Any homeowner who has considered revitalizing their outdoor space has likely evaluated a wide range of choices, from gardens and flowers to pavers and pathways. However, one aspect of a unified landscape design that is often overlooked is the power of lighting.
Using illumination on a property can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the landscape and its structures, as well as offer safety and utility. The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to incorporating light into a design, but consider the following aspects of the project before you make a decision.
The Components Of Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting can play a powerful role in enhancing the beauty and function of your property. However, in order for it to perform at its best, lighting needs careful consideration. From the type of electrical supply that you choose to the bulbs and fixtures, landscape lighting is made of many components that can further complement your outdoor vision.
Wiring
Unlike the hard-wired electricity that is in your home, low voltage landscape lighting does not require trenching or installation by a licensed electrician. Low voltage landscape lighting is run from a transformer that can easily be installed near an outdoor electrical outlet or in a shed or garage.
Bulb
Not all bulbs are created equal; from spotlights and floodlights to strings of Cafe lights and even colored lamps, the type of bulb that you choose can accent your personality and vision for your property. While spotlights can contribute dramatic lighting that illuminates large structures, string lights or uplights may be a better choice for mimicking soft moonlight.
Fixture
Uplights, downlights and path lights will make up the majority of your lighting options. The light fixtures can contribute to the thematic concepts of a landscape design. Eye-catching path lights that are sculpted or shaped can help to unify the tone of an outdoor space, while recessed lights that are meant to stay largely out of sight can make do with simpler fixtures. Consider the placement of lights and how visible the fixtures will be in order to choose options that suit the overall theme and concept of the landscape.
Landscape Lighting Design Ideas
Lighting can be used in myriad ways to highlight impressive features of a property, keep the home safe, and prevent injury when enjoying the natural beauty of your garden. The types of lighting that will work best for your particular landscape will depend upon the features you have and the goals you envision for your outdoor space.
Uplighting For Visual Appeal
One of the most common types of lighting that homeowners choose is uplighting. Frequently, this type of light is focused on the side of the home, from the ground upward. This creates a dramatic luminance that accentuates the beauty of the home’s architecture. However, uplighting is not limited to only the home; it is also commonly used to draw attention to particularly specimen plants or beautiful aspects of the scenery. From an elegantly sprawling tree to a sculpture or water feature in a garden, the most influential pieces of a landscape design are often uplit in order to draw the eye to them.
Spotlighting For Safety
Another effective use of landscape lighting is for safety. Homes that regularly utilize bright outdoor lights by entryways, gates, and paths are less likely to fall victim to theft and other intrusions, both by people and by unwanted animal visitors. Spotlights in an entryway also help to keep residents safe by providing enough illumination to view who is at the door without needing to open it.
Pathway Luminance
When it comes to nuanced lighting, pathway illumination is one of the most common choices. Many homeowners would like to make use of their outdoor retreats even at night, but the darkness can make navigating pathways and garden edges hazardous. Gentle illumination of pathways using thematically tied lamps can help to keep visitors safe without becoming too bright and distracting.
Work With Landscape Design Professionals
If you would like to improve the lighting of your property or reevaluate how your landscape design works with concepts of light, shade, and partial illumination, be sure to work with landscape design professionals. At Jean Brooks Landscapes, we believe that an outdoor space should be artistic and reflective of the personality and vision of its owner.
With 30 years of experience in landscape design, we can bring a fresh perspective to your property and create a natural retreat that complements your home and becomes a relaxing, intimate, and peaceful respite at your doorstep. Reach out to schedule an appointment with a landscape designer.