Tired of Going Indoors at Dark? Outdoor Lighting for a Lenexa or Leawood, KS Landscape Changes That Make a Difference
As the sun sets in Lenexa and Leawood, KS, a landscape's beauty should not disappear into the night. Through the strategic use of outdoor lighting, you can continue to admire and enjoy your property's aesthetics long after dark.
Importance of a Well-Designed Outdoor Lighting Scheme
A landscape, no matter how beautifully designed, loses its charm when blanketed in darkness. Proper outdoor lighting not only enhances the beauty of softscapes and hardscapes but also allows you to maximize the usage of your outdoor space.
Choosing the Right Fixtures
The type of fixtures you choose plays a crucial role in achieving the desired effect. Some common outdoor lighting fixtures for landscapes include:
Spotlights: These are perfect for highlighting specific focal points like sculptures, water features, or unique plantings.
Path Lights: These are ideal for illuminating walkways, ensuring visibility, and emphasizing the design of paths and borders.
Downlights: Installed at a height, these recreate a natural moonlighting effect, softly illuminating larger areas.
Wall Lights: These emphasize the texture and design of walls, steps, or any vertical surface they are mounted on.
It's essential to pick fixtures that are both functional and complementary to the landscape's design.
Positioning Makes All the Difference
Even with the best fixtures, poor placement can lead to underwhelming results. Lighting should be positioned to avoid creating harsh shadows or overwhelming brightness. Here are some tips:
For trees, place fixtures at the base pointing upwards to highlight the texture of the bark and the canopy's shape.
Water features benefit from both underwater lights and spotlights to capture the movement of water.
For flower beds, subtle downlighting creates depth, showcasing planting arrangements without overpowering them.
Color Temperature Matters
Outdoor lighting isn't just about brightness. The color temperature of the bulbs can drastically affect the ambiance. While cooler temperatures (above 4000K) produce a bluish-white light and might feel stark, warmer temperatures (between 2700K and 3000K) produce a soft, yellowish hue that's ideal for most landscapes.
Illuminate Your Paver Patio
Paver patios, often a centerpiece of outdoor living, deserve special attention when it comes to lighting. Here's how to ensure they shine:
Edge Lighting: Installing lights along the edges of a patio can create a soft perimeter, emphasizing the shape and design of the space. It's both functional and aesthetic, allowing for clear demarcation between the patio and surrounding areas.
In-Paver Lights: These are fixtures that can be installed within the pavers themselves. They are flush with the surface, ensuring no tripping hazards, and provide a subtle upward glow. Especially useful for steps or elevation changes, these lights can indicate changes in the patio's terrain.
Feature Spotlights: If your patio has specific features like a fire pit, water feature, or an outdoor kitchen, using spotlights to highlight these can make them stand out. It not only draws attention but can also make these areas functional after dark.
Making a Splash with Pool Lighting
A well-lit pool can be the jewel of your nighttime landscape. Here's how to ensure it sparkles:
Underwater LED Lights: These are a must-have for any pool. They illuminate the water from below, creating a mesmerizing effect. Available in a variety of colors, they can be set to create a tranquil ambiance or a lively party vibe.
Around the Pool: Don't forget the area surrounding the pool. Path lights can guide guests around the pool safely, while downlights can highlight landscape features adjacent to the pool. For those with poolside lounging areas or cabanas, consider softer ambient lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Related: Enjoy Nights in an Inground Pool With the Right Outdoor Lighting Plan in the Lenexa, KS Area
About the Author
Since 2008, we have shared our passion for the great outdoors by creating award-winning landscapes that inspire our customers to spend more time outside. As a first-generation company, we’ve persevered through entrepreneurial challenges, put our strong Midwestern work ethic to good use, and got our hands and boots dirty to become what we are today—a successful business with four locations spanning across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Tennessee.
