just an FYI thos lights are in fashion now.

There are 5 rooms - if kitchen's lighting is at the top of the list - let us see the whole room and the finish of hardware, etc... lots of options. Tell about house style.

Are all ceilings 8' ?

I like these, and amazon has many shapes and sizes -

https://www.amazon.com/FeiMiao-Chandelier-Geometric-Lighting-35-4INCH/dp/B08NZMJ3P1/ref=sr_1_37?crid=34XMXW8RN9K75&dchild=1&keywords=led+chandelier+light+fixture&qid=1613872180&sprefix=LED+chand%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-37

I go "oh gosh" when I see them, but have yet to see in person. My closets' mirrored doors seem to have this finish, also in an old house.

https://www.amazon.com/Feimiao-Chandelier-Pendant-Kitchen-Restaurant/dp/B08P3HPG56/ref=sr_1_51?crid=34XMXW8RN9K75&dchild=1&keywords=led+chandelier+light+fixture&qid=1613872368&sprefix=LED+chand%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-51

Brass - with white [or black]

ED by Ellen DeGeneres Jane 3-Light Flush Mount · More Info

I like the two lights shown in these pictures. As someone said, these are in style now. Maybe you could move them to a different room in the house if they’re not providing enough light in their current locations?

Ah, I see I’m not expressing myself well. The fixtures are nice. It’s the quality of light that bothers me. Too uniform and harsh. I’m thinking that lights on the perimeter of the room, and may floods or spots are the answer(?). there needs to be enough light to see, but nuanced.

Yes, do some research on lighting. You need ambient light and also task light. You can relocate these fixtures, or even sell them if you don’t want them, and put in different different fixtures or recessed lighting that will give you broader coverage. Also, don’t forget to use lamps. Floor lamps, table lamps, desk lamps etc. Other than in the kitchen, I prefer lamps over overhead light. It’s nice to have bright overhead lighting for cleaning or something, but overhead lighting is sometimes harsh and many people prefer lamps. And obviously in the kitchen, you need lots of light to prepare food so bright overheard lighting in there is very helpful along with lights under the cabinets.

Yes, lamps. Even as a kid I liked the parabolas of light that lamps cast on the walls. Now in my elder years I need more intensity in order to see. Maybe upcoming cataract surgery will help :)

I think one thing I definitely need is a book on lighting design.

@realcalm, that would help! There might be some helpful you tube videos on it as well. Recessed lighting requires an electrician to install (or someone very handy who can cut into the ceiling), but you can get track lighting fixtures that can go in where you already have holes from your other lights.

Like this, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-4-Light-Brushed-Steel-Wave-Bar-Track-Lighting-Fixture-with-Cylinder-Glass-Shades-EC340BA/202051369

There are lots of different lights like this at the hardware store, on on lighting websites.