Outdoor Lighting Ideas to Inspire You this Summer
The days are getting warmer, meaning you and your friends and family can sit outside well into the evening. So it's time to double-check all of your outdoor lighting for safety, function, and design! Illuminating your outdoor space can be tricky, so this month I am sharing ideas to help you get started.
Boost Your Outdoor Ambiance
From string lights to lanterns, there are endless ways to add a touch of class and romance to your yard/outdoor patios and porches. Decide which exterior areas or objects you want to highlight and what kind of mood you want to create in those spaces. Do you want soft lighting? Or is it an area around a grill that needs bright, direct light?
Once you have an idea, select the appropriate fixtures (Instagram and Pinterest can be your best friend for finding and saving ideas!). Also, keep in mind your power sources - where will you plug everything in and will there be on/off switches? Just make sure you don't overdo it - too much light can be just as uninviting as not enough.
Practical Solutions for Power Sources
Let's face it, when it comes down to it most of us just want our outdoor spaces to be well lit so we can see what we're doing and avoid tripping over anything. From solar powered lights to LED bulbs, there are plenty of options that will save you money and energy in the long run. Plus, they'll help you avoid those pesky trips to the hardware store for replacement bulbs.
Wattage, a Rule of Thumb
A general rule of thumb for outdoor lighting is 40 watts and lower. However, for areas that you want a bit brighter (like a driveway or grill), you can go 80 watts or slightly higher.
Creativity Doesn’t Have to End When the Design Is Delivered
If you want help creating your lighting design, one of the best things about working with an experienced lighting designer (me!) is that we can bring your vision to life in a way that works with your existing outdoor design!
However, if you find yourself using the space and lighting a little differently than expected, I can help you fine-tune your outdoor lighting set-up. After all, part of my job is making sure you love your space - even as your outdoor needs change!
Good lighting truly has the power to transform a yard. I love helping clients bring more joy to their spaces, and I’d love to work together if you need help optimizing your front and backyards! Contact me to get started.