Why
Lighting and Architecture Aren’t Mutually Exclusive
When you first walk up to someone’s house, what are a few of
the first things you notice about the exterior? Is it the stonework of the walk
path? Do you notice the color of the door and its ornate brass knocker? Maybe
you haven’t noticed any of that. If the lighting isn’t right, not only will you
not witness the character of the architecture and the landscape surrounding it,
but you won’t be able to see your own two feet very well either. If the front
path or stairway isn’t very well lit and someone should fall and seriously
injure themselves, not only is the owner living in a very boring abode, but
they could be served with a lawsuit too.
No one wants to be slammed with a lawsuit, nor does anyone
want to live in a drab house. To keep yourself out of litigation and living in
comfort and style, read why your outdoor space needs outdoor lighting.
Reason One: Outdoor
lighting will enhance the natural and built landscape surrounding your home. Why
limit the time you spend outside?
PBS notes
that “in lighting design, we compose space with contrast, both in brightness
and hue. The key design principle is that in visual perception, nothing is
absolute and all is relative, because human [beings] have evolved a visual
system that is attuned to relative relationships rather than absolute
measures.”
You choose not to go outside after nightfall because you
cannot easily see the contrast between what is light and what is dark; without
enough light, all is dark. Well-placed outdoor lighting manipulates the
landscape; therefor we are able to recognize the depth of the paved stone steps
and the curvature of the wisteria tree at the bottom of them. After climbing
down the steps lit by path lights, the bollard lights lined along the verdant,
fragrant bark island planted with hydrangea and other plants make the garden
pop. The sloping lawn will look awash in light. You’ll be able to use your
outdoor space after hours without fear of tripping over your own two feet.
Reason Two:
Outdoor lighting isn’t used only to safely light walking paths, it’s used to sharpen
the architecture of your home,
too. Retailers like Lumens sell outdoor lighting fixtures
that are functional and aesthetically beautiful. Lighting changes the
atmosphere; it creates a mood. American Home Shield writes
that outdoor lighting increases the curb appeal of your home. This is true. Pendant
and sconce wall lighting will put a spotlight on the architectural elements of
your home; the lighting will refine the architectural elements of the home. The
shadows the covered awning will play against the grain of the painted wood or
the stucco of the exterior wall. A house that in natural daylight looks
picturesque will look strong and modern at night.
Lighting can deeply impact the way a house is approached and
viewed from the street. Do you want to drive home after a day of work and feel
welcomed as you walk up the path, or would you rather it be uninspiring, dull
and dark?
Reason Three: Your
house is where you spend at leisure time after school, work and travel. Your home
is where you go to recharge. If the space is unremarkable and has no visual appeal,
you won’t get a significant recharge. Instead, the house will only feel like
transitional space; it won’t have any meaning and life will feel bland. Good
lighting will play on the architectural elements of your home and help you to
recognize its natural and built beauty.
If you own your home, you have already invested in it. Don’t
let it go by not making updates. Good outdoor lighting will go a long way in
making your house a home.
Thanks So Much for Tuning In!
Until Next Time...