Someone help me with lighting

Alright I feel like I'm here a lot. I've spent hours researching this, but what are some tools I can use to light interior settings. I don't plan on the levels having any windows, or any kind of outside light. But when I put light on the interior, it always ends up too bright, too dull, or simply out of place. Can anybody explain to me what render settings (ambient light, fog, etc) would be suitable for interior lighting, as well as preferred lights to be used? (spot, point, direc, etc). Also what are some techniques I can use to improve the quality of the interior scenes?