To light a space effectively, you need to combine these functions into an integrated design.  A well lighted home should include the following:

Ambient or Backward lighting
Ambient or Background lighting used for general lighting purposes to provide overall illumination for atmosphere, safety, security and performance of basic tasks like dressing and cleaning the house. Also provides background brightness.

Task or Focal lighting
Task or Focal lighting used for carrying out an activity be it writing at your desk, reading in bed or cutting vegetables in the kitchen.

Accent lighting
Accent lighting used to highlight specific features e.g. Sculptures, pictures, bookcases or plants etc.

Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting used more for enhancing purposes than illumination. An example of this lighting is the twinkling spots of a chandelier.