4 Landscape Lighting Trends To Consider For Your Home

From enhancing the function of your outdoor space to improving curb appeal and security, landscape lighting design can be a great investment. As a matter of fact, most experts believe the landscape lighting can add value to your home, as well. On average, you can expect a 50 percent return on investment when installing outdoor lighting. If you are considering updating your home's exterior and landscape with lighting, here are a few trends to consider for appeal, function, security, and value.

Moonlighting

When you hear the word "moonlighting," you may not think about your landscape lighting. However, moonlighting is actually a great trend to consider for your yard.

Also known as downlighting, moonlighting involves lighting that shines down from a higher location onto an object. Moonlights can be installed in the top of a tree, which illuminates the entire tree from the top to the bottom.

Of course, moonlighting from the top of a tree does more than light up that specific tree. It can also illuminate the area around the tree, creating a safer, more secure, and even romantic look in a front or back yard.

Uplighting

Many people confuse moonlighting with uplighting, but they are actually two entirely different lighting options. Moonlighting is installed at a higher location, allowing light to shine down. Uplighting, on the other hand, is installed at a lower location, which is often the ground, allowing light to shine up.

Uplights can be installed under a tree, illuminating the upper portion to add a bit of drama and definition to your landscape design. Uplights are also great options for illuminating your house. Multiple uplights installed in the flowerbeds in front of your home make your home look more attractive at night while increasing security.

Many people choose to install uplights around their outdoor living spaces, as well. Installing the uplights around a deck or patio can make the space more functional, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor living area in the evening and at night.

Statement Pieces

When choosing light fixtures for the inside of your home, you probably place a lot of time and energy into choosing lights that are both functional and beautiful. Statement light fixtures are ideal for popular areas of your home, such as over the dining or kitchen table, in the foyer, and over the kitchen island.

When choosing light fixtures for the outside of your home, you should also choose some statement pieces. You may not think an elaborate candelabra or chandelier is suited for outdoor use, but it can be a beautiful and functional item that makes a big statement.

If you have a dining area in your outdoor living space, consider hanging a chandelier that is made for outdoor use over the table. If you have a covered deck or porch, a ceiling fan with lights is a great option. This allows you to enjoy the outdoor space at night and when temperatures are hot outdoors.

Remember that even though you are lighting up your outdoor spaces and landscaping, you can still utilize fixtures that improve function while also making a statement.

Eco-Friendly Lighting

Another trend to consider for your outdoor lighting is energy efficiency. Even though these lights are usually only on in the evening, at night, and maybe in the early morning hours, they can still use a lot of energy. Therefore, choose fixtures, bulbs, and technology that will help conserve energy usage.

Choose LED fixtures and bulbs to get started improving your lighting's energy efficiency. LED lighting certified by Energy Star uses 20 to 25 percent less energy than traditional fixtures/bulbs. Not only are they more efficient, but LED bulbs last longer than traditional bulbs.

Another way to conserve energy is by placing your outdoor lighting system on a timer. Setting the timer to automatically turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn will ensure your home and landscape is illuminated when necessary, which can decrease your energy usage. 

About Me

ways to make your home easier to keep clean

How easy is your home to clean? My house was very difficult to get truly clean until I made some changes. I created this blog after I made several changes to the design of all three levels of the home. I used the most convenient materials when I updated the house so that cleaning wouldn't be such a struggle. I got rid of the tile so I wouldn't have to worry about grout cleaning. I got rid of the flat paint so that the walls could easily be wiped clean and I installed some window film to make the low windows easier to keep crystal clear. Learn more ways to make your home easier to keep clean on my blog.

Tags