Lighting up your home’s exterior can dramatically enhance its appeal after dark. And, it can be done in a variety of ways, including lighting pathways, garden beds, stairs and more. The most important thing to remember about outdoor lighting is that it should fit the landscape design and not be something that stands out like a sore thumb.
Lighting techniques can also help homeowners create a warm and welcoming ambience, whether it’s using spotlighting to create silhouettes, shadowing, uplighting or wall washing. Or, using landscape lighting to illuminate a particular tree or planting bed with soft, diffused light.
In addition to highlighting an overall design scheme, outdoor lights can provide a sense of security and safety for family members and guests. Use motion sensors to turn lights on and off when people are in or near the area, and consider options that enable remote control or timers to control outdoor lighting as well.
Another consideration with outdoor lighting is that it can increase utility bills if kept on constantly, so look for options that reduce energy consumption, like low-wattage bulbs and LEDs, or opting for solar power. When working with electricity, always be sure to follow proper installation and safety guidelines and consult with professionals when installing the more complex fixtures. And, always check in with neighbors to ensure you’re not keeping them up at night with bright lighting or trespassing on their property lines.