Contemporary outdoor lights
We all know how easy it is to find traditional outdoor lighting, but trying to find lights that fit a contemporary home can be a bit more challenging.
The outdoor version of Uovo from Fontana Arte has a diffuser in opaline white polyethylene to resist the elements and can be used either as a table lamp or placed on the floor. The egg has "a natural shape that has always been a symbol of perfection, the harmonious combination of symmetry and asymmetry. An ironic idea that is a winner. As in nature, also in the Uovo lamp, the shell is the epitome of lightness." (Fontana Arte)
Here in New Mexico we use luminarias as Holiday decorations in front and on top of our homes. The traditional luminarias are made of brown lunch bags, folded down at the top so they will stay open, with an inch of sans in the bottom for stability and a votive candle. I once saw white paper bags used exactly the same way for a summer party. The result was elegant and festive.
Most in-ground outdoor lights have had a short lifespan at our house. They usually face an untimely demise due to dogs, kids or the elements. Now I have two of these ready to light the front path once the grounds thaws out and we can install them. I chose the "Rusty Slot" on the left in the 1" height. Since they are made of Core 10 steel and are anchored with 18" heavy-duty spikes, they hopefully won't go anywhere! They are unfortunately pricey, so we are starting out with two of them. I'll share photos.
The rechargeable Follow-Me LED light is another new acquisition of mine. It is wonderful for outdoors, but right now it has its spot on a table in our entry where we don't have an outlet, but where it is actually nice to have a bit of light, especially when we are entertaining.
Sometimes you can't find exactly what you want. Then it's definitely an advantage to be handy like Santa Fe custom builder Doug Kaye, who crafted these simple, contemporary outdoor sconces of the same rusted metal as the entrance gates. (FYI: One of he sconces shows faint bleeding of the rust onto the stucco. This problem was later fixed. Just for the record.)
Unfortunately a lot of really beautiful contemporary outdoor lights come with a hefty price tag. The fixtures from Modern forms charm not only with their beautiful designs and forward-thinking LED technology, but with a more affordable price range. Here the Urban sconce graces the house of a Santa Fe client.
