Here are comparisons from a recent renovation project.
The differences are always in the light - be it natural daylighting, fixture type or placement, or reflective painted surfaces (and sometimes a combination of these, or even all of the above).
The kitchen, by example, started with 3 odd windows, 1 pendant, and 1 sconce (shown in left image). After (to the right), we unified the south facing glass, installed 14 low voltage pinspots (a few face up for ambient light, most face down for task lighting) and 2 pendants. All lights are on dimmers and can be used for 6 distinct looks, with a full variety of light levels.
Renovations in a timberframe / SIPs house can be tricky for new lighting. This dining area had no hard-wired lighting to start... a Twiggy arching floor lamp provides the overhead, and wires were artfully snaked into the SIPs to allow for sconces.
Big improvements all around!

See more before & after images at:
http://brilliant-ldi.com/Brilliant_Lighting_Before_%26_After_Portfolio.html
Get Tag info at : http://www.houzz.com/projects/41852/Akley
Architectural design by ChristianBrownDesign.com
Construction by MathesHulmeBuilders.com