Everyone is different. What constitutes good lighting for one person does not necessarily make it great for another. You may love a lot of bright lights. Someone else may love a room dimly lit. There is no right or wrong answer.
Owning a home is a smart decision. Having something you come home to everyday that is yours is a smart decision. You can make all the changes you want without have to consult a landlord.
I spent five minutes this morning, trying to find where the Scotch tape starts. A brand new role and I can't find the beginning. I turned it over and over, looking for that tiny indention. A scrape with a fingernail and I'm in business. What took so long?