Canada has two seasons – indoor season and outdoor season. At the first signs of spring, we throw open our blinds and windows and return into the great outdoors. And there we’ll stay, until the snow starts to fly again. Our outdoor season has extended beyond Victoria Day weekend and Labour Day as we aim to make the most of every above-zero moment. Thankfully, our outdoors has also evolved from the pared-down patios of the past into full-fledged outdoor living and entertaining “rooms” that are just as impressive and welcoming as its indoor counterparts.
Regardless of its size or the design details, every great outdoor space needs one thing in common – good lighting.
Make a plan
Lighting enhances a space’s function and its beauty, but beyond the obvious, it also sets the mood that lures you outside on warm evenings and oftentimes, well into the night. Lighting is often left as a finishing touch, but in my designs, it’s an integral part of the plan from the start. Here’s how to maximize your lighting plan so you can make the most of your decks, patios and balconies, and squeeze every drop out of the “outdoor season.”
Accent lighting
From dusk until dawn, lighting adds drama and dimension to your outdoor living areas and gardens and directs the eye to key strategic points. Some obvious areas to illuminate include walkways and entrances, gardens and trees, water features and any built structures like a fence or pergola. Remember, pathway lighting should be staggered and well balanced to avoid the “landing strip” effect.
Tip
For convenience and cost savings, add in some fun solar lights and some outdoor timers.
Tip
When applying exterior accent lighting, pay attention to the temperature and brightness of your bulbs! The rule of thumb is to go warmer on architectural lighting and cooler for landscaping.
Think “function”
As much as we love to get caught up in the shimmer and shine of great lighting, its primary purpose is to light the way. Proper illumination is key for safety and mobility, including pathway lighting, recessed deck lighting, a security light or those beautiful sconces outside your doorway. And what about ambient lighting? This refers to the general lighting in a room – or in this case, the outdoors. By day, this comes from the sun. By night, try giving your space a sweeping glow with lanterns. Not only do these charming fixtures look totally natural gracing an alfresco area and peeking through the trees, but they also do a fine job of flooding the space with just the right amount of light. Be sure to illuminate the barbecue and dining area, sitting areas, bar and pool — wherever you want to draw the attention and activity.
Consider integrating accent lighting to the home itself to help illuminate it at night and highlight its architectural features. Focus lights on the front and rear entrances, and the façade overall. Recessed soffit lighting is a popular choice, casting a warm, welcoming glow from the outside in.
Don’t forget: When planning your outdoor lighting placement, be sure to consider the view from indoors, too. Ensure you won’t be blinded when you’re inside near the windows.
Lighting is not just a tool for function and style, it also impacts how you feel inside your home and in this case, outside of it. Different types of lights and their arrangements can energize or relax you, start a party or lull you to sleep. Consider how you use your space and how you want to feel when you spend time there. Then, work with a lighting professional or a designer to ensure your lighting plan reflects your vision for your home, inside and out.