We have a 3x5' unlit kitchen pantry that was always a pain to locate anything. I put two cheap 12" fluorescent lights to provide soft lighting. I also > put a normally-on switch that turns the lights on when the door is opened. But when it came time to replace the bulbs, it was almost the price of a new unit. So I fixed a rope light along the door frame (and along the center of the ceiling) which provides soft, shadow-free lighting.

These lights can be bought cheaply after Christmas, and last forever.

The first thing I did to our house when we bought it was add lights to the attic. It has 2 central bulbs in the 25x40' rectangle, and I added 6 lights along the periphery to eliminate shadows. This was done before the attic got crapped up with too much stuff, and helps for a quick exit in the Atlanta heat!

I also have sensor lights in the basement stairwell, but I have to have one at the top and one at the bottom due to the angle that the sensors work. But it is great if you're hands are full.

What are your best ideas???