3 tips for amazing landscape lighting
Tip #1: Avoid the runway effect.
You can line up your path lights in a row like here if you are aiming for a very distinctive, contemporary look, but otherwise try to stay away from straight lines. Instead place your path lights where they help illuminate something like a bush, a tree or architectural feature while spreading light onto your walkway.
Tip #2: Less is more Lighting goes a long way outdoors. Bright lights might not be necessary and can be unpleasant or even dangerous. Great contrasts between light and shadow are often almost like trip hazards. They eye can't adjust fast enough and you feel uncertain about where to step next. I'll never forget walking through the grounds of a nice hotel recently, admiring the illuminated palm trees. When we rounded a corner and the general ambient illumination from the hotel windows disappeared and just the palm tree flood lights were on, we were stumbling around totally unable to find our path. (And I just want to point out that it was on our way TO the cabana bar, not even our way back!) We had to get out our phones to add some light so we could find our way. Another point not often mentioned is the effect lighting has on the biorhythm of plants. Just like us they require a natural night-time rest. A more subdued landscape lighting design will therefore also be of advantage to your greenery.
Tip #3: Don't show (off) your landscape lighting A subtle landscaping design with lights tucked under trees and bushes is usually so much more pleasant than bright unshielded lights. You want to avoid that your landscape lights draw the eye towards the lights themselves instead of towards the beautiful landscape.
