For the list of recommended stores, scroll below.
The ceiling work for the unit became a slight issue because only certain areas were covered with plaster ceiling after the handover - the kitchen, the toilets, and partially the bedroom where mostly done to cover the ventilation/ducting of the unit - the rest of the unit's ceiling are just painted soffit of the slab. So this made concealed lighting difficult without installing additional ceiling (as per previous post, not within the budget).
Here's the layout of the lighting (and the first look at the apartment floor plan):
As a result, locations with ceiling already provided, recessed downlighting were introduced. I wanted to avoid surface downlights because the extrusion made it too noticeable; with the exception of 2 places, the balcony where ceiling level was higher and utility where its not visible from the the living room.
Where there was no ceiling, I elected to go with Pendant Lights at the kitchen island and Track Lighting for two main reasons - modularity and focus - I can orientate it as how I see it fit and change the intensity of the lighting by simply swapping the lights out or adding more lights with minimal invasive works to the soffit.
The living room. Much of the room illumination comes from the spotlights "reflecting" off the wall. The drop of the ceiling at kitchen and towards the bedrooms could be seen here.
Ceiling fan selection was an afterthought as result of the light selections. Since the lighting introduced were in dark casing, ceiling fan should as well: black base and dark timber blades.
Selected Lighting & Ceiling Fan Stores in the Klang Valley Area
Here's a list of stores that I purchased from and stores I highly recommend if you are lighting shopping.
1. Top ten lighting sdn bhd
Location: 1, Jalan Bandar Tiga, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Practically everything installed were sourced from Top Ten. Easily the best bang for your buck store if you're looking for affordability and quality. From designer replicas to basic utilitarian, extravagant to minimal, Top Ten has widest selection of lighting (and ceiling fans) of the list; shopping here was a breeze and the staff were happy to help if you have any questions. One thing to note is that they only supply the items; if you require installation, they will recommend you some the technicians they often deal with.
2. lightcraft
Location: 98, Jalan Sungai Besi, Chan Sow Lin, 57100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
If you are looking for premium, designer light selection, look no further than Lightcraft. Their showroom itself is a sight to behold with bespoke lighting from an array of designers and even a "sample room" to show the lighting effects from specific light selections in curated conditions. With premium selection, comes premium prices; so set your expectations/budgets accordingly. Their staff are also well-versed in lighting options to help you with your selections, just bring your floor plan and your desired feel for the space.
3. Sparkling Electrical Trading
Location: 34, Jalan SS 21/35, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Much like Top Ten, Sparkling is a great place if you are looking for quality items on a tight budget. While the selection isn't as up to par, Sparkling still holds a decent selection to view and with friendly staff, they assisted me with my initial selection and provided recommendations to suit my budget.
4. one living sdn bhd
Location: 31G, Jalan Bandar 3, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160, Selangor
With retails all over the region, One Living is probably the most convenient for all your housing needs - electric goods, hot water systems, lighting, etc. Though selections of lighting were limited, they were the only ones that had stock for the set of pendants lights I was looking for. I'd recommend you to keep a look out for their sales or be prepared to haggle as their store prices can be slightly hefty.