When's the last time you changed your outdoor lighting? Most homeowners
only install a patio light and then forget all about it, not realizing
the wealth of style and security that could be enjoyed with a little
consideration of exterior design. If you're ready to get rid of boring
bulbs and dull overheads, here are six ways to try something new.
1: Light A Path
Soft lights will look great framing a gravel walkway or casting shadows
against your stepping stones. They'll also prevent nighttime stumbling
when you're laden with shopping bags or sleepy toddlers. Think about
votives for longevity or lighting jars for style.
2: Embrace Asian Spirituality
Add a little oriental design to your garden by hanging lanterns and
shoji lamps around your shrubbery. If you don't have the money for
anything fancy, you can always string up a set of paper lanterns with
fairy lights woven inside.
3: Go Green
Did you know you can use solar lights even at night? They'll harness
energy from the sun during the day, then reflect it back to you once the
sky darkens. If you'd like to become a little more eco-friendly in your
lighting choices, look for lamps and lights that contain tiny
photovoltaic panels.
4: Fire Up The Torches
Create ambiance with these slim yet striking light posts. Tiki torches
can bring the beach to grilling and pool parties; stainless steel
torches make good guiding lights along a country driveway. Gothic,
iron-wrought torches will complement larger homes or those with unusual
architecture.
5: Illuminate Your Deck
Outdoor deck lighting for your home can be achieved in several ways. For
example, you might wrap electric lights around the railing. You might
add pressure-sensitive lights to make the steps glow as you climb them.
You might even deploy a few bug lights to keep the mosquitoes away while
you're trying to relax on your deck and enjoy the outdoors.
6: Play With Matches
Candles are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to add light to your
yard. Buy them in bulk for a uniformed style and then simply place them
on patio tables or around rock walls for regular intervals of light.
They'll cast a gentle glow across your property without the harshness of
florescent bulbs.
These are just six ways to spruce up your outdoor lighting. There are
many more, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find something you
like. The possibilities are endless once you embrace your inner Martha!
Saturday, April 26, 2014
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