Outdoor lighting highlights charming features and creates an alluring ambiance that sets the tone for a memorable night. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner under the stars or gathering around a fire pit with family, it’s important that your exterior feels warm and inviting at night.
To establish an alluring atmosphere, the best way to go about illuminating your backyard is to choose fixtures that are subtle rather than bright. “Lighting creates a soft glow that accentuates your landscape,” says designer Kevin Lenhart at Yardzen. “That’s a great way to make your outdoor living spaces more livable after dark.”
You should also consider what goals you want your outdoor lighting to achieve. For instance, if safety is a concern, you should consider motion sensor lights that can be programmed to turn on when movement is detected. Dusk-to-dawn lights are another great option since they automatically turn on and off with the setting and rising of the sun.
For an alluring glow, Mr. Shrader often uses a technique called moonlighting, which involves mounting low-voltage lights in trees to mimic the natural light of the full moon on a clear night. This can also help a garden feel bigger and more expansive, he adds. Another trick to make a smaller space appear larger is to use recessed and path lighting, which illuminates walkways and creates a sense of depth. This allows you to see where you are going and ensures that guests don’t trip over obstacles.