This one sounds so simple, but it’s easy to forget: You can always brighten up a room by utilizing additional table and floor lamps (and sconces, too, if you can hire an electrician to further wire your walls). Fill an empty corner with a large, torchiere-style floor lamp; these designs are great for dim areas, since they can direct light upwards towards the ceiling. Introduce a small LED lamp on a coffee table, mantel, or kitchen counter. The best and brightest rooms always have multiple sources of light, so don’t be afraid to layer in more lamps where you can.