Curb appeal is important when selling a home and adding landscape lighting is one way to make sure that the home stands out to potential buyers. Any homeowner can install landscape lights that are solar powered with nothing more than some elbow grease and a Saturday afternoon.

First, a trip to the home improvement store will reveal many different types of solar landscape lighting options. The easiest to install are the stake lights that are used to light up pathways and driveways. The lights that are purchased should complement the house, not overpower it. Selling a house is not the time to install fairies and gnomes, stick to traditional and simple.

One the lights have been purchased, the pathway should be clearly delineated. Hopefully there are pathway stones, if not, they should be considered a necessary part of the home improvement project and added. Install the stake lighting by pushing the stakes into the ground in evenly spaced intervals. Follow the pathway from the beginning of the driveway to the front porch area. If there is room, the solar stake lights can be installed on both sides of the pathway markers, alternating sides as the path is followed.

This simple yet effective lighting project will make the house more appealing to potential buyers. They will see that not only is the path safe to navigate, the yard has a nice appeal to it when darkness arrives and visitors come to the house. Using the solar version also lets potential buyers know they have outside light without increasing their power bill. The best part is that even if the house does not sell the outdoor lighting will be in place and beautiful for the current homeowners to enjoy.

-Sharon Chapman

Solar stepping-stones for pathways are one of the most creative new uses of solar energy. These injection mold-created pathway markers have solar lighting designed into the stone. The inclusion of a light sensor allows these stones to become luminous when night falls. The stones appear to magically light up and allow people to see the way to their destination one-step at a time until the door home is opened. These pathway markers are heavy duty to withstand heavy traffic and contain batteries that store the energy collected from the sun for up to 8 hours at a time.

Plant light rings that are solar powered are a unique and interesting way to add light to the landscape in a subtle yet artistic manner. These rings fit around the base of plants and are a great way to provide uplight that enhances the plant while at the same time providing lighting to the area. The solar panel can be located away from the plant and connected to the light using an attached cord that can be discreetly placed out of sight.

Solar powered butterfly and firefly lights are an attractive and creative way to add light to the garden. They are available in a variety of sizes and are stake lights that appear to take flight when night comes and the sun goes down. Butterfly and dragonfly lights bring multi-colored light to the landscape and help to create a fantasy garden to be enjoyed by homeowners and guests. Like the other solar lights that are available, during the day the butterflies gather the sun’s power and convert it to energy that is stored in Nickel Cadmium batteries.

The constant theme throughout any landscape light that is solar powered is it having the solar panels needed to gather the sun’s energy, the mechanism needed to transform that energy into stored energy in the batteries and the photocell to tell the battery when to power on and when to power off. Solar powered lights provide lighting in the garden without providing extremely high power bills at the same time.

-Sharon Chapman

Outdoor landscape lighting plans can be as simple or elaborate as the homeowner wants. Lighting can simply be used as a safety feature or it can be used to enhance garden areas, pool and patio areas and other features of the yard that the homeowner wants to highlight.

Designing an outdoor landscape lighting plan can be done by the homeowner or by a professional. If it is not designed at the time the house is built or is an added feature used as a home improvement project the homeowner will need to start the plan with a design of the landscape as it currently is and the add the lighting features based on how each area of the yard is utilized.

For example, patio lighting may be added for entertaining at night. This lighting could be in the form of stake lights around the patio or hanging pendant lights if there is a ceiling over the patio.  If there is a pool then lighting could be installed to make the pool a night feature as well.

Lighting doesn’t have to be installed for walking; it can be installed to enhance features of the yard. Spotlights are often installed to display prized flower gardens or statuaries in the yard. These can be bright or soft lights shining from the ground up or placed above and shining down.

Pathway lighting is another outdoor feature that has to be considered when designing a lighting plan. If there are walkways in the garden they need to be illuminated at night for safe passage. Pathway lights can be recessed lights that are installed around the path or they can be post lights that are installed at a set distance apart from each other along the pathway. There are also pathway stones that have built-in LED lights. These create a dramatic walkway that is lit up step by step.

The driveway and parking area are another important feature to consider when planning lights. Driveway light is necessary for cars to be able to get into the driveway safely. Driveway lights also help visitors to find the house. Without these lights it could be difficult to find the house.

Outdoor lighting plans add beauty and value to a home. They create living spaces that can be enjoyed year round, day or night and they also provide security and safety for the homeowner. Regardless of the time it is added, during construction or after the home is built, an outdoor lighting plan is a great addition to the home.

-Sharon Chapman

There are multiple benefits to this new lighting trend that homeowner’s should consider when debating whether or not to add landscape lighting to their yard. First, and probably foremost, are the safety and security features lights add to the land. Landscape lights installed around driveways and walkways provide lighting that allows individuals to see where they are going. This can also save the homeowner from lawsuits should someone trip and fall in the dark.

Lighting placed in remote areas of the land the home is built on provides a security measure by helping to ward off intruders. It is a proven fact that would-be burglars avoid areas that are lit up, they prefer to remain under the cover of darkness where they can’t be seen and identified.

Another added benefit of adding landscape lights is the extension of the home’s living area. Warm summer nights are the perfect time for outdoor dinner parties or late night swims. These are not possible if there is not enough light to see by. The lighting installed doesn’t have to be overpowering, soft lighting is ideal for creating a welcoming atmosphere for entertaining.

Landscape lights can provide a magical effect to show off prized flowerbeds or special yard pieces. These lights can help to create a relaxing area to enjoy quite time with family or just a good book. Gardens that are designed around a favorite collection, such as cherubs, can be complemented with the use of garden lights in the design of the collection. These types of light help to bring the garden to life when the sun goes down and are magical in their visual effect.

If the landscape has water features such as a swimming pool or pond, there are landscape lights that are designed specifically for use with water. Some water lights are designed to float on top of the water and create the appearance of living, moving shadows. Other water lights are designed to be installed under the water for a more dramatic effect and for night swimming.

If the use of outdoor lights to create a visual effect is simply more than the homeowner desires, they can always choose to stay with the simple security lights that are standard, such as the front porch light and a yard light.

Outdoor garden lights can turn the darkness of night into a stunning, dramatic area to be enjoyed anytime or they can light the way to the door and get the homeowner safely inside and nothing more. The choice is up to the individual and can always be altered as desired.

-Sharon Chapman

Landscape lights do more than light up the dark, the take a cold, foreboding area, and create a warm and inviting area that welcomes people to the home. Adding these lights can be as simple as installing stake lights along a pathway or driveway or as complex as having uplights and spotlights installed to showcase various features of the yard.

Driving through a nearby neighborhood after dusk will reveal the various ways that landscape lights are used to enhance a home. One landscape may have a lighting plan that simply shows the way from the drive to the front door while another may have lighting around the patio or deck and even in the hedges to create a soft glow around the house.

Landscape lighting goes beyond simple aesthetics. It is also a necessary safety and security feature that should be installed. The homeowner might not want to have lighting in the garden areas; however, it is important to cover the basics with lighting that creates a safe haven. Motion detector lights can be installed near corners of the home that can’t be seen easily from within. These lights alert the home’s inhabitants of intruders and also provide safety lighting for approaching visitors.

Security lighting should be installed in large landscapes that have remote areas. These remote areas are often covered in blackness when night falls, giving would-be intruders the perfect opportunity to make their way towards the home. Adding floodlights that have photocells to turn them on and off at dusk and dawn will keep the area lit up and act as a deterrent.

In addition to safety and security, landscape lights help to create an extension of the home’s living area. Adding these lights to garden areas or patios creates areas for relaxing and entertaining outside of the confines of the house. These lights effectively add living space to the home.

Adding landscape lights is not a massive undertaking. Homes that have none can easily be outfitted with solar lights that are easy to install. Homes that are under construction or in the design phase can have a landscape architect design and install a lighting plan that complements the home. The choice of lighting is simply a matter of taste and how the outdoor space will be used.

While garden landscape lighting is visually appealing, it also has functionality. It provides safety by providing a means of being able to see walkways and obstacles in walkways. Garden lighting also provides security by lighting the dark areas around homes. Most would-be-burglars are not interested in being exposed in even the smallest amount of light.

With families working and running errands until later and later hours of the day, having garden landscape lighting allows them to still have time to enjoy being together at home in the dusky hours without being in the dark. Pool time or just relaxing on the porch is more enjoyable with the addition of soft lighting in the garden.

Garden landscape lighting does not have bankrupt you; there are very economical sources that can be installed by even the average do-it-yourselfer. One visit to your local home improvement store will show you just how cost effective outdoor lighting can be.

The most economical form of garden landscape lighting is solar staked lights. These lights are available in various heights and designs. Operating on batteries that are charged by the sun, they are inexpensive to purchase, easy to install and have no maintenance cost. Solar staked lights are a great way to start your garden landscape lighting project and stay within your budget.

Designing Your Lighting

As you design your landscape lighting plan you should keep in mind the design of your house and the features of your landscape that are already present. The idea is to enhance your lawn and garden, not overpower it. You don’t want the neighbors complaining that your yard is lit up like the 4th of July every night.

You should start with the driveway and walkway to your door and the porches or doorways into your house. Your driveway should have enough light to see to get into and out of it safely. There are garden landscape lighting options such as rustic post lamps or hanging lanterns that are appealing and functional.

Pathway lighting can range from small post lights to recessed lights or even moonstones. The choice is strictly a matter of individual taste and style. Porch lighting should complement your homes design. While typically porch lights have been bronze or brass, you can find them in a variety of materials and style. The antique lantern look is popular as are more modern shapes and designs.

As you design your garden landscape lighting keep in mind both form and function to create the perfect balance. You can be artistic or simplistic, the choice is yours. Let your creativity light the way to your garden landscape lighting plan.

-Sharon V Chapman

The abundance of interesting products for patios, decks and gardens is a testament to just how important outdoor living areas have become. According to a survey by the American Institute of Architects on Home Design Trends, there is surge in interest in building outdoor patios, kitchens and decks, and outdoor lighting extends the use of these spaces.

“With every deck I build I now factor in lighting solutions,” says Bob Lehman, owner of Creative Deck Designs in Maryland.

Today’s lighting comes in a variety of forms, including energy efficient illumination sources. “There are so many uses for lighting in an outdoor environment, both from a functional standpoint and a decorative one,” says Jay Savignac, senior vice president for Aurora Deck Lighting, one of the nation’s largest outdoor lighting manufacturers.

Building codes have also been an important driving force, as safety concerns have forced communities to require builders to add lights when outdoor stairs are involved. “Increasing the safety factor is definitely a reason for adding lights, and security has always been important. Today people want lighting that allows them to cook outside at night or entertain in a candle-lit sort of environment. Products on the market today make it possible to do both,” Savignac says.

Aurora’s Web site (www.auroradecklighting.com) showcases a variety of different types of outdoor lighting. The company’s most popular products are lighted post caps, which are designed to integrate into a backyard deck or fence and add both design features and function.

“Our newest products include solar powered lights, like the Polaris, which has a traditional lamp look that is designed to fit on a variety of post sizes. Because it is powered by the sun, the lights are easy to install and no special wiring or electrical knowledge is required,” Savignac says.

Lehman says his clients also are incorporating path lights into their backyard environments. New versions, like the Quasar Pathway Deck Light, mount on the bottom of a porch post, deck post or fence to illuminate stairs or highlight landscaping.

LED lights, like the award-winning Eclipse LED and the Nova LED from Aurora, are growing in popularity as technology has improved their intensity. These lights burn for thousands of hours without requiring a bulb change and are among the most efficient sources available today.

Ron and Nancy Snyder of Rootstown, Ohio, had a new deck added to their home and shopped extensively for outdoor lighting to compliment its design. They decided on simple lights that mounted on the posts on their deck.

“We are extremely pleased with these lights and have received many complements from our guests and friends. We especially like the way the glass defuses the light, and we are amazed at how well the lights weathered our vicious Northeast Ohio winter. They still look perfect in spite of record severe weather,” Ron says.

“We’ve come a long way from the ‘runway lights’ that people would stick in their yards along the sidewalk. Today the quality of the lighting and the options that are available make it possible to completely customize the look of your home and create a fantastic ambiance that lights up the night,” Savignac says.

For more information and outdoor lighting inspiration, visit www.auroradecklighting.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

From the front door to the backyard deck, lighting plays an important role in the beauty, usability and safety of your outdoor living space. Small changes in lighting can have a big impact on your home’s curb appeal and your ability to enjoy outdoor living.

Daniel Auer, a lighting expert with LightingShowplace.com, offers a few tips on how to improve exterior lighting.

Light the Way

“Night-time visitors should feel welcomed with light as soon as their car stops in front of your house,” Auer says. That means driveways and walkways leading to your front door should be well-lit enough to ensure safe footing, yet not so bright that they overpower the main lights above or beside your front door.

At the door, if your home currently has just one lantern next to the door, consider replacing it with matching lanterns. Flanking the door with matched lights will create a warm, even glow while assuring the safety of those who enter. If your home has a porch or overhang, you have even more options: a recessed, chain-hung or ceiling fixture.

Light the Landscape

“When it comes to landscape lighting, many homeowners tend to forget about the back yard,” Auer says. While simple canister lights, directed on key landscape elements like trees or planting beds, can create drama for your home’s façade, don’t overlook the value of more whimsical choices or of lighting your back yard.

More powerful, practical path lighting makes sense for front areas where guests may be walking from car to house. In back yards, consider using more delicate path lights to highlight areas, like water features and seating arrangements. For example, LightingShowplace.com sells path lights shaped like graceful flowers, with a gentle light subtly nestled within the bowed head of the bloom.

Deck it Out

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, a great deck is its crowning glory. Americans are now building and expanding decks more than ever before, as the trend towards great outdoor living spaces continues. Just as you employ lighting to create usability, mood and appeal in your kitchen, the right lighting outdoors can enhance the safety and enjoyment of your deck.

“There are numerous ways to light your deck, from lanterns that sit on the post caps of your deck rails to outdoor lamps that work with your outdoor furniture much as lamps do indoors,” Auer says.

One of the hottest trends in deck lighting plays to a hot trend in deck construction – decorative rails, all the rage right now, require decorative lighting. From strand lighting designed to mimic the twinkling of the stars overhead to sconces shaped like flowers and animals, the options for adding light to deck railings have boomed in the past few years.

You’ll be a Fan

Overhead fans are a great way to add multiple layers of lighting – not to mention comfort – to outdoor spaces like gazebos, screened porches and decks. Any fan that you love indoors can easily be used outdoors with the proper wiring. What’s more, most fans offer dimmer options so you can adjust light levels to match the mood of your gathering.

Fans with blades that evoke the look of leaves or fern fronds are particularly attractive in outdoor settings, helping underscore the natural appeal of the space.

When you’re ready to begin brightening your outdoor spaces, consider an online resource, like LightingShowplace.com, rather than a big box home improvement store. With a few mouse clicks, you can instantly assess what’s in inventory from thousands of choices, and access customer service personnel who are trained to answer questions about the brands and products offered.

Courtesy of ARAcontent