I started HL2 on hard just recently... its not really that hard...
Anyway, I'm not trying to brag or anything, but I've just recently started a new map cs_haunted2, and I'm incorperating every bit of architextural skill have to make a bone chilling CS mansion map. So far its going very well. Here's two screenshots, though the screenshots aren't up to date with what I actually have on the map.
Whats different about what I have done vs the screenshots:
-There is a chandellier where those sprites on the ceiling are
-the sprites on the ceiling aren't there
-The lighting outside is darker
-There's simply more stuff.
-The walls made of light textures where halls and doors should b are just blocks I used to seal off areas that would be a leak, don't worry baout them.