Category: Tips & Insights

When it comes to enhancing the beauty, safety, and comfort of your property, landscape lighting design plays a crucial role that goes beyond just illuminating your pathways and greenery. It’s an artistic and creative way to shine a light on the value and functionality of your property’s best features. A well-designed landscape lighting plan can elevate your outdoor space by bringing architectural features to life, capturing attention with focal points, and creating a playful balance between shadow and light elements. If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space into a stunning masterpiece, read on to get started with our tips for creating a stunning landscape lighting design.

1. Make Note Of Your Unique & Intricate Architectural Features. The first step to creating a stunning landscape lighting design is to take note of which architectural features you want to accentuate and bolster. If your property has a stunning facade, consider using uplights to highlight its beauty or to create a dramatic effect.

For intricate stonework engravings on columns and arches, consider installing spotlights or grazing lights to draw the eyes toward the patterns and texture found upon them. Spotlights will provide a focused beam of light, highlighting them as a specific interest, while grazing lights that are positioned close to their surface, will create a mesmerizing effect.

The key here is to create visual intrigue, play on the depth created by the dips, textures, and height of your property’s architecture, and highlight the personality and character found within. To do this, consider factors like beam angle, intensity, and your property’s construction (masonry, columns, metalwork, stained glass, etc).

2. Add Depth and Drama With Focal Points. The next step in creating a stunning property with the magic of landscape lighting design is to identify and create focal points to highlight specific elements within your property’s perimeter. Focal points could be a garden statute, a stunning fountain, a beautiful flower bed, or a pergola. Once you’ve identified the focal points, use landscape lighting in the following ways:

a) Use uplighting to emphasize tall trees and statues.
b) Use downlighting to create a soft glow across pathways & seating areas.
c) Use cross-lighting to create shadows & add depth to textured surfaces.
d) Layer lighting types (path lights, spotlights, floodlights) create depth and drama, while contrasting intensity and color.
e) Add a touch of mystery by experimenting with shadow patterns on walls, trees, and garden beds.

The key thing to remember here is to keep scale and proportion in mind. You want lighting fixtures that correspond to the size of the focal point to ensure a balanced and harmonious lighting design.

3. Complement Your Property’s Architectural Design Period. When designing a stunning landscape lighting plan for your property, it is crucial to complement your property’s architectural design. The architectural style of your home plays a significant role in determining the overall aesthetic and ambiance of your outdoor space. By incorporating lighting fixtures that align with the architectural style, you can enhance the visual appeal and create a cohesive look.

For example, if you have a modern or contemporary home, sleek and minimalist lighting fixtures can complement the clean lines and geometric shapes. On the other hand, if your property has a traditional or rustic charm, ornate lanterns or vintage-inspired fixtures can add a touch of nostalgia and elegance. By harmonizing the architectural style with your lighting choices, you can create a visually captivating and inviting outdoor environment that seamlessly blends with your property’s overall design.

4. Achieving Balance With Different Lighting Elements. When planning your landscape lighting design, it’s important to balance different lighting elements to create a visually captivating outdoor environment. You don’t want to overdo it with too much light, and end up creating glare, dark spots, or compromise the safety of your outdoor space. To achieve a balanced and beautiful landscape lighting design, do the following:

a) Layer ambient, task-based, and accent-based lighting to create dimension.
b) Space out your lighting fixtures at appropriate distances and from the objects you’re highlighting to get just enough overlap.
c) Use dimmers and timers to control the brightness and duration of your lights.

An example of achieving balance along a covered pathway would be to place stronger path lights on either side of the walkway, and then add a touch of decorative string lights above to balance out and diffuse the stronger light. This would create a subtle, vertical gradient of light that slowly diminishes into the night air.

Wrapping It Up

The above techniques can be used to help you create a stunning landscape lighting design, that will highlight your property’s unique architectural features and style, while drawing attention to the splendor of your outdoor space. If you’re ready to take the first step towards creating a visually captivating outdoor environment, contact us here at Southern Outdoor Lighting, and let our experts help you create a plan that will elevate and transform your property.

Are you ready to breathe brilliant luminosity into your open-air oasis? The right outdoor lighting designer can unmask the untamed beauty of your exterior space and bring it to life after the sun sets. Here’s the catch; not all designers shine with the same intensity, so how do you zero in on the right outdoor lighting designer for your project? Let’s peel back the shadows and take a look at factors to consider, questions to ask, and then we’ll round off with a few tips when evaluating a designers’ portfolio.

6 Factors to Consider When Vetting An Outdoor Lighting Designer

Before you go hiring an outdoor lighting designer, there are 6 key factors to consider first:

1. Reputation and Experience.

A reputable outdoor lighting designer’s reputation and years of experience form a crucial part of their professional identity, providing insight into their ability to handle projects similar to yours and overcome potential challenges. An established track record of successful projects, supported by testimonials and reviews from previous clients, is a strong indicator of their reliability and the quality of their work.

2. Knowledge of New Trends and Techniques.

An ideal outdoor lighting designer should be well-versed in the latest trends, techniques, and materials in their field. As the realm of outdoor lighting continually evolves, it’s crucial to select a designer who stays updated with these regular developments. Their in-depth knowledge and adaptation of the newest trends will guarantee that your project benefits from innovative designs and modern installation methods, ensuring a timeless and contemporary aesthetic.

3. How They Ensure a Fresh Approach to a New Project.

It’s vital that the outdoor lighting designer you choose can bring a fresh, innovative approach that’s coupled with creative solutions to match your project’s requirements, design vision, and scope. When chatting with potential designers, inquire about their creative process and ask how they adapt their design strategies to align with each project’s distinct objectives.

4. Cost – Can This Designer Work in a Specified Budget?

Cost is a crucial factor when hiring an outdoor lighting designer. It’s essential to find a designer who can offer creative solutions within your specified budget. The best designers are those who can maximize the value for your money, delivering stunning designs without going over.

5. Communication and Collaboration.

An outdoor lighting designer that champions open dialogue and collaboration is pivotal for your lighting project. You want someone who can translate your ideas and vision into design that reflects your unique style and meets your needs, but also enhances the overall space of your lighting project.

6. Credentials.

Credentials like certifications, awards, or professional association memberships denote a designer’s expertise, reputation, and adherence to industry standards. They assure that the designer is proficient in outdoor lighting design’s technicalities, and is dedicated to maintaining high quality and professionalism.

Delving In: Questions to Ask An Outdoor Lighting Designer Before Hiring

Before hiring an outdoor lighting designer, it’s crucial to ask questions to gauge their expertise and suitability for your project.

• How do you approach each project to ensure a unique design?
• Can you provide references from previous clients?
• How do you stay updated on new trends and techniques?
• Will you handle the entire project or work with other professionals?
• What is your process for collaborating with clients?
• What is your estimated timeline for completing the project?
• What does your pricing structure look like and how are costs managed?
• Do you offer warranty or maintenance services?
• What kind of fixtures do you use?

Evaluating The Designers’ Portfolio: Quick Tips

• Look for diversity in the design styles and techniques used. This highlights their ability to adapt to a project’s unique requirements.
• Pay attention to the quality of the lighting; is it a good balance between aesthetics, functionality, and safety? A quality designer will masterfully blend these elements to create a captivating yet practical lighting design.
• Finally, look at projects with successful collaborations with other professionals. This tells you if they can work as a team to create a cohesive final result.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to weave the magic of light into your nights, our team here at Southern Outdoor Lighting is happy to help. Get in touch with us at (407) 619-6468 or by filling out our online form, and let us transform your outdoor space into a beautifully lit realm of enchantment.

As the summer sun sets and warm Florida evenings embrace us, there’s no better time than now to explore 2023’s outdoor lighting trends. From smart technologies to sustainable solutions, these emerging designs offer the perfect blend of style, functionality, and energy efficiency, while elevating the visibility and beauty of your outdoor spaces.

Join us on a journey through the top outdoor lighting trends specifically curated for Florida’s landscape, where innovation and natural beauty collide.

1. Illuminated Pathways

When it comes to safety and aesthetics, illuminated pathways are a must-have for your Florida property. By incorporating solar LEDs, you can seamlessly add lighting to your pathways, creating a safer environment for you and your guests. Plus, the soft warm glow will draw attention to the intricate patterns, curvature, and elevation of your pathways, creating a sense of depth and dimension that adds a new level of visual interest to your outdoor space while making it feel more expansive. Trust local professionals to install your new system accurately and efficiently, ensuring a stunning pathway experience.

2. Wall Lights

Let your Florida property shine with the inviting glow of outdoor wall lights. These fixtures not only provide additional illumination, but they can be used as a playful way to cast dancing shadows across your property’s unique architectural features like exposed textured walls, looming pillars, and central archways. With a range of styles and the ability to customize them by adding in dimmers and motion sensors, you can create a sense of depth and character to your space while blending them in with your home’s siding color and overall style.

3. Smart Security Lights

In the era of smart living, outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of your Florida home. By incorporating motion sensors, scheduled lighting, and smart control systems, you can protect your property even when you’re away. Smart exterior lighting deters potential intruders and provides you with the convenience of controlling your lights remotely, enhancing both security and peace of mind.

4. Captivating String Lights

Transform your Florida backyard or patio into a charming retreat with the captivating allure of string lights. Whether elegantly draped from rooftops or delicately wrapped around railings and ceilings, string lights infuse your outdoor space with a warm and enchanting atmosphere. Embrace the trend of Hoop String Lights, offering a unique visual point of interest and a cozy ambiance for unforgettable evenings.

5. Accentuating with Spotlighting

Spotlighting is a great way to bring attention to the lush greenery and majestic trees of your Florida landscape. By strategically placing fixtures on the ground or above, you can accentuate the unique features of the landscape while also creating a breathtaking atmosphere.. Spotlighting can be used to highlight specific trees, plants, or garden features, adding a sense of depth and texture to your landscape design. If you’re looking to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space or increase its functionality, spotlighting is a great 2023 outdoor lighting trend to consider.

6. Timeless Glass Lanterns

Add a touch of vintage appeal to your Florida outdoor space with elegant glass lanterns. These timeless fixtures not only serve as a practical light source but also add a touch of sophistication to your evenings. Let the soft glow of glass lanterns illuminate your pathways, patios, and gardens, creating a romantic ambiance reminiscent of bygone eras.

7. Integrated Landscape Lighting

Incorporate integrated landscape lighting to elevate your Florida outdoor design. By discreetly placing path lights, uplights, and buried well lights, you can seamlessly illuminate walkways, trees, and architectural features, harmoniously merging lighting with the natural landscape. Enjoy a captivating nighttime ambiance as the beauty of your outdoor space unfolds under carefully curated lighting.

8. Dynamic and Colorful Lighting

Step away from traditional white hues and explore the world of dynamic and colorful lighting for your Florida outdoor spaces. With RGB and RGBW LED lights, unleash a spectrum of colors and dynamic lighting effects. Whether it’s a soothing glow for intimate gatherings or a vibrant light show for festive celebrations, colorful lighting adds playfulness and versatility to your outdoor environment.

9. Sustainable Brilliance

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, LED lighting remains a shining star. With remarkable energy efficiency, a long lifespan, and a reduced carbon footprint, LEDs are the go-to choice for eco-conscious homeowners in Florida. Embrace the sustainable brilliance of LEDs, illuminating your outdoor spaces while minimizing energy costs and preserving the natural beauty of your surroundings.

10. Low-Key Elegance

For Florida businesses, the trend of low-key outdoor lighting can create a captivating allure that draws customers in. By embracing subtle and elegant lighting designs, you can accentuate your storefront, highlight products, and create a welcoming ambiance. Let your outdoor lighting speak volumes about your brand’s style and sophistication, enticing customers to step inside and explore what your business has to offer.

Illuminating Your Florida Outdoor Spaces with Style and Sustainability
Discover the transformative power of the latest 2023 outdoor lighting trends in Florida. Between the power of visual depth in spotlighting, the sustainability of LED illuminated pathways, and the magical charm of string lights and vintage glass lanterns, there’s no reason why your outdoor space cannot be a stunning blend of style, functionality, and sustainability. Add in the soothing glow of colorful and integrated landscape lighting, the security of motion-activated lights, and wall fixtures to accentuate the unique architectural features of your property, and you’ll be ready to captivate and delight. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner in Florida, these trends are an excellent way to illuminate those warm summer nights, while elevating the beauty of your property.

Contact Us

Remember, at Southern Outdoor Lighting, we’re here to help you bring these trends to life. Contact us for professional installation and expert guidance in creating the perfect lighting design for your Florida outdoor spaces. Let us illuminate your nights with style and sustainability.

As summer continues to bring nice weather, having an outdoor living space might be just what your home needs. The options are endless with the type of living area you can create. You could add an outdoor kitchen, entertainment area, or water features. You can even install heaters and a fire pit to keep the fun going through the colder months. To help you plan how to create the perfect space for your home, we asked experts from Miami, FL to Portland, OR to share their advice for creating the ultimate outdoor living space.

The ultimate outdoor space should be a reflection of your indoor living space. A covered area with comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and organic elements such as a water or fire feature make any outdoor space more inviting.  Over the last ten years, we have seen a lot of specialized, high-end, outdoor products move into the mainstream marketplace at much more affordable price points.  Solar-powered, exterior lighting can now be purchased at a fraction of the cost of the initial price points.  These products are easy to install and can add the perfect amount of ambient evening lighting.  Additionally, water fountains or bio-burner fire tables can be placed in such a way that allows everyone to enjoy the soothing sounds of water or the illumination of ambient firelight.  Ultimately, your space should flow and function for conversation and comfort while being durable enough to withstand the outdoor elements. -Regina Agro, Chelsea Design Inc.

I love bringing the Indoors….out!  We love using our outdoor sofas both indoors and outdoors. This is a great solution for families with kids and pets.  There are so many stunning performance fabrics that will shock you when you learn how well they do outdoors.  One of my favorite items for our outdoor furniture is a new line of outdoor velvet pillows.  Yes, there is velvet that can go outdoors now.  The opportunities are endless in extending the comfort of indoor living outdoors. –Alexandra Lauren Design

The best outdoor spaces we have constructed have incorporated both direct and indirect lighting to maximize ambiance and mood setting. Top it off with a water or fire feature and you are set for success. –HB Home Services

Having an outdoor space to escape to is more important than ever. Be sure to incorporate a way to keep warm in the fall with a fire pit or outdoor heaters. A fire pit creates a cozy environment and makes entertaining easy and fun! Grab a couple of Adirondack chairs and you’ve got a great set up without breaking the bank. –Morse Design

Lighting is an easy way to create ambiance and extend your outdoor living space. Whether it’s adding subtle light to a fountain, waterfall, hedge, or other important feature, lighting should set a mood and create joy. Lighting is also the perfect way to improve the curb appeal, add safety, security, and financial value to your home. –Southern Outdoor Lighting 

Don’t let stains from algae, mold & mildew detract from your perfect outdoor oasis. Dirty siding, concrete, and furniture are not only unattractive, but they will also lower the resale value of your home. A quick and easy clean with 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner will leave your outdoor spaces looking good as new. –30 SECONDS Cleaners

When you are looking at your outdoor space try to view it as zoned areas just as you would with your interior.  By planning and defining areas for a specific use, or multiple uses ensures that you’re getting the most out of the space. Think in terms of the kitchen area, lounge seating, or play area, there are so many options. Once you have your space planned out, selecting surfaces, finishes and furnishing become much easier. Don’t be afraid to define multiple purposes for one area. –Arise Interiors

Consider your outdoor space in much the same way you’d think about furnishing an interior room – think about lamps, conversation spaces, and framing in the view. Remember to always have a small table or stool so that guests can have a sturdy place to set their drink. Take the time to research the materials you’re selecting so that you know how to properly clean and maintain your piece. –Alexander Interiors

When decorating an outdoor space with lights, we suggest creating a balance of ambiance and function, so that you end up with equal parts of mood lighting and equal parts of visibility. If you’d like to be able to easily control how much light you have in your outdoor space, we suggest investing in a smart outlet with a dimmer. –Big Star Lights

There’s nothing better than a water feature for soothing sounds and a beautiful view. We recently installed a 2-piece mirrored water wall that sits in the corner of a patio.  It can be both a conversation piece and something to create your own private space. Incorporating something like this into your home could be exactly what your outdoor space needs. –Pamela Dabah, Dabah Landscape Designs

Now you can bring the comfort of your Valor gas fireplace outdoors by adapting any zero-clearance gas fireplace with the Outdoor Conversion kit. A Valor radiant gas fireplace provides the heat you and your family need to replace the outdoor chill with comfortable, radiant warmth. Create a focal point in your natural living spaces and extend the time that you spend outdoors with a Valor outdoor gas fireplace. –Valor Fireplaces

Originally Published on Redfin