The Bright Ideas Blog

In the world of landscape lighting, we've met our share of clients who've had bad experiences with whoever installed their original low voltage lighting system. Sadly, we we seem to be meeting more of these people all the time. We explore the things you need to know to avoid a bad landscape lighting experience. 

When most people think resort lighting, they automatically picture night time scenes of island retreats with palm trees and sandy beaches. While these lovely pictures of paradise are inspiring, the truth is that the right resort inspired landscape lighting can make any space feel like a slice of heaven. 

Downlighting vs. uplighting: this is common lingo in the landscape lighting world. What’s the difference? How do you know what type of lighting to use where?

Now or Later?

That’s a question we often hear from our customers who are trying to figure out when they should have lighting installed to their outdoor kitchens, pavilions, paver patios, pergolas, sitting walls, walkways, driveways or fire pits. Not all concrete is hardscape. Your concrete garden statuary and fountains are beautiful centerpieces of your landscape during the day. Why not enjoy them at night?

Outdoor lighting brings elegance & tranquility to our outdoor living spaces. One of the most beautiful things about landscape lighting is how effortlessly it can be enjoyed. 

This is the question we find ourselves having to answer for many of our new clients: Can we repair this old system, or will it be better to simply put in a new one? 

Fixture selection is never an easy thing. With so many beautifully created fixtures on the market to choose from, it can seem challenging to pick the right one. Choosing the right path light is crucial. Path lights are the fixtures we see the most. They stand out in the landscape more than any other. 

Nothing makes out job come to life easier then when someone has already set the stage for a beautiful masterpiece to come together. This property was stunning before we ever set foot on it. Lighting was simply our contribution for helping make this exquisite home come to life. 

Don't despair just because your hardscape is already complete! If you're interested in integrating lights into your sitting wall, around your patio area,  to light your stairs etc., it can be done! 

Before you even get in contact with your lighting designer, you've already looked at beautiful images of lighting design. You've figured out what you like and don't like. You've envisioned something in your own home and are excited to see it all come to fruition. Before you begin showing your designer where you want each fixture placed, let's slow down and consider what allowing your designer to have a bit more ownership, more creative contribution in the design, can do to help enhance your home.