Hi all,
just to share our renovation experience.

option 1: 99% of interior designers (ID) will recommend a false ceiling to introduce downlights and covelights.
option 2: In contrast conventional methods includes plastering the ceiling and installing lights direct into the ceiling.

After some objective analysis, we realized that the IDs tend to push for something that they can charge more for.
Not that it is wrong, but the client must make an informed decision.

In summary:
option 1:
adv- trendy, better flat finishing compared to option 2, flexibility of lighting points, hidden electrical cables inside false ceiling.
disadv- loss of head room (false ceiling), potential dust collection spots for cove lights, more expensive option than option 2, some challenge to install ceiling fan (but can be solved),

option2:
opposite as above.

for more details, feel free to take a look here http://hdbrenovation2009.blogspot.sg/2010/...-lightings.html

hi all,

it is a bit of a personal choice, but i recommend to do away with the false ceiling and down lights that will require multiple lighting points.
all these cost money!

we used either
1. wall lights
2. under ceiling fan lights
3. simple ceiling mounted lights
4. table/floor standing lights for the mood
overall cheaper and easier maintenance

take a look here if you like.

Hmmm... cove lights and false ceiling seems to be a trend.
for owners with a limited headroom, I strongly recommend to forget about them ( cove lights and false ceiling) and stick to the basic ceiling lights + ceiling fans. you can still hide the cables in the cornice.

That was a decision we made against the advice of out id and realized that we save a lot more money!!!
We did our lightings without cove/flase ceiling.