For homeowners who prioritize the appearance of their property’s landscape, softscapes and hardscapes should be well thought out, composed of high quality materials, and in keeping with the architectural tone of the main structure. Without proper lighting, however, you’ll only be able to enjoy the function and aesthetic of your outdoors for half of the time. Make your nighttime landscape as remarkable as it is during the day with proper landscape lighting in Brookhaven, NY.
Walkways
Many of the lighting requirements for your landscape serve safety purposes, and walkway lighting is among the most important. Having a clear view of your path at night is essential for avoiding mishaps. Being able to safely enjoy your walkway areas at night also enhances the potential for the social enjoyment of your property by connecting spaces that serve entertainment purposes. While you can choose the color, direction, and placement of these lights, their presence is essential.
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Driveways
As with walkways, lighting for your driveway is similarly critical. Not only will being able to see your driveway laid out clearly in front of you prevent injury, it also lessens the likelihood of burglary. Proper lighting can set off your home beautifully while easing your entry onto the property and providing comfort as you enter your home. For curb appeal, lighting of this element is perhaps most important.
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Swimming Pool
The use of proper lighting for your swimming pool serves to maximize its beauty, functionality, and the safety of the area. A nighttime swim is incomplete without light reflecting on the water, and the view from within or outside of the home can be truly remarkable with proper illumination of your pool. This lighting should extend from the pool itself to the patio surrounding the area as well.
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Water Features
Incorporating a water feature into your landscape is generally done with the intention of creating a focal point. Losing the function of that feature at night limits your landscape. Overcoming this obstacle to achieve a full landscape design at night is as easy as installing proper lighting to highlight this feature. Not only does this make the feature visible, you can also achieve some stunning effects with the light playing off the water.
Trees
Large trees are some of the most significant elements of your softsape. Having one or two remarkable trees contributes shade, comfort, and beauty during the day, but with the right approach toward lighting, the nighttime landscape can benefit as well. Upwardly directed lighting can highlight the underside of the branches or the texture of the bark, while moonlighting - downlighting placed amongst or behind the branches of the tree - can create the sense of romance that comes with the light of a full moon.
Outdoor Social Spaces
Obviously, for social spaces to be fully enjoyed, lighting should be part of the design. Layers of functional, ambient and decorative lighting are most effective for achieving an enjoyable nighttime space. Incorporate a unified lighting system that seamlessly connects walking spaces, social gathering places, and other areas where guests will gather. Allow a landscaping professional to assist with the creation of a plan that works best for providing function without sacrificing mood and ambience.