Outdoor living spaces are
turning as warm and cozy as the family
room, whether you can enjoy them for
two months or twelve. In the latest
outdoor makeovers, indoor style has fast
become an outdoor phenomenon, from
growth in exterior kitchens to
advancements in outdoor furniture,
lighting solutions and more.
"As consumers continue to 'nest'
within the comforts of their homes,
outdoor sanctuaries have become the
new rooms to live and entertain in, from
dawn to dusk and well beyond," said
Maria Burk, Kichler Landscape Lighting
product manager."When you invest in
beautiful outdoor areas, you should
incorporate your own personal taste,
and highlight the best features of your
home and garden."
To ensure the functionality and flair
of outdoor spaces, selecting lighting is
among the most important outdoor
decor decisions a homeowner can make.
Fortunately, an innovative array of
outdoor lighting options have evolved to
complement a variety of tastes, making
outdoor illumination a walk in the park.
Coordinate lighting styles
throughout the yard for a
cohesive look
Matching deck lights, path lights,
garden accessories and other specialty
landscape lighting fixtures helps create a
cohesive look that both enhances your
investment and heightens the enjoyment
of outdoor living.Think about the style
and mood you want to create outdoors,
and purchase lighting solutions that
follow that theme.
Kichler is the first to offer
coordinating outdoor lighting fixtures
and accessories with the introduction of
Garden Collections, six complete outdoor
lighting families made with the most
durable materials and finishes to
withstand the harsh effects of both time
and weather. From an English garden to a
rustic lodge to a relaxed tropical setting,
the Collections include everything you
need to set the stage, including lamppost
toppers, path lights, lighted bird baths,
lighted obelisks and statues, and even a
spin on the popular gazing ball.
Create a focal point that
highlights your outdoor motif
Just as a chandelier creates focus in
your foyer, build a centerpiece for your
outdoor decor.Think about where you'll
be spending the most time and which
areas may need more light. If you'll be
spending a lot of time on a covered
outdoor patio, outdoor chandeliers create
a beautiful focus by bringing functionality
and building aesthetic appeal.
Install sconces approved for
indoor and outdoor use
Sconces have long added the perfect
amount of glow to frame large rooms and
doorways indoors.Why not apply the
same concept outdoors? With matching
chandeliers, these outdoor-friendly pieces
take exterior living to the next level.
Let accessories shine -
in more ways than one
Outdoor accessories regularly add
beauty to your lawn and garden, but let
the accessories really shine by selecting
elements that highlight themselves or
serve dual purposes. Instead of opting for
a traditional plant potter, try something
like Kichler's Gate House lit urn.
Complete with a water pump, this elegant
urn adds beauty to the garden by
illuminating live potted plants. If it's a
touch of Zen you're looking for, add a
little bit of glow to the traditional figure
with Kichler's Zen Gardener figure,
complete with a 12-volt lantern in hand.
Use outdoor lamps to add
atmosphere and build ambience
For an updated look with flexibility,
outdoor portable lamps are the perfect
option.Westwood Collections offers
portable lamps with whimsical designs
and nature-inspired themes. U.L. listed for
wet locations, there's no need to bring
them indoors when it pours.
Opt for easy-to-install, low-voltage
lighting systems
For the best results, install low-voltage
lighting systems rather than solar lighting.
Using just 12 volts of electricity, lowvoltage
lighting out-shines solar lighting
because it "throws" the light better, so you
notice the lighting effect, not just the
light itself.Also, solar lights fade, but lowvoltage
systems allow you to control
when the lights will be on or off. Best of
all, they're relatively easy to install.
So, are you ready to get to work? With
these helpful hints in tow, feel free to
take a breath of fresh air.Your yard will
soon be the talk of the neighborhood,
and you'll quickly find why outdoor living
has never looked so good.