Do not rely only on overhead lighting. Consider floor lamps,l amps on tables, sconces and chandeliers and forget about these ugly lights.

These don't seem well spaced, and I agree these are ugly. Not sure who told you they were a trend. You should have gone for a nice flush mount light or recessed lighting.

Seeing tile - is it a kitchen? Do you think the look of recessed cans are much better? maybe but I doubt it.... but yours have a visible rim.... is it bad?

You may think they are ugly, but I'll bet nobody notices them.

yeah, agree with Mark -- this feels like the sort of thing you notice either the day they are installed, or when the house is completely empty and echoing. they should disappear pleasantly when in use -- if too bright, then add a compatible dimmer. lamps are great for reading, but I like to be able to light a room when I enter it too.

Didn't we have some folks around here in recent weeks recommending and singing the praises of those things?

We have them in addition to lamps, sconces and hanging fixtures depending on room and application. I find them to be background and unobtrusive. It's personal preference but I prefer them to recessed.

I much prefer these:

http://p-tec.net/ultra-thin-led-recessed-downlight

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FX5D4UE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I disagree with @Mark Bischak, Architect & @acm, I think they are very noticeable and stick out like a sore thumb. Agree with the OP, they do look cheap and ugly (sorry). I would switch them out for “normal” cans or maybe a more squared off version would be more attractive. I still prefer a regular can.

Surface mounted ceiling lights of almost every variety are...ugly! There are so many other ways to creatively design lighting--ambient, task and accent lighting, all of which work well together when properly and creatively designed.

I am always amazed at how unthinking (and uncaring) lighting can be handled.

It's possible to do so much better...

Assuming you're stuck with these things (my bias, so you know: I'd build an entire home without ceiling mounted lights, if I could), then look into a conversion kit.

I have several can lights in my new tract house, and I am converting them to pendants (or properly sealing them up) as I find fixtures that I like. :-)

Floor and table lamps, plus accent lights like the ones above art, set the mood in a room. Overhead lighting is just so you can see how to get into the room in the dark. Then they should be turned off or dimmed down so the task and accent lighting can take over and add ambiance to your room. Those do look very utilitarian and they may have bulbs that are not dim-able - that's what I'd check first. If they can be dimmed and your other lighting is well placed, they'll hardly be noticed.

While I'm of the opinion that all can lights including these new versions are an eyesore, I'm finding that as I age, I do need them. My studio will be lit up like a baseball stadium. Sigh

I like recessed lights but due to energy efficiency impacts, I have eliminated most of them as I update my home. The surface mounted ones are not bad in terms of design but the ones you have are not attractive at all. The placement of the lighting is also odd in the room. I like a layering of light in every room and I am not sure how you can achieve laying without overhead lighting. They can be easily replaced without doing recessed lights. Here are a few suggestions and I own all of the ones below:

Lotus LED surface mounted that look like recessed lights. There are more options on their site but I own the 4" adjustable gimbal. This box model may be easy replacement for your existing units.

George Kovacs surface mounted LED lights (very slim almost flush to the surface)

Boxie LED Light from Tech Lighting

There are a ton more, you just need to look for them. The prices are not outrageous and the color rendering is really good for the ones I listed above. You will need LED dimmers to get them down to the 5% dimming.

Good luck!

I detest almost all ceiling lighting. Of course, I want it in my kitchen and bathrooms - one typically cannot use lamps for such lighting! I sighed deeply and put them in a narrow, dark back hall after my husband died - no one to keep the glass clean in the lovely brass/glass fixtures, and I have to admit that it actually looks better with just pot lights in this very narrow space.

But other rooms? Don't want them! Need to enter a dark room? Put some of your wall outlets (where lamps are plugged in) on a wall switch - works quite well. I don't want my LR to look like a furniture showroom with bright lights, and if they are dimmed then what on earth was the point? Lamps work just fine.

We have surface mount that look similar, I hardly notice them anymore, but intensely disliked them at first.

The can lights were like triple the price and we would have had to lower the ceiling, fire inspections, etc.

And yes, wow, do they light up a room, a dimmer is a must.