I was recently at a client’s house presenting a design proposal. Like a lot of clients who had never had a professional landscape lighting design before, they were unsure about what should be lit in their landscape. (The only thing they knew for sure is that they didn’t want their place to look like an airport runway! I assured them that that would not be the case!)
We happened to be working at their dining table, where they regularly spend a significant amount of time. To explain one major factor driving my design, I pointed at the large picture window dominating the room and asked them, “What do you see?” And the husband answered, “Our reflection.” I then asked them how did their reflection make them feel? “Actually…kind of self-conscious and exposed,” the wife stated. “Exactly!” I exclaimed. “It’s like having a one-way mirror with who-knows-what looking in at you.” I said, “I think we are a good-looking group of people here, but I’m sure you would appreciate a view of your beautiful maple tree more!” They agreed, and I went on to explain how my design would enhance the living space of other rooms also.
The moral of this little tale is that you should consider the perspective from inside your home when considering landscape lighting. Exterior illumination can do wonders to beautify your home and make it safer and more secure, but the feeling you get when viewing your favorite sculpture or new Japanese Maple from your living room at night can’t be beat!
Here are 4 ways landscape lighting enhances your interior by making it a more comfortable living space. It:
- Eliminates the mirror effect on your windows
- Adds depth to the room
- Adds visual interest (The window becomes a picture)
- Makes the room feel safer since you can see the landscape outside
Now you can really get excited about your new landscape lighting!