One of the best ways to improve a landscape is to design a lighting system that complements the features of your landscape and home. Beyond practical lighting, there are plenty of flourishes that can work towards improving the mood of your space. These lighting strategies may be subtle, but they can dramatically improve how everyone perceives your landscape and home. This year, you should set the mood with a new outdoor lighting plan in the Flat Rock, MI area.
Hidden and Ethereal
A big part of setting the mood with landscape lighting is keeping the light focused without making direct contact with someone’s eyes. This usually means low-lying lights embedded in masonry or hidden within the landscaping. Landscape designers and lighting engineers have come up with some fantastic ways to integrate light fixtures within masonry features such as steps and wall caps. Walkway lights can be hidden in the landscaping: virtually invisible during the day, but there when you need them at night.
Exciting and Magical
Most of your backyard activities, day or night, will be focused on the patio. The space should feel warm and vibrant, covered in a comforting blanket of light from above so you can see all the beauty of your favorite people and the wonderful setting. Use some tasteful lantern string lights to hang over your patio surfaces to make the space become the vibrant center of your family’s outdoor lifestyle. String lights can add a festive feel to your backyard; and with so many style choices available today, you can create exactly the right ambience with this simple technique.
Steely and Modern
Although lanterns and lamps are some of the oldest light fixtures, there are plenty of designs and styles that enhance a modern landscape and home. Tasteful lantern and sconce designs include steel boxes with plenty of open glass, providing both an open plane of view and a decluttered look that emphasizes modern materials. Consider adding lanterns and sconces to vertical landscape features and the outer walls of your home.
Reflective and Dynamic
Landscape designers have long been utilizing water features and natural water sources as additions to a landscape lighting design. Whether the lights are located underneath the water’s surface or aimed at the water, the constantly moving water will produce a dramatic atmosphere through dancing ripples projected on the surrounding landscape. Use underwater colored LED lighting as well as downlighting spotlights to take advantage of the reflective and refractive properties of water.
Accenting and Filling
Lighting a landscape is all about layering. This gives the space a more dimensional look (as opposed to a stark contrast between well-lit and dark spaces). For instance, many spaces such as walkways are illuminated to create a safe environment. To create a wonderful atmosphere, it’s also important to eliminate dark spots around the landscape. Use solar-powered pathways lights or spotlights to highlight special features or just add a bit of light in an overly dark area.
Focused and Intentional
Certain parts of your landscape deserve to be the center of attention even after the sun sets. These can include art pieces, stunning masonry, and treasured plantings. By focusing attention on these features with targeted landscape lighting, the eyes of your guests will be naturally drawn towards what you intend everyone to see. Take advantage of spotlights and various lighting techniques to add a bit of drama while creating a wonderful welcoming ambience in your backyard.
Colorful and Balanced
Don’t be afraid to use color in your landscape lighting! Blues, greens, reds, and various shades of whites and yellows can be just the thing you need to set the mood. Work with your landscape designer to see how you can incorporate color in your landscape lighting.
Related: DON'T FORGET YOUR PLANTINGS: HOW OUTDOOR LIGHTING CAN ALSO ENHANCE LANDSCAPE BEDS IN TRENTON, MI
