Any good designer will tell you that landscape lighting is as important as the color you paint your home. The first thing people notice when approaching your residence at night is the lighting. So consider these questions; and don’t think style - think intention.: Who are you? What are you saying with the landscape lighting? What you wish to convey to others?
Think mystical, classic, austere, serious or whimsical. Your landscape lighting should speak to these qualities. Which dramatic spray of light will illuminate your garden, delivering your message without you being present?
Okay, that said, a few basics.
Landscape lighting establishes the atmosphere in your garden and your home. Choose lights for their size, shape, brightness, and materials to define the intention of the space. For example, the subtle illumination of a single solar-powered torch can set apart a special nook for heart-to-heart talks and brings an intimate element.
The option of solar-powered landscape lighting these days are so much broader than the commonplace black torches of the ‘80s. I use solar lights disguised as ordinary garden rocks along my stone path to blend with the space and offer a soft invitation to those approaching my home at night.
Our experience with Ace Hardware online has been outstanding. They address every architectural style and landscape design in styles that are solar-powered, plug-in, or hard-wired. More importantly you will find the energetic you seek. I loved the Northern International Stainless Steel Solar Light sets because the variety of styles offered many options. Here are a few ideas:
• Varied heights and presentations: For instance, the staked lights are simple and they add gentle illumination to a path, while hanging lamps put the glow at higher levels, casting a bit of light on the faces of those who walk through the garden, adding a sense of nostalgia and/or drama. Again, consider what you are saying?
• Materials and finishes; shiny metals are great in a contemporary setting such as a Japanese contemporary garden, and they give off considerable energy and add a protective feel of powerful guardian angels nearby. However, a cottage-style garden is brought to life at night by the timeless feel of antique copper finish and the gentle fairies that hover nearby.
• Do you want low-strength or floodlight-strength: Bright light is bold and defined, claiming control of the space, while more subtle throws of light offer the gentle relaxation of intimate conversations. Look for the illumination ample for safety; yet that which matches your intention.
If you choose to have your landscape lighting hard-wired, Ace Hardware offers many beautiful choices in this category:
• The La Belle Glass Tulip Post Light provides gentle guidance along a path through its delicate, flower-shaped bulbs that also lend a feminine air and playful whimsy.
• The Stanford Clear Glass Globe Light in antiqued copper stands slightly taller to boldly define your garden’s borders, and its uncomplicated shape and sophisticated finish suit more formally designed gardens. This brings regal ownership to your space.
• The Malibu Pewter Walklight has a lovely, frosted-glass globe that affords a diffused glow gentle enough to encourage meditation and deep thought.
• The Malibu Tier Light fosters romance with its classic shape and subtle illumination.
Landscape lighting is more than practical. It can offer a gentle welcome to guests in an outdoor dining area. A candle set on the table along with an after-dark meal creates ambiance, yet it’s not nearly as enchanting as lanterns hanging from tree branches casting their glow onto the diners and foliage. But you can also aim for just plain fun - with a set of Umbrella Lights that decorate the rim of your patio umbrella and lighten the mood of all who sit beneath their halo.
A touch of landscape lighting can open your outdoor space to post-sunset entertaining, helping you to connect with your Spirit Guides and garden fairies. Yes, and also share with loved ones who contribute so much to the fullness of your life. And for solo times, you may find that your gently illuminated garden lures you for a few moments of quiet contemplation, meditation, and a prayer of peace for all those who enjoy the love of nature.
