Landscape lighting used to be installed mainly to light our way. Now, lighting goes far beyond function and can add beauty and ambiance to our landscape.
1 | Start With A Design
Any good design process begins with an understanding of the project goals. That is where your ideas can interact with a talented designer to create the yard of your dreams. A lighting expert may know of possibilities you weren’t even aware of. The resulting project can become a striking complement to your home. We asked Nick Cervi of Nite Worx of Arizona to give us some insight into what we should consider when planning outdoor lighting.
2 | Aesthetics
Architectural features
- The proper lighting can accentuate architectural features, highlighting the best features our homes have to offer. Highlighting features is superior to simply
spotlighting. These features include entryways, courtyards, and window features such as a bay-type window. The architecture of your home, being highlighted at night with appropriate lighting, can add the ‘Wow’ factor to your homes curb appeal.
Special landscape features
- Landscaping features, more specifically, great plant specimens such as a giant Saguaro or a mature mesquite tree, when lit, make it even more striking at night. Rock or boulder features can also make a statement with the right lighting. And lighting allows us to enjoy yard art in the evening hours.
3 | Function
Improve your outdoor spaces.
- Make outdoor living spaces more useable and inviting at night. Courtyards in front of homes are becoming more prevalent; add lighting and extend the area’s use into the evening. Lighting pathways and driveways make navigation safer and easier. Also, simply finding our way around the yard without stumbling is a plus.
- Backyard focus You can take these lighting ideas into the backyard and add lighting to extend the use of outdoor living areas. Patios, sitting area, pool deck, and BBQ space all play a role in designing your private space lighting.
4 | Security
- Proper lighting can enhance your home security while making it more attractive. Having a subtle blanket of light around your home discourages criminal activity. If a criminal act has occurred, there is a greater likelihood that cameras or neighbors can see what is going on. Lighting is also helpful to police as they drive their beats at night.
5 | The Hardware
Core components of a lighting system:
The brains of the system include the transformer, wiring, and conduit.
- Typically, a transformer is needed to regulate the 12-volt lighting fixtures. This unit comes in a box that will live outdoors, so it needs to be durable. Stainless steel is a common and sturdy material that matches the job. Transformers need to be accessible for servicing as well.
- The wiring needs to be rated for direct burial. All wiring should be underground except where it needs to be connected to the transformer.
- Use conduit to cover any exposed wiring above ground.
- Lighting can be controlled from an app on your phone, is convenient, and requires a Wi-Fi-compatible system. Nick warns us that the type of system you choose needs to be compatible with where it will be installed. The Wi-Fi device is often installed in that stainless steel box, impairing connectivity.
BONUS #6 | Updating Existing Lighting
Most lighting remodeling starts with changing the fixtures for a more contemporary look.
- Updated style: Today’s trending designs are more angular. The color of the fixtures tends to be darker as well. The darker-colored light fixture adds contrasts to become a part of the overall design.
- Updated technology: Another facet of remodeling is to remove the old halogen or incandescent bulbs and retrofit the system with LEDs for energy efficiency and longer life.
- Update to color lighting like blues, reds, and greens for holidays and special occasion lighting.
An experienced lighting designer can help a homeowner to navigate lighting their landscape and achieve a beautiful upgrade to their home.
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Homeowner Handbook | #5TipsForOutdoorLighting
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Discussions include the Weekly To Do on outdoor lighting, home security, a Super Cooling record, window replacement versus glass repair, metal french door lock malfunction, least visited (award winning) Arizona State Parks, Habitat For Humanity and more!
Photo Credit:
- NiteWorx
