Planning out the perfect outdoor living space is filled with considerations about which features to include, though one of the most impactful choices should always be how you illuminate the space after dark. Lighting strategies can be fairly basic but you’ll want to create a space that’s as memorable as it is unique, and perfect for hosting parties. A few added strategies may be worth exploring. As part of your landscape planning, know that you can always greatly increase your hosting potential without outdoor lighting in the Wyomissing, PA area.
Illuminate the Right Path
Whenever you host a backyard event, you’ll want all of your guests to be able to easily find the fun whether they’re coming for the first time or returning as close friends. Illuminate both the front walkway and the side walkway going to the backyard with gorgeous lighting. This could come in the form of a line of lamps or overhead string lights that will lead the way, or some chic walkway lights.
Less is More
It’s not easy to gauge the level of illumination a space will need. Less is more, to keep the magic of the night while creating a pleasing space. Make sure that your backyard lighting is focused on your gathering spaces at a comfortable level. Work with a landscape lighting designer to ensure that your high-energy areas such as the outdoor kitchen are well-lit, while quieter areas such as a fire pit seating space are lit just enough for safety and ambience.
Keep It Low
Avoid using too much overhead lighting in your outdoor gathering spaces. One set of string lights is enough. Going with the less is more theme, a few subtle walkway lights along the perimeter of your seating areas will show people where to go while preventing uncomfortable blinding or harsh shadows caused by bright overhead lights.
The same approach can be taken in the outdoor kitchen. The cooking space needs to be well-lit, and nothing is more annoying than having your own shadow block your view of what’s on the grill. Embed lights into a backsplash or even a deck railing and angle them toward the cooking and prep surfaces to keep the focus on the action.
Facilitate Ambience
There are bound to be some unplanned dark spaces throughout your outdoor living space that can detract from the good feelings during your gatherings. In order to facilitate a great ambience for all of your guests, place a few small lights in these dark spaces. You can either integrate the lights as part of your hardwired lighting network, or take advantage of solar powered path lights that easily find a home at the foot of a flower bed or behind a rock. Two or three of these in your landscape will add depth and dimension.
Create Vertical Interest
The visual presence of vertical structures of your landscape is another opportunity for creative lighting. Any vertical structures including retaining walls, boulders, trees, pavilions, and your home itself should have some lighting techniques to draw attention and create ambient light. Explore the use of spotlights, uplights or downlights, or fixtures embedded in masonry.
Enable Festive Visuals
You may think of outdoor string lights as the kind you hang up around the holidays, but this style of lighting is actually useful for any outdoor gathering. There are string lights composed of elegant and modern or traditional and rustic bulbs. There are adjustable versions that can change color. Place these lights above your back patio to add a romantic feel for any party.
Related: A Landscape Designer Suggests These Clever Ways to Utilize Outdoor Lighting in Wescosville, PA Area
