Outdoor Landscape Light is just as important as interior lighting after dark

20 Nov Outdoor Landscape Light is just as important as interior lighting after dark

By Mike Gambino

When LEDs (light-emitting diodes) came on the market, people were slow to adopt them for use at home and in the landscape, because the light emitted tended to be bluish-white in hue. Today that has all changed. Advancements in technology mean that LEDs can produce that warm, amber like incandescent and the crisp white light of halogen that many homeowners prefer in their living spaces inside and outside the home.

Though the upfront cost ($20 to $75) is much higher than for traditional bulbs, the return on investment comes with lower power bills, longer-lasting bulbs and better-quality light. LEDs can last up to 25,000 hours and use 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs.

But the best part is their versatility. LEDs cover the range of light, from soft and warm to crisp and cool, and fixtures come in various design options that let the designer play around with creative and pleasing lighting schemes. Fixtures with LED lamps (bulbs) can work wonders with uplighting, downlighting, accent lighting and more.

Exterior lighting is just as important as an interior lighting design. cohesively designed exterior lighting ensures a smooth transition between indoors and out when the evening comes. Well-executed exterior lighting design also makes all the difference in transforming your entrance from run-of-the-mill to inviting, welcoming and safe.

Other areas of the property, such as patios and walkways, also deserve attention, as these are the areas people navigate to get to the final destination , accident free, to relax and rejuvenate. The  options shown here will make your outdoor spaces safer for everyone, from those with aging eyes and bodies to the young alike.

There is something about a house at night, glowing from within, that is warm and inviting. Translate that effect to your yard and you can gain extra outdoor rooms all night long.

Start with the front door to welcome visitors at night,  lights added to your garden or backyard patio, and even spice up a few trees with some uplighting. Lighting can be simple as a few LED lights or can get complex and expensive with designed installations. Whether you choose to spend a lot or a little, the smallest bit of light can go a long way in the dark.

Take a peek into a few homes at night, lit from within and without in varying degrees of brightness. Subtle patios, glittering fountains and sculptural trees all get a boost from a little light. Where could you add a little glow to your home at night?

This front entry is warm and inviting. The door is clearly visible from the street as a destination point. The steps and walks both have adequate lighting for safe traverse. Downlit Shadows add interest along the way.

This patio has soft light directed from above onto the seating area from an adjacent tree. Trees surrounding the space are uplighted to create depth and drama and add to the ambient light in the space.

This outdoor eating area features soft glare free illumination provided from an adjacent tree above which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing at night.

Interior to exterior views of the garden can be stunning when light inside and outside windows are balanced.

Falling water is magical and attention grabbing when effectively accent lighted in the night garden.

It takes a lot of outdoor lighting fixtures to create cohesive designs that work. Here there are many effects that come together that make this scene breath takingly beautiful. Paths leading to the patio are safely lighted, patio has both task (countertops and BBQ) effectively lit while seating areas are slightly dimmer for relaxation. Trees and shrubs that surround are dramatically lighted to add interest, mystery and beauty.

This outdoor fireplace not only provides warmth on cool evenings but becomes a focal point of beauty in the garden when dramatically uplighted with fixtures built into the masonry. Flanking Trees are uplighted to frame the fireplace and compliment it without drawing attention away from it.

Lighting for Address numbers are often overlooked at night.

Silhouettes create depth and a hierarchy of importance in the lighting theme.

Interior and exterior lighting make this home approachable to welcomed guests and not a desirable target for those for more nefarious things on their mind.

This landscape lighting blog is published by Mike Gambino of Gambino landscape lighting inc. all rights reserved. Mike is a professional landscape lighting system designer/ builder and has been designing, installing and maintaining landscape lighting systems for more than 20 years. Mike resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife and 2 sons. To visit his website go to www.Gambinolighting.com . To inquire about hiring Mike please click here .

Blog articles may be published with permission on other websites without editing or removing links.