Establish the tone of the room. Is it going to be used for a staged film or video shoot? Or is it going to be a casual occasion such as an anniversary or birthday party? Decide whether the lighting should be natural or if you want to capture dramatic aspects of the action.
Identify the primary subject of the room. The subject may need separate lighting aside from the basic lighting, depending on your purpose. If there is more than one subject, decide what area the subjects are likely to be in and how that will affect the overall lighting scheme.
Set up basic lighting. Overhead lighting is usually best to create a well-lit, well-balanced, bright look. Position the key lights in at least three or four corners of the room at a slightly elevated level. Key lighting will eliminate many shadows and give the room a general well-lit look.
Track the subject(s) through the space. Without knowing how people or things will move through the space you will not know how that movement affects the lighting configuration.
Adjust the lighting configuration according to the positioning and blocking of the subjects. Position fill lights and back lights as necessary, opposite the subject(s) to get the look you desire.