Lighting Suggestions?

Check out Schoolhouse Electric on Vestry Street in Tribeca--they have a great selection.

Also, Remains and Rejuvenation are good--both have websites (as does Schoolhouse). Basically, your idea of a nice flushmount is on target--I wouldn't go with recessed, which won't give you the ambient quality you're after. What style is your apartment?

visit Just Bulbs and ask for James. They can do a $100 site visit that they put against a purchase (i think). More important than the fixture in the type of light and type of bulb. Prior to shopping for the look of the fixture, know what type of light your eyes like. If you shop for the fixture first you're stuck with the light it was designed to emit.

lighting guru here: looks like a great place for a lights up fabric flushmount...see a pendant version on my site: www.staciruiz.com

I disagree about the recessed lights. They are perfect for ambient lighting, especially if you use a baffle trim, which refracts light and gives a softer glow. Make sure you get bulbs listed as flood or narrow flood, definitely nothing that says spot. It's also best to light a room in 3 "layers": Your main light source (recessed lights), highlights (track lights, pendants, or eyeball trim recessed lights), and task lights (table lamps or floor lamps). My website has some nice options: http://1000bulbs.com/category/lighting-fixtures/