A light is only as beautiful as the area it’s placed in.
We’re not sure if this is an old saying or a truism, or just something we think might be true. The important part of the saying is this: a light needs to complement an area, and the more beautiful the area the better served the light will be.
Seems easy enough, right?
It starts that way. But depending on the type of light used, the problem can prove intractable. A simple, easy path light meant to ignite a stone path can become a drawback if the light also illuminates old weeds and vines. A spotlight can be an out and out nightmare if it shows a backyard in a terrible state or littered with things we’d rather hide from the light. Sometimes dark has its benefits, we think; it can’t be a problem if we don’t show it.
While we’re certainly no strangers to this conundrum, it’s also a feeling that should be vanquished. Whatever area your lights are in should deserve to be, pardon the pun, brought to light. You shouldn’t run from an upgrade just because of the hassle or the headache. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
Before placing any lights, it’s good to have a clean area. Make sure things like yard tools and machines are properly stowed in their areas. If it’s seasonal, make sure the leaves are raked and fallen sticks or branches have been properly disposed of. If there’s litter or trash, definitely give it a clean. Make sure the area is consistently mowed but also tended, such as with weed killer or fertilizer. You want your outdoor locale to be looking spiffy.
Many people find they have backyard or outdoor projects that are perpetually on hold. You’ll see pallets of stone or brick still wrapped in the backyard; piles of lumber or logs just waiting to be turned into a deck or a patio. You can walk through the grass and practically trip over all the mulch or lava rock that hasn’t been placed yet, despite a lot of intentions of soon doing so.
Whatever project you have on the backburner, it’s encouraged to complete it. Use the mulch in a nice flower bed; mow the lawn and trim the hedges. Prune the tree and remove that old bush with the thorns that’s been causing you so much trouble lately. Ordered stone for a retaining wall? Start measuring and getting into it. Putting in a small irrigation or watering system? Great! This will help keep the grass green and verdant and the area looking like a professional designed it. Firepits, boulders, and fences? You’ve got this. Kids complaining about the swing set not being put up yet? Have them grab a hammer and help you make it a reality, at long last.
For larger projects, it’s good to have a concept for lighting in mind before committing the time and energy to it. Anything large or industrial should be done with an eye to the future, namely what the light source will be and where it will go. For instance, make sure the light you have in mind goes with that new tree you’re about to plant—or is even able to fit near it. If you’re lighting a series of new bushes or shrubberies, make sure the light you have in mind is environmentally-conscious and won’t cause a fire that ruins the entire point—not to mention your house.
If you’re putting in a pool—and thereby making us jealous—be sure the lights you choose are safe to be near it, and won’t cause an accident or hurt someone. Ensure the lights look good against the overall design scheme, and maybe even try it out somewhere to see if the pool can be even better ignited by a different light. Nothing is more relaxing than golden light on lapping waters.
Of course, some of this is easier said than done. Many projects aren’t just day-long endeavors or weekend excursions, but rather weeks to months to get right. A good redesign or backyard upgrade can be an arduous process that takes a genuine time commitment and strains your creativity, not to mention your wallet. Tailored Landscapes is happy to help take some of the burden of that off, and to give you room to breathe to design to your best ideas. You should feel free rather than shackled by any home remodel; it should fulfill you.
While the types of project and their goals can vary from home to home, one thing remains the same: put your best foot forward. When you settle on a lighting scheme you’d like, or see a fixture that has the right lumens and look, you want it to be brought into a place that complements it and uplifts it. The light should shine on the best possible atmosphere. You want a full, complete scene.
While the types of project and their goals can vary from home to home, one thing remains the same: put your best foot forward. When you settle on a lighting scheme you’d like, or see a fixture that has the right lumens and look, you want it to be brought into a place that complements it and uplifts it. The light should shine on the best possible atmosphere. You want a full, complete scene.
We believe in complementing and placing an array of lights that are baked in to the overall design. The elements of form, line, texture, and color are all important elements that can take an upgrade from good to great. Your dreams should come true when you put things together. You should be getting the best bang for your buck, and if you’re going through all the trouble of showing your yard, you should really feel safe in showing it off.
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