Jun 15 2010
Outdoor Landscape Lighting
Designing landscape plans includes more than designing flowerbeds and water features, an outdoor landscape lighting plan is the accent that brings everything together. Landscape lighting brings the home and lawn to life at night and extends the home’s livable area from inside the house to the outside areas.
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
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