Landscape Lighting Design and Installation
A landscape lighting design begins with an examination of the features and areas of the landscape that need illumination. The fixtures chosen will determine what effects they can achieve, such as enhancing the form of trees or plants, adding color, texture, and contrast, or unifying themes of interior design. Lighting should also shape the landscape’s view at night, and specific techniques can satisfy more than one of these requirements. Let’s look at some of the most common design principles used to create landscape lighting:
First, sketch out your property. Sketch out the areas where you want lighting, and note the placement of fixtures. On a larger property, you may want to use separate pieces of paper for each lighting region. A blank sheet of paper can be used as a guideline, but graph paper works just as well. You can walk the property while sketching to make sure your design fits the area’s contours. Using a sketch will help you decide where to place the fixtures and how to install them. Back home.
Accent lighting, or spot lighting, focuses light on specific objects or landscape features. They create a certain mood and can increase curb appeal by highlighting individual areas. Spread lighting, on the other hand, provides general illumination, but does not focus on specific objects or areas. This lighting style is often preferred by homeowners who want to illuminate an entire space rather than just a few specific features. In addition to accent lighting, landscape lighting design and installation can be used to create a distinct design that sets your property apart from the rest.
When selecting the fixtures and bulbs for your outdoor lighting, make sure that the bulbs are rated for outdoor use. While some fixtures may be suitable for use in the indoors, they may not withstand the harsh humidity and temperature changes of outdoor lighting. Moreover, they may not withstand the outdoor conditions, which can lead to the breakdown of some bulbs. Also, remember to select outdoor fixtures that have waterproof cords. And don’t forget to purchase landscape lighting fixtures that will fit your budget.
Lighting systems are expensive and require professional knowledge. If you plan to add new lights to your existing setup, make sure to ask your landscape lighting designer to consult with you on the best options for your needs. Make sure you choose an LED bulb or one with built-in LED arrays. LEDs are long-lasting and energy-efficient. Using LEDs also allows you to add more lights to one transformer, allowing you to get a smaller, less expensive transformer.
To accent a specific feature, use a narrow spotlight from a hidden location. This will help highlight the feature in a subtle way. Alternatively, use a floodlight or well light to create a shadow on the wall. Moonlighting is another option that utilizes spotlights positioned high in the trees and directed downward. The soft light fixtures will bathe the ground below in a gentle glow and create soft shadows on the lower branches of trees. Here is the next up article.