Latest news with #outdoorlighting
Forbes
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
5 Outdoor Living Trends To Implement
Photo courtesy of Homeowners continue to embrace outdoor living in 2025. From creating the perfect backyard entertaining space to implementing outdoor lighting trends and avoiding outdoor lighting mistakes, there's a desire to create exterior spaces for relaxing and gathering with family and friends. And now, a new report by Belgard and Yardzen reveals 5 trends in outdoor living. 'The trends from the report reveal that not only are homeowners increasingly interested in outdoor living, but they are also thinking about these spaces in a design-forward way,' says Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG. He explains that homeowners don't want a cookie-cutter outdoor space – they want something that is personalized and customized to uniquely reflect them. 'Spaces for outdoor work, exercise, or other activities that let them spend more time outside are becoming increasingly popular,' Raboine says. He adds that it's nice to see this trend of homeowners wanting to spend more time in nature, reaping the benefits of outdoor living, which can include improving both mental and physical health. Photo courtesy of Graphic flooring patterns are one way to add personalization to your outdoor design. 'Using geometric-shaped pavers allows designers and contractors to create a wide range of patterns and also play with light and dark tones to create contrast and visual interest,' Raboine says. 'From herringbone to hexagons, there are a variety of options to choose from today in terms of paver shapes,' he explains……….. Large format slabs can be integrated to break up the design throughout the space. In the photo above, hardscapes in varying shapes and tones are combined to create a fun, playful patio. 'Light and dark grays are always a popular choice, and hexagon shapes nestle alongside traditional pavers for a twist on the traditional patio,' Raboine explains. Photo courtesy of Homes in urban areas or smaller developments may not have large lots, but that doesn't mean there are not creative outdoor options. 'Rooftops, terraces, balconies and other compact spaces can still be used to create a relaxing outdoor living area,' Raboine says. For example, he explains that large-format concrete slabs can be used to create built-in benches or planters along the perimeters, adding both functionality and sleek, modern design elements. 'Mixing materials, such as pavers and composite decking, in these smaller spaces also add more visual interest,' he says. In the photo above, the elevated patio creates a cool, moody style through multiple elements. 'Light gray pavers with deep accents create visual interest for the outdoor floor,' Raboine says. Also, dark accents like furniture, dark railing and a stone accent wall make this space look sleek and modern - but Raboine notes that it is still charming and cozy. Photo courtesy of For several years, modern design styles have been trending, and the report reveals ways to implement this look in outdoor living areas. 'Large-format pavers paired with clean lines and neutral, monochromatic palettes provide the clean aesthetic that is synonymous with modern homes,' Raboine says. Adding in textured materials, such as a textured paver, adds depth in monochromatic concepts. Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen, says the photo above demonstrates how a few simple outdoor elements come together to create an elevated space for relaxing and entertaining. 'This space along a lot line uses simple pavers and gravel to create an outdoor dining space perfect for eating and relaxing with family and friends,' he says. Photo courtesy of By taking a modular approach to outdoor design, homeowners can create multi-functional spaces that can be utilized for various occasions. 'Building with products like pavers and decking systems with a modular format make it easier to build something custom in less time and using less material,' Lenhart says. From modular outdoor kitchens to concepts that echo the mod-era conversation pit, he explains that this concept houses something for everyone. In the photo above, Lenhart explains the outdoor space blends materials like hardscapes and decking to create a modern look and feel. 'The light tones and dark accents combined with the linear layout give the space its modern appeal alongside touches like garden lights andGreenery,' Lenhart says. Photo courtesy of Some color trends are more popular in some regions than in others. 'While modern gray is still a popular choice, homeowners in certain regions are starting to move back toward warmer color palettes,' Raboine says. By incorporating composite decking with woodgrain texture alongside earth-toned pavers, he explains that you can achieve a rustic, mountainous aesthetic that still blends with modern touches. 'Biophilic elements like added greenery, plants and water features bring in natural elements that make the space feel cohesive and calming,' Raboine explains. In the photo above, Raboine says the rustic but modern outdoor space blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape. 'Cool-toned pavers with added texture pair well with warm tone accessories like the pergola and furniture,' he sayls. Photo courtesy of In this photo, Raboine explains that sleek, porcelain pavers give a modern feel to a mountainside outdoor space. 'Paired with deeper tone fencing and a modern-art style water feature, this is a gorgeous way to blend a more modern aesthetic with rustic surroundings,' he says.
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Light Up Your Home With Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights for Over 20% Off
If you're looking to spruce up the exterior of your home, there are a few ways to do so. But my favorite way is with some smart lights. Enter Govee, a maker of smart lighting that frequents our reviews, including our favorite ambient lighting for both indoors and out. Govee's Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro are outdoor string lights that can be installed and left up all yearlong. Perfect for changing the colors based on different seasons, holidays and more. Usually priced at $760, you can pick up a 200-foot light strand at Amazon for $600 right now, a dramatic $160 price difference that brings the product down to the lowest price we've seen it sell for. If that still feels understandably high, read on to learn about the features of these lights and why they just might be worth it. The Govee Outdoor Pro permanent lights are waterproof, with an IP67 weather-resistance rating, and can handle extreme temperatures ranging from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be installed with an included durable adhesive on the back of each light that sticks to wood, vinyl, metal and fiber cement. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Once installed, the possibilities for color schemes are endless. You can choose your lighting based on the holiday, so light it up red for Valentine's Day or go green for St. Patrick's, or choose your team's favorite colors when they're playing. All of these lights can be controlled using the Govee app or synced with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can create preset timers to turn them on and off and make custom light shows. Read more: Best Smart Lighting for 2025 Why this deal matters These popular lights are pretty pricey, with a $760 price tag, so any time we see them dip down we like to share that deal. At $600, this is a record-low price, and the first price drop. If you love ambient outdoor lighting but don't want to take them down and reinstall them again each year, these are the cream of the crop. Read more: Govee's Colorful New Smart Lights for CES 2025 Sync Music, Let Your Creativity Run Wild Be sure to check out the other smart home deals we've rounded up for you.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Homebase is selling premium outdoor lanterns which don't require plugs for under £30 – they're perfect for summer nights
AS summer evenings stretch out before us, there's nothing quite like enjoying a balmy night in your garden or on your patio. And to truly set the mood, the right lighting is essential. 4 4 Forget fiddly wires and the need for outdoor sockets, because Homebase has just unveiled a range of premium outdoor lanterns that are both stylish and incredibly convenient - for under £30. The buzz began with a recent TikTok video from @ homebaseuk, showcasing these elegant additions to any outdoor space. Crafted from durable black metal with a sleek square design, these lanterns exude a sophisticated, contemporary feel that will instantly elevate your home's exterior. Whether you're looking to illuminate your doorway, create a welcoming glow on your porch, or add a touch of ambiance to your garden wall, these lanterns are perfectly suited. What truly sets them apart is their hassle-free nature. They don't require any plugs, making installation a breeze and offering ultimate flexibility in placement. Each lantern includes a warm white LED bulb, ready to cast a soft, inviting glow as soon as it's installed. Plus, with an IP23 rating, you can rest assured they are protected from the elements, ensuring they'll stand up to whatever the British summer throws at them. For those dreaming of enchanting summer nights filled with laughter and al fresco dining, these Homebase lanterns are an absolute game-changer. At under £27, they offer a touch of luxury and practicality that's hard to beat. Gardening fans are also flocking to Home Bargains to get their hands on their Jardin Hanging Glass Bird Bath for £3.99. Perfect for adding a touch of whimsy and wonder to your outdoor space, this isn't just any garden ornament. This eye-catching bird bath features a delightful stained glass-style design, adorned with vibrant flowers and delicate butterflies. It promises to become a captivating focal point, drawing the eye and adding a splash of colour to your green oasis. 4 4 As described on the Home Bargains website, it will "Transform your garden into a wildlife haven." The bird bath invites local birds to "drink and bathe," offering a much-needed spot for them to cool off and rehydrate, especially as the warmer weather arrives. Crafted with care, the bird bath is hand-painted and frost-resistant, ensuring it can withstand the elements and remain a charming feature year-round. Measuring a generous 21x40cm, it provides ample space for a variety of birds to enjoy a refreshing dip. July gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to tackle this July in your garden. 1. Prune Wisteria You should only prune back Wisteria twice a year - and July - or mid summer - is one of those times. After flowering cut back long side shoots to around seven or six leaves. 2. Pinch out tomatoes Your tomatoes should be really picking up - so pinch out all the side shoots without flowers - and remove all the leaves that are shading the tomatoes - this will give them maximum light and energy. 3. Keep weeding Hand weeding and hoeing the surface of the soil will keep your weeds under check. 4. Feed Dahlias To keep Dahlias flowering until Autumn, you must keep feeding them weekly with a liquid fertliser high in potassium - which encourages blooms. 5. Keep deadheading plants Keep up with deadheading your bedding plants and perennials - so they keep coming back for the season. With roses make sure you're deadheading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of them flowering again. 6. Check on your pond If you're lucky enough to have a pond - make sure it's clear of algae, which can really bloom when the sun beats down. 7. Feed your lawn Whether that's with a liquid feed or granules. If you've chosen granules try to get them down before the rain comes, so they soak into the soil. 8. Tend to strawberry plants Cut the leaves off strawberry plants after you've picked them - leaving the crown untouched - which should help with next years fruit. 9. Sow extra seeds July weather is a great time to sow seeds as the warm soil and sunshine is great for germination. Try carrots, winter broccoli and other brassicas. 10. Move young plants into soil Get any young plants you've got left in the greenhouse - like courgettes - into the soil.
WIRED
26-06-2025
- WIRED
Kick Off Summer Vibes With Our Favorite Outdoor Lights
Each Lily spotlight from Philips Hue contains an LED bulb capable of putting out 640 lumens, enough to act as pathway lights, illuminate architectural features, or light up garden ornaments. The bulbs are wrapped in a tough, black, sealed aluminum tube with spikes for sinking them into the ground and mounting holes for fixing them to walls or fences. A simple thumbscrew on the side makes it easy to adjust the angle. You get 23-foot power extension cables for each light, a couple of T-shaped connectors, and a plug that fits in an outdoor socket. They are IP65-rated (mine have survived wind, rain, and snow). Like the rest of the Hue range, you can choose the brightness, color, temperature, and theme you want in the app, schedule the lights, or link a trigger, like a motion sensor. The price is the only obvious con here, and if you don't already have Hue lights, you need to buy a Hue Bridge ($40) on top. That said, the Lily lights are high-quality, versatile, responsive outdoor lights capable of weathering rough conditions. They are an obvious pick for folks who already have some Hue lights. Weatherproof Rating: IP65 String lights are not just for holidays anymore. You can use them to brighten up any area, including your garden. Twinkly's colored string lights are the best and come in various lengths, from 26 to 197 feet. You can set the brightness and color, but these lights top our best smart Christmas lights tree because of the premade effects. Twinkly's excellent app allows you to map the position of your lights to make the most of the animations. You even have the option of creating effects. You can sync multiple strings for larger areas, too. The Generation II lights have a physical button for Bluetooth pairing and to switch between effects manually, but you can also control and schedule them from the app on your phone. You can add the Twinkly String Lights to Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Home for voice controls. If you want party lights that react to the music, Twinkly sells a Music dongle ($30) that plugs in via USB. With an IP44 rating, the Twinkly String Lights are fine with splashing water, so rain shouldn't be a problem, but they are probably best situated somewhere sheltered. The plug must be in a covered outdoor socket or weatherproof box. Twinkly also splits its string lights in two and has the power cord in the middle, which can be good or bad depending on where your socket is and how you plan to place them. If you want dense clumps of lights, I also love the Twinkly Cluster ($100) string lights. Weatherproof Rating: IP44
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Home Bargains is selling £1.99 buy that hangs on your fence & turns your balcony into a kaleidoscopic display
ADDING a small item to your balcony can instantly transform your space at night. A budget-friendly outdoor light from Home Bargains will create a kaleidoscopic display when plugged in. 2 Whether you're planning to be the host with the most or simply enjoy the warm summer nights on your balcony, this buy can elevate your experience. It instantly illuminates your garden and adds a "splash of colour" to your space. The Firefly Crackle Ball Solar Light is available for just £1.99 from Home Bargains. This light automatically turns on at dusk, showcasing a "beautiful colour-changing display". And since it is solar powered, you don't have to worry about any extra costs with this light. According to manufacturers, it's easy to install and proves ideal for enhancing your outdoor area. Simply hang it on your fence or "anywhere you want to add a touch of magic". The product description details the "beautiful, colour-changing LED display" created by "this charming light". It is described as "perfect for enhancing your garden with vibrant, energy-efficient lighting". Just plug it in and watch the colourful display that is cast over your balcony. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out According to decor experts, fixing lanterns to your walls or fencing can help to create an "ambient lighting". As well as creating a visual display, kaleidoscope lights have another benefit. They are said to provide a "controlled visual experience" which can help alleviate migraine symptoms and enhance relaxation. Home Bargains shoppers can also pick up a popular ornament that doubles as a garden light. And another Home Bargains buy will brighten up your space while making it look like something out of Bridgerton. Meanwhile, Amazon has a £14 privacy buy that is described as "perfect" for summer. Another privacy fence is also available from Amazon, for just £5. B&Q has an affordable privacy fence currently on sale, and you can put it up yourself. And a £10 B&M product adds inches to your fence, elevating your garden's privacy. You can also add a stylish touch to your privacy fence with another B&M buy. 2
