or spot, and the choices of lamp type and watt. What else I strongly recommend is that you use IC rated cans. These are insulated and won't produce the heat that others will that can burn down your home due to the combustability of materials in an enclosed space.

If you would like I can help you layout the lights along with maybe some help in other project tasks. I've remodeled likely similar houses in Indiana & Michigan so I think I have a pretty good idea of where you are and what it takes to bring this project together.

Mike Lonergan
TradesProfessional, Inc.
http://tradespr…