This guest post was written by David Rosso
David Rosso is the owner of Lighting By Design, a company that specializes in lighting design in Essex County NJ. He has many years of experience in dashing both interior and exterior lighting in order to make the home a warmer more inviting place.
Exterior lighting has become a very popular aspect of exterior design and backyard remodeling. Over the last few years there have been many changes and developments in the design and use of exterior lighting. They are quickly becoming one of the more popular features used in exterior remodeling projects, partly due to their versatility. The addition of exterior lighting allows homeowners more hours of enjoyment of their outdoor landscaping features. Properly placed they can bring a new dynamic to the landscape. Here are just a few ideas of the ways exterior lighting can be used to enhance a specific area.
Swimming Pools
Adding exterior lighting to a swimming pool design can help provide many more hours of enjoyment. There are many different types of pool lighting fixtures available. Homeowners can modernize their pool areas with lights in and out of the pool; as well as make the area much safer. Pool lights are available in many different styles, shapes and colors. The type of lighting chosen will depend upon the pool design as well as the homeowner’s personal taste. Lights can be attached to pools in many different ways. Some styles hook on the top of the walls of the pool; or are mounted on the wall. They can also be installed directly onto the return line of the pool.
Driveways and Walkways
Exterior lighting can be used to line walkways and driveways. The addition of these lights can provide security and safety as guests move about the yard in the evening hours. Driveway lighting can help cars know where to park after dark. Walkways can become much safer to navigate after dark and lights can give walkways additional beauty while making landscaped areas visible at night.
Patios
When completing a backyard remodeling project, remember to install exterior lighting in the patio area. These lights can be used to accent a particular area or landscape feature. Homeowners can choose from many different designs depending on what types of features they wish to accentuate. Some styles include directional lighting or pavement lights; colored lights are also among the many choices available.
Create a dynamic effect by lighting your patio or deck. For these frequently used areas, lighting can help highlight steps, a drop-off or even a small change in elevation. This can make the area much safer as well as adding a dramatic effect. Light fixtures are commonly concealed under railings, benches or suspended from vertical posts. Fun overhead lighting ideas can include unique wagon wheel chandeliers or other funky pendants. Just make sure that any lighting used outside is safe to use after being exposed to the elements.
Garden Lighting
Homeowners spend a lot of time ensuring that their flowers and other plants are cultivated and decorative. There are many styles of garden lights that can help make the garden’s beauty enjoyable day and night. Solar lights are among some of the most popular choices. They are very simple to install; and there are no wires to have to worry with. They charge during the daytime hours so that they can illuminate the garden area during the night. There is no expense involved in operating solar garden lights. Another type of garden light that is low maintenance is LED lights. These offer a soft glow and are energy efficient.
Walls and Fences
Homeowners who have areas containing retaining walls can add an element of safety and beauty to their home by adding exterior lighting fixtures. They add a level of security to the property; but they also add aesthetic beauty. It is a wise choice to add illumination along a wall or fence. These fixtures can bring much more light into an area of the yard. There are many different stylish and attractive options available. Many can be equipped with sensors so that they turn off at sunrise and come on at sunset.
Content Provided By: Julia Ritzenthaler