Latest news with #curbappeal
Forbes
2 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Outdoor Lighting Part 1: Avoid These Lighting Mistakes
Photo courtesy of Whether you're creating curb appeal or celebrating the year of the backyard by creating a great outdoor entertaining hub, outdoor lighting plays a crucial part. 'There are amazing things that can be done with landscape lighting, but it can be costly to put in the infrastructure,' says Annie Obermann, co-founder and principal designer at Forge & Bow. 'String lights are a great option to cover a larger area and you can install them with an outlet and a few well-placed trees or landscape posts.' Photo courtesy of But whether it's a small or a large outdoor lighting project, some mistakes can ruin the vibe, and may cause safety issues as well. A helter-skelter approach probably won't produce the desired result. According to Kyle Beach, COO of Wonderly Lights, planning and placement are crucial. 'Create a cohesive lighting design that avoids harsh hotspots or dark voids, think in terms of visual balance and even distribution of light across the space,' he explains. Too much lighting can be harsh and kill the ambiance, but if you don't have enough lighting, Beach says it can be unwelcoming and unsafe. However, there's an easy fix for this problem. Start with a lighting plan. 'Think like a designer and map out your space and decide the best layout for lighting,' Beach says. For example, do you want to uplight a tree canopy for dramatic effect? Do you want to string bistro lighting? 'Techniques like moonlighting, wall grazing, silhouetting, and zone-based lighting can all be used to create a beautiful backyard,' he says. Beach recommends layering the lighting. 'When you mix different types of lighting—uplights for trees, path lights for walkways, string lights to create social areas and spotlights for focal points – it adds depth and dimension,' he says. Also, if you vary the wattage of your lamps, Beach notes that you can add depth and dimension. Photo courtesy of Selecting the wrong transformers, fixtures, and bulbs or lamps could result in a variety of Aproblems, including overheating, fire hazards, and corrosion. However Beach says there's any easy solution to avoid this mistake as well. 'Always select fixtures, bulbs, and connectors labeled for outdoor use (look for 'wet-rated or 'weather-resistant'),' he says. These items are built to handle rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. 'Make sure your transformer is properly sized to support the total wattage of your system with some room to grow,' Beach says, warning that an undersized transformer could lead to dimming, short circuits, or system failure. The expert tip for this section: Beach recommends using low-voltage LED bulbs since they are energy-efficient, produce less heat, and have a longer lifespan. 'Make sure the wattage doesn't exceed the fixtures' maximum rating,' Beach says. 'Typical color temperatures include 2700K for a warm, classic look, and 3000K for a slightly brighter, more modern appearance.' Photo courtesy of DIY lighting might appear to be a good way to save money. However, Beach warns that DIYers don't always know the best safety installation practices. To ensure safety, the easy fix for this problem is to use low-voltage lighting systems. 'Bury wires 6 inches deep or use conduit and seal all connections with waterproof gel-filled wire nuts or shrink-wrap tubing,' Beach advises. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer's specs for maximum run length and load capacity. Beach provides 4 expert tips: #1: Avoid anchoring to trees, especially living limbs, as movement and growth can damage the lights or the tree. #2: Use permanent anchor points like buildings, pergolas, or poles secured in concrete or heavy planters. #3: Run a tensioned cable (aircraft cable or stainless steel wire) between anchor points, then attach string lights to that for extra support and cleaner lines. #4: Use outdoor-rated mounting hardware like screw hooks or eye bolts, and check periodically for wear or loosening. In addition, Beach recommends being intentional about fixture placement. 'Choose the right fixture for the right location by considering how the space is used,' he says. For instance, uplights and path lights should be placed in flower beds or areas that aren't regularly mowed— Beach says that installing them in grass can lead to damage from lawn equipment. Outdoor Lighting Part 2 is packed with practical lighting tips and tracks.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Outdoor Lighting Part 2: Tips And Tricks
Photo courtesy of Wonderly Lights Outdoor lighting is an important consideration for homeowners looking to upgrade their curb appeal. It's also somethi ng homeowners are considering when looking for ways to create the perfect outdoor entertaining hub. In fact, the most recent Houzz Renovation Trends Report reveals that one of the most popular outdoor renovation projects is upgrading lighting systems. Outdoor Lighting: Part 1 covered lighting mistakes. Part 2 focuses on tips and tricka to take your outdoor lighting to another level. Photo courtesy of Light It Up Columbus When evaluating your outdoor lighting, consider not just how it looks, but how it feels. 'You may be tempted to treat outdoor lighting as an afterthought, layering in a few spotlights or path lights without a plan,' says Chris Apfelstadt, CEO and lighting designer at Light Up Columbus Instead, he recommends that you start begin by asking yourself how you want to use the space — for example, do you plan to entertain guests or is this a peaceful garden-focused retreat? Your lighting should reflect your intention for the outdoor space. Another tip is to consider the view from the inside of your home as you're looking out. 'A successful outdoor lighting plan doesn't just illuminate the yard—it enhances the atmosphere from key interior spaces like the kitchen or bedroom,' Apfelstadt says. 'A warm glow in the garden or subtle uplighting on trees can extend the perceived size of your home and create a more cohesive indoor-outdoor experience.' He recommends thinking in layers: for example, ambient lighting for mood, task lighting for function, and accent lighting for focal points. 'Don't forget about control—dimmers, zones, and smart timers help your lighting adapt to different needs and times of day,' Apfelstadt adds. You can certainly apply a lot of these principles yourself, But he notes that a truly great lighting designer can work wonders. 'This individual will instinctively pull all of these elements together, creating a lighting plan that reflects your lifestyle, your views, and the emotional tone you want your home to have after dark,' Apfelstadt says. Photo courtesy of Qonderly Lights Kyle Beach, COO of Wonderly Lights, provided invaluable insight for Outdoor Lighting Mistakes. He agrees with Apfelstadt that you need to consider the purpose of your outdoor space (hosting, quiet reflection, or elevating the home's visual appearance). 'With living areas such as patios or terraces, layered ambient lighting, wall sconces, bistro lights, or surrounding deck lighting, can extend your living space and establish a warm, welcoming atmosphere,' Beach says. For pathways and stairs, he recommends low-voltage fixtures, as they offer subtle safety without visual clutter. 'Planting areas and ornamental trees benefit from uplighting designed to highlight texture, form and seasonal beauty,' Beach explains. His team always recommends a layered approach, which combines ambient, architectural, and accent lighting, as this will add both depth and visual rhythm across the property. 'Above all, invest in weather-rated, professional-grade fixtures from the start, since, in our experience, homeowners who prioritize quality not only achieve superior design but avoid the cycle of wasted money replacing sun-faded, corroded, or underperforming fixtures every few years,' Beach says. As you're trying to mix and match different types of lighting, identify your focal points. 'Consider the elements of your property you want to emphasize, such as a striking tree, architectural detail, or the main entryway,' Beach says. After establishing the focal points, he says you can build a layered lighting plan that balances beauty and function. 'Introduce functional lighting in areas where visibility and safety are essential, including pathways, outdoor kitchens, and gathering spaces.' And the final step is to incorporate accent lighting to add depth and visual interest. 'Draw attention to features like water elements, ornamental trees, or sculptural plantings, as a thoughtful mix of these lighting types creates a cohesive, inviting outdoor environment,' Beach recommends. Consistency is key: Beach says you should unify the space through shared materials, finishes, and color temperature (typically a warm 2700K–3000K). He suggests avoiding overly decorative or trendy fixtures, noting they can quickly date your outdoor space. 'Instead, select timeless forms built from commercial-grade metals, solid brass, or architectural bronze—materials that age beautifully and last for decades,' Beach says. When it's done well, Beach explains that outdoor lighting is less about brightness and more about balance. 'Strategic darkness, shadow play, and restrained use of light can transform an ordinary space into something atmospheric and intentional,' he says. Even if you don't have a lot to spend on outdoor lighting, Beach warns against compromising with short-lived or disposable fixtures.' His team encourages a phased investment in quality and he prioritizes lighting the areas that offer the highest functional and visual impact, such as the entryway, main entertaining spaces, and focal points in the landscape. 'Opt for professional-grade fixtures from trusted architectural lighting brands, which have a higher upfront cost, but are designed to endure harsh climates, resist corrosion, and deliver consistent performance for a decade or more,' Beach says. On the other hand, he warns that cheaper alternatives—especially those made of plastic or thin aluminum—can degrade quickly, need to be replaced frequently and end up costing more. 'If you're working within a budget, install in stages: begin with foundational lighting that addresses safety, property value, and usability, then expand to accent and ambient layers over time,' Beach concludes.
