Your landscape looks amazing during the day. But, does it invite you to enjoy it after dark? Landscape lighting has come a long way from a single house-mounted spotlight. Today’s options create a functional and beautiful nighttime landscape. Here’s how landscape lighting can enhance the mood of an outdoor living space in Croton, NY.
Outdoor lighting is an investment that should not be overlooked. After all, you may not come home from work until after dark, so why should you be denied some time decompressing outdoors in a space that is comforting and welcoming?
Today’s landscape lighting is a far cry from a single harsh bulb mounted on the house. And, you don’t have to resort to cheap string lights to set the mood. Landscape lighting has become complex, but it also opens up a world of possibilities in both function and aesthetics. It uses specialized fixtures to create a perfect mix of safety, convenience, security, dramatic effect, and, of course, the right ambiance for each space. Modern LED lighting is affordable, safe, and efficient. You can design a complex lighting scheme that sets exactly the right mood in each area of the landscape and marries function and art for a successful nighttime landscape.
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Function
Modern landscape lighting does away with the annoyance of blinding people with harsh lights; casting strong shadows that make walking uncomfortable or even hazardous; lighting up the whole neighborhood and ruining a romantic setting; and attracting every insect in the vicinity.
The best approach to landscape lighting functionality is to consider the various zones within the landscape. Just as bedrooms and kitchens require different levels of light and different placement of fixtures, so do outdoor zones. For example, you will want task lighting around an outdoor kitchen to make cooking more enjoyable, just enough light to set the right mood and to safely maneuver around a seating area. You will want path lighting that illuminates every step along the way without blinding you. And you will want to provide a sense of security, again without obnoxiously lighting up the entire backyard and neighborhood. The choice of fixtures and their number and placement will help you achieve exactly the amount and type of lighting for maximum practicality in each zone.
Art
The artistic side of landscape lighting - setting the mood - is the most fun aspect to design. Spotlights and other specialty lighting emphasize focal points, shapes, and textures in your landscape. Low-level (below knee height) fixtures illuminate seating areas and pathways in a subtle way without casting a glare. Submersible lighting will take a water feature to a whole new level of beauty and drama after dark. Canopy lights transform trees into nighttime works of art; for example, you can recreate the look of a full moon filtering through the leaves to add a romantic touch to your outdoor living spaces. Colored bulbs offer a different feel, so have fun experimenting with different color schemes around a pool, a fountain, or a fire pit area. The temperature of lights is also important in setting the mood and creating the look you want: warmer tones reminiscent of natural sunlight or an open flame are more pleasing to look at than crisp white lights that feel out of place in a tranquil setting.
A professionally designed and installed lighting installation will give you a huge return on your investment in the form of more enjoyment of your outdoor space. At Manzers, we have many years of experience with landscape lighting design and installation. We keep up with the latest outdoor lighting technology, we recommend the right products for your specific needs, and we are committed to creating a landscape that is as beautiful and practical after dark as it is during the day. Whether your project is modest or extravagant, we will help you bring it to life after dark!
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