Illuminating ideas

Once you’ve invested time, money and creativity in your home’s exterior detailing, don’t forget to turn on the lights

By Tosha Kelly

Few things are more beautiful than a moonlit night – it sets a mood that’s hard to capture. That’s why many homeowners are turning to lightscaping landscapes that rival moonlight for their soft glowing beauty.

In the most successful outdoor lighting schemes, function and aesthetics go hand in hand. A well-designed exterior lightscape enhances a home’s best assets, adds drama and keeps your home safe and secure. Every shimmering result depends on a carefully constructed plan. Here is where to start.

Creating mood and focus

When it comes to lighting, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Let your mantra be “focus, focus, focus.” In the front and backyards, carefully choose focal points to receive the brightest and most dramatic spotlight, advises Loi Ricker, owner of Avant Gardens in Wasilla. Create dramatic effects by highlighting objects like trees and shrubs; architectural elements like pathways and entryways; and artwork like fountains and statues by using spotlights, well lights and other specialty fixtures.

Hang a fixture from an architectural detail, or place on a flat surface outside the home to add light for visitors. A garden or pathway with a water feature may have specialty lighting installed to bring attention to the feature, while also lighting the pathway for safety.

Hiring a designer

Homeowners can take it upon themselves to design their lightscaping plan, or hire a landscape designer. “Hiring a designer is a good idea because they have an eye for a finished look,” Ricker explains. “As with any type of designer, a lightscaper sees the project from an installation and budget approach that combines the right products and experience with a custom look that is pleasing to the homeowner.”

Fortunately your budget is completely up to you. You decide whether to keep it simplistic or go for maximum impact. Factors such as how bright you want the overall job to be, how many things you have to light, and how many textures and colors are on the site will affect your lighting choices.

“Similar to other home improvement services, the cost of labor and equipment raise the price,” notes Ricker. “The lights themselves are inexpensive and for the most part are usable for one or two years. Some of the supplies can be used for years such as extension cords, timers and fasteners. Smaller budgets are most effective on entryways and reachable areas from the ground. Taller rooflines and trees require additional equipment suitable for larger budgets.”

The right materials

Whether you’re working with a pro or shopping for do-it-yourself systems, go for quality fixtures and components because you’ll get what you pay for. Low-voltage is the way to go, but look for durable natural materials like copper and brass, and choose fixtures with glass enclosures. Energy Star qualified CFLs provide the greatest savings in fixtures that are on for a substantial amount of time each day. Reflector bulbs are great for outdoors because they’re sealed to withstand the rain and snow. “My preference is with C7 or C9 round bulbs in clear glass or frosted color, depending on the area of installation,” says Ricker. “White lights, large or small, create the best look by illuminating the dark winter days. Colors, such as red, blue, green and multicolor, dazzle the holiday season and create a celebration look for the new year. New to the market are LED lights that save energy, however, the product needs more development to provide the clear or colored look we all enjoy.”

Installation tips

Once a design and color scheme are created, you’re ready for installation. The techniques used to install lights depend on the height of the building or home, Ricker explains. “There are various fasteners on the market, some being temporary such as a rounded staple or permanent tracking that the bulbs sleeve into. The big issue we have here is the elements such as rain, wind, snow and long summer days. Many homeowners assume that lightscaping is permanent and will last for many years. This is more likely by using commercial grade lighting and permanent fastening, while at the same time, getting a early start in late September to replace bulbs, fuses or replace strands as needed.”

Installation is a job requiring patience and experience. Typically, an electrician is not required unless an outlet installation is involved. “Each installation is different,” she says. “Sometimes a homeowner wants one tree illuminated, while another wants the entire house lit up. It isn’t necessary for a homeowner to be home during the installation with an agreed design in writing, however; it is enjoyable for the homeowner to be involved in the creative process, and they will often add more to the look once they see the results.”

“You can clearly see the difference in the finished look of a great lightscaping job,” Ricker says. “There is more to it than a simple spiral around a tree, or a beginning and ending to the run or display. Not only does lightscaping enhance the home, it can set a trend in the neighborhood.” ✯