making the source itself secondary.

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All this is accomplished in the darkness of the night. Areas

and spaces that we occupy during the day, disappear and

reappear unfamiliar at night. A well balanced lighting display

equalizes the skepticism of the night. Lighting throughout the

house is so essential in all the aspects of just about everything

you do during the evening. Each and every fixture is designed

to hold bulbs, single or numerous, in many different

configurations to achieve endless illumination possibilities.

For instance in the kitchen there are many types of lights each

specified for a function such as cooking, general purpose,

dining and after dinner ambiance. Locations of these lights can

be in various places throughout the room anywhere from floor

to ceiling.

One must consider the outside an additional room of living

space. A space can be designed to accommodate gatherings,

patio dining, entering and exiting the premise or for seasonal

enjoyment such as swimming and extended play hours outside.

Outdoor lighting can make all this seem so natural, similar to

how one would perform these tasks during the day. The

configuration of these fixtures have to be in sync with the

lighting already available. Lighting designers should have the

vision to help illuminate and not over exaggerate the areas.

Light intensity and beam spray are priorities. Equal brightness

and balance are pertinent in a good design. The common

mistake is evident in every neighborhood. You see 2 lights, one

on each side of the front door and a post light. These minimal

lights try to achieve everything there is to be seen outside.

Homeowners load up these fixtures with the brightest bulbs

one could find. The result is a glaring landscape, so bright it

annoys the neighbors across the street.

All decisions on architectural features such as stone, brick,

stucco and peaking roof lines deserve the greatest of concern.

Winding walkways, circular driveways and lavish focal

plants, anchoring the landscape, need illumination. Landscape

lighting can achieve this. To excell in this, one must know the

ever changing faces of the landscape. Lighting allows for not

only four seasons, but eight seasons both day and night. One

can start immediately. For instance one light is better than

none. A good guideline is to ask yourself what you would like

to see at night. Experiment with different types of fixtures

and various lighting techniques. Start with the house and fall

back into the landscape, highlighting focal trees and shrubs

throughtout the garden.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING DESIGN