Outdoor LightingWhen considering an overall lighting scheme for your home, you shouldn't neglect your outdoor spaces. Good lighting design can help you create pleasant moods in your patio, backyard, and front walk, as well as help you show off your landscaping and serve an integral role in household security. To get some great outdoor lighting ideas, we talked to a veteran in the business.
Detroit native Greg Kay completed his training as a master electrician in the 1970s, and soon became a specialist in lighting roller discos. In 1983, Kay opened Tech Lighting, Chicago's first all-contemporary lighting showroom, and then sold the company in 2001 to open Lightology, which he considers the finest contemporary lighting showroom in the world. Here he offers some simple tips for outdoor lighting design:
- Subtle tricks, profound effects.
Lighting design is not something that people always notice directly, but if it's done right, they will feel comfortable and welcome.
- You've got the power.
You have total control over your lighting design, and can create effects that highlight your outdoor spaces and create specific moods, from a relaxing feel to one of romance and mystery.
- Light trees and outdoor walls.
Trees can look very nice bathed in light that shines upwards. You can bring out the shadows and texture in stone and brick walls using lights that lightly graze their surfaces.
- Light statues from above.
If you have statues in your yard, you probably do not want to light them from below, as this can create "monster lighting," similar to holding a flashlight under your chin at Halloween. Kay recommends lighting from above, perhaps with three sources of light.
- Make ponds glow.
You can also light ponds to cerate very beautiful effects. A small LED light can make a whole pond glow.
- Use bright motion-sensor lights for security.
Light can also be a part of your outdoor security system. Install bright security floodlights with motion sensors so that if there is any movement in the back yard or other vulnerable areas, the space will be instantly illuminated.
- Use dimmer lights to welcome guests.
Motion-sensor lights can also be used to greet guests arriving at your home. Install dimmer lights to come on when people pull up in the driveway or walk up the front path, and your friends will feel welcome.
- View design from the house and the street.
Consider how your outdoor lighting looks from both directions. You'll want to enjoy it while you're looking out your windows, and want your neighbors to enjoy it as they're passing by on the street or sidewalk.
For more about lighting, check out the following:
Lightology
www.lightology.com | 
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