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Landscape Lighting Design: Increase in Your Home’s Security and Curb Appeal

Landscape lighting is more than just a way to see at night. It can also be used to create a beautiful, safe, secure, and inviting outdoor space. When done well, landscape lighting can enhance your property’s curb appeal, extend your living space, and even increase your home’s value.

There are many factors to consider when designing landscape lighting, such as the size of your property, the type of landscaping you have, and the desired mood you want to create. There are also many established design techniques and approaches:

  • Grazing: This is the technique of using light to highlight the contours of a landscape feature, such as a tree or a rock. Grazing can be used to create a sense of depth and to add interest to your landscape. 
  • Framing: This is the technique of using light to frame a landscape feature, such as a doorway or a window. Framing can be used to create a sense of privacy and to draw attention to specific areas of your landscape.  
  • Depth: This is the illusion of distance created by using different light levels. Depth can be used to make your landscape appear larger and more spacious.  
  • Uplighting: This is the technique of using light to illuminate the underside of an object, such as a tree or a building. Uplighting can be used to create a sense of drama and to highlight the shape and texture of an object.  
  • Downlighting: This is the technique of using light to illuminate the ground below an object, such as a pathway or a patio. Downlighting can be used to create a sense of mystery and to highlight the shadows created by objects.  
  • Washing: This is the technique of using light to illuminate a large area evenly. Washing can be used to create a sense of openness and to highlight the features of a landscape.  
  • Spotting: This is the technique of using light to highlight a specific object or area. Spotting can be used to create a focal point or to draw attention to a particular feature of a landscape.  
  • Moonlighting: This is the technique of using light to create the illusion of moonlight. Moonlighting can be used to create a sense of romance or to highlight the natural beauty of a landscape. 

In addition to these techniques, it is also important to consider the following when designing landscape lighting:

  • Safety: Landscape lighting can be used to create a safe outdoor space by illuminating pathways, walkways, and steps. It can also be used to deter crime by making your property more visible at night.
  • Security: Landscape lighting can be used to increase security by illuminating areas that are prone to break-ins, such as side yards and backyards. It can also be used to deter burglars by making it more difficult for them to see what they are doing.
  • Ambiance: Landscape lighting can be used to create a variety of moods, from romantic to relaxing to festive. The right lighting can make your outdoor space a more inviting place to spend time.

Besides all of these positive aspects to include, there are also a lot of things to avoid:

  • Dark spots: Dark spots are areas of the home’s façade that are left dark in an unbalanced or unappealing way.
  • Hot spots: Conversely, a hot spot is an area where either the point of light itself is visible and shining into viewers faces, or creates a concentrated point of light on the home’s façade or flora that is similarly unbalanced and unappealing visually.
  • Poorly designed shadows: Some silhouetting can have a beautiful effect, but creating ominous shadows can have the opposite effect!

If you are considering landscape lighting for your home, it is important to hire a qualified professional. A professional can help you choose the right fixtures, place them in the right locations, and create a lighting design that meets your specific needs. Astoria Lighting Co. chief landscape lighting designer, who reviews all designs, has over 29 years of landscape lighting experience!

Here are some additional tips for designing landscape lighting:

  • Start by assessing your needs. What do you want to achieve with your landscape lighting? Do you want to create a safe, secure, or inviting space? Do you want to highlight certain features of your landscape?
  • Consider the size of your property and the type of landscaping you have. How much space do you have to work with? What kind of plants and trees do you have?
  • Think about the desired mood you want to create. Do you want a romantic, relaxing, or festive atmosphere?
  • Choose the right fixtures. There are many different types of landscape lighting fixtures available, so take the time to choose ones that will fit your needs and your budget.
  • Place the fixtures in the right locations. The placement of your fixtures is critical to creating the desired effect. Take the time to plan carefully where you want to place them.
  • Consider the use of timers and sensors. Timers and sensors can help you save energy and make your landscape lighting more convenient.

With careful planning and execution, landscape lighting can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, safe, secure, and inviting oasis.