When it comes to outdoor lighting, the industry has grown by leaps and bounds, and there are a lot of high-end options out there to enhance even the grandest home. While we’ll focus today on curb appeal, it’s important to note that your outdoor lighting and landscape lighting should appeal to you the homeowner, first and foremost.
These ideas or tips can apply to the front of your house, as well as to your backyard area.
Before launching into outdoor lighting installation, consult with a professional experienced in outdoor lighting system design and installation. They will likely have a landscape lighting software program where they can take photos of your home, and show you what it would look like at night with the certain placement of lights.
Different lighting techniques produce different effects. Some techniques include:
When we talk about curb appeal, we’re talking about your home as it is seen from the street. While you enjoy your home’s curb appeal as a matter of pride, it’s also important if you ever decide to sell your home. Did you know prospective buyers, if they’re serious, will drive by a home during the evening as well as the daytime? They want to get a feel for the neighborhood as well as the look of your home.
By selecting the right outdoor lighting fixtures, you enhance your home’s curb appeal. Select entryway sconces, post lights, and pathway lighting that complement the style of your home – whether that’s contemporary, Colonial, modern, Country, Craftsman, or something else.
Place uplights so that they enhance the architectural features of your home, as well as landscape elements that you want to highlight, such as a tree or fountain. You can also use downlighting to create a moonlight effect, by placing a landscape lighting fixture high up in a tree. The possibilities are endless.
Related Reading: Upscale Outdoor Lighting Companies to Watch
To add beauty, security, and curb appeal all at once, use warm light. It creates an elegant look that will enhance your curb appeal, and be easy on the eyes. Warm light has a yellow tone and can create a calming atmosphere. A cold white when used outdoors comes across as harsh and can be annoying for next-door neighbors.
Exceptions to the warm light rule include a motion-activated spotlight above your garage door or uplights that are meant to highlight plant material.
We recommend using LED bulbs, as they have become the industry standard, and are incredibly long-lasting and energy-efficient.
By developing a cohesive plan, selecting the right fixtures, and using warm light, you can easily enhance your home’s curb appeal with outdoor lighting.
If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor living spaces, we can help. We can also incorporate outdoor lighting and landscape lighting into a larger project, such as pool design and installation or landscape design. Just fill out the contact form to schedule a consultation, or call 301.720.1000. We work with homeowners in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia.
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