randall whitehead, why do you recommend the Soraa? To save on energy consumption or for the color of the light ?

Hi Lana, It would be both. I like the energy savings, but without the right color temperature (Kelvin) and CRI (color rendering index) of light you are stuck with a less than perfect quality or light for a long, long time. Look for a CRI of 90 or higher. The color temperature is more a matter of personal choice. I like 2400K to 2700K. Soraa makes them, along with Green Creative and 90Plus

Hmm, interesting thoughts. Our local store recommends 3000 kelvin in the entire house and I am finding the light harsh since we changed to LED. It Could be that, or too much wattage in the table lamp.

We are now building and I want to get it right this time. Do you recommend 2700 kelvin throughout the house, or 3000 in the kitchen pot lights, and 2700-2400 in the living room?

I was also advised by someone to consider black baffle in the livingroom (it’s a large great room). I am not sure whether the kitchen should also be black baffle or white? There will be 3 pendants at the island, a hanging fixture over the table, and i’m Trying to create a dim atmosphere in the living room without the clutter of table lamps. I could do a standing tall lamp if needed and thought I would put the living room potlights on a Dimmer. Do the kitchen and living room baffles need to match? Or would black baffles make a busy ceiling and offer poor task lighting in the kitchen? Your thoughts would be so greatly appreciated!

3000° Kelvin is definitely too cool for a residential interior. Stick with 2700° Kelvin and ceiling and 2400° in your decorative fixtures. If your kitchen is open to the other rooms then all the trims should match. Stick with white trims. yes, put the recessed fixtures on a dimmer. Make sure the dimmer and recessed fixtures are compatible. The fixture manufacturer normally lists which dimmers work best with their products on their catalog sheets.

I would recommend an adjustable trim over a fixed down light. That gives you some flexibility on how the illumination is directed. Do not put recessed fixtures directly over seating areas, it creates harsh and unflattering shadows on people's faces.

Remember, it is extremely important to select LED fixtures and bulbs that have a CRI of 90 or higher. I cannot stress this too much. It is the difference between Hershey's chocolate and Godiva chocolate.