The 'no big light' rule is probably the most widely agreed upon design principle of all time. If you want your home to feel calm, cozy, and conducive to comfort, bright white lights just aren't the vibe. The remedy, of course, is lamps - and lots of them.
Like most interior designers, Bobby Berk avoids the big light at all costs, and we firmly agree that the soft atmospheric glow of lamps trumps a stark overhead. That being said, brighter bulbs have their time and place, and primarily functional spaces are one of them. After all, there's a reason we no longer cook meals by candlelight.
