Lighting for your home, where to start?  First step you should look at what your goal is for a specific area you are trying to light.  There are 4 types of lighting that your home should have. 

Ambient lighting, general light  for the room.

Task lighting that provides direct and specific lighting.

Accent lighting for a painting for example.

Decorative lighting that is a focal point piece but may not provide a lot of lighting.

Once you have determined what type of lighting you are trying to put into your space then you can look for the perfect fixture.  The type of light bulb (lamp) you put into the new lighting fixture will also impact the room. 

If you still need help one place to go is to a local lighting store with the specifics of where you want the light in your home.  The professionals should be able to direct you to the type of fixture you should select.  If you not comfortable with the trip to the lighting store then contact a Designer that can assist you with you home lighting. 

Bonnie Bagley Catlin, Bagley Custom Interiors Inc.

I would add to what Bonnie said by having a home owner ask themselves "how do I want the space to feel?"  Lighting plays a very large part in creating the mood of a room.  In fact, I would suggest a homeowner start with being a good student by noticing the lighting techniques used in the places they visit.  When you find yourself in a room or environment that is particularly pleasant, take a moment to observe the lighting in the space and ask yourself a few of these questions:

How much ambient lighitng is there?  What sort of task, accent and decorative lighting is there?  What is the level of the light (bright, dim, etc.)?  Is the lighting 'warm' or 'cool'.  How is the light controlled?

By asking these questions and keeping either a mental or physical notebook of ideas, you can then begin to employ them in designing an upgrading the lighting in your home and have a much better idea of your likes and dislikes when you visit the lighting showroom.

The one thing that this question gets right is "there is a lot to think about" when selecting lighting!  Seek out help and post specific questions/problem areas here!