My sewing studio is the living room of my cottage. It was quite gloomy all the time with northern exposure, front porch overhang, one window in the corner, and dark Williamsburg blue trim/closet doors and a black (!!) inside front door.
After three years I had my landlord install two cheap 4ft. florescent lights in the middle of the ceiling. Talk about good lighting!!!
Whoa! I LOVE it!
The neighbors call it my (airport) "runway lights" or sometimes, my "tanning salon"!
I think they're just jealous.
Jan in VA
Before picture...missing front door angle.