Lighting is the finishing touch to any outdoor space. We always recommend lighting for every project that we do but it is usually one of the first things our clients take off of their estimate. While we understand, we do have a quick internal moment of disappointment! Because lighting, at the end of the day, will set your space apart and gives your space ambiance for all 12 months of the year! Can we convince you to leave it on your estimate?
When outdoor lighting is done right, which comes with experience and training, it gives your space a finesse or the “it factor.” When lighting is designed and installed and then adjusted professionally without even realizing quite why people will come into your space and say “wow!”
Whether you are adding lighting to an existing project or creating a lighting plan to coordinate with your landscape design, let us encourage you to keep lighting as a critical part of your property budget!
When it comes to lighting, results are what speak for themselves but for the more studious reader let’s break it down into general categories:
As with anything else, the options are really endless but the major objectives we accomplish are safety and aesthetics.
SAFETY:
Of course when we carefully choose safety lighting options they are always aesthetic as well. However the goal of safety lighting will be keeping enough lights to be able to give you peace of mind when using your walkways and patios at night.
Safety lighting
Path lights
Path lights are carefully arranged to keep essential walkways lit. The most important areas would be any transitions for example steps or grade changes
Step Lights
Steps can be lit through other avenues like path lights, up lights or down lights or they can be lit with lights designed specifically for steps
AESTHETIC:
The category of aesthetic lighting would be lighting that is being used to feature areas of your property. Whether it be sculptures, water features or trees.
Feature lighting
Up lights
We use up lights most often. There are different kinds and sizes etc. depending on the scenario and the design of your space. We would use above ground up lights most often and when we can place them in mulched beds. When there is not enough space or an unusual circumstance we also use in-ground lights as well.
Down Lights
We also will use down-lights for something like a pergola or in an area where you couldn’t use a path or up light.
OTHER
If there is something unique about your property that you want to feature there is a lighting solution to fit your needs. There are underwater lights, deck lights etc. We can help you see the potential for your space!
Of course these are just the simplified categories of lights that we use most often. The options are endless which is why you want to bring in the professionals. Using a lighting plan for your property will ensure that conduits are in the right place and that very light chosen is the best option for your specific needs.
So leave the lighting on your estimate! Make lighting a priority because it is the finishing touch that gives your property an aesthetic edge that is truly a 12 month investment. It looks great no matter the season and, literally, shines even longer in the winter than the summer!
