Which of these recommendations is LEAST appropriate?

The recommendation that grazing lights should be located at least 12 inches away from the wall is the least appropriate in the context of effective lighting design. Grazing is a technique used to illuminate textured surfaces by placing lights close to the wall. The purpose of grazing lights is to enhance the textures and features of the wall, making it appear more dynamic and visually interesting. When lights are positioned immediately next to a surface, the shadows created by the contours become more pronounced, which is essential for achieving the desired dramatic effect.

Placing grazing lights at least 12 inches away from the wall would diminish the intended impact of the illumination. This distance would reduce the effectiveness of the light in highlighting textures and could lead to a less engaging visual effect. In contrast, positioning the lights closer to the surface, often within a few inches, is essential for effective grazing.