What a Professional Landscape Lighting Designer Can Do for Your Home

Incredible Beauty (and Security) After Dark 

Building a new home is an exciting venture, filled with countless decisions and opportunities to bring your vision to life. When it comes to outdoor lighting, you want to ensure that your home not only exudes a sense of security but also showcases its unique architectural features and natural beauty. 

That's where a professional landscape lighting designer can make all the difference. If you're in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, GA, hiring a professional landscape lighting designer will transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis that combines both security and aesthetics seamlessly. Here’s what to expect from an expert’s touch. 

SEE ALSO: How a Sonance Outdoor Audio System Enhances Backyard Fun 

Illuminating Focal Points 

Professional landscape lighting shines a light on your property’s best features. We consider the charming stone wall, handsome trees, or a captivating water fountain that you’ll want to highlight. It could be your front steps or architectural features like dormers and balconies. Remember, the goal is not just to bathe the walls in light but to also strategically accentuate your home's best elements.

Designing with Light 

Different lighting models serve different purposes. For welcoming passages and safe walkways, we choose designated path and area lights on your driveway or walkways. If you want to create dramatic up-lighting effects on walls or subtle down-lighting moods, accent lights are the go-to. These small spotlights can be directed toward tree trunks, porch columns, eaves, and garden structures, drawing attention to specific areas. 

We also use square-shaped spotlights to "wall-wash" an even flood of light onto walls, fences, or façades, creating compelling contrasts. In-ground lights illuminate pathways or tall trees well, while indicator lights can highlight the edges of decks, porches, or stairs. Combining lighting fixtures creates a more visually compelling design than using only one type of lighting model. 

Wiring the System

Once we’ve chosen the right fixtures for your landscape lighting, it's time to bring your design to life. There are several system options to consider before installation. One popular choice is a low-voltage lighting system, which operates at 12 volts, is energy-efficient, and is easily adjustable. With a low-voltage system, you can have multiple runs extending from one transformer to all your lighting fixtures. This option allows your entire system to operate from a single source, from dry to wet areas.  

While low-voltage lighting is a popular choice, there are two other methods worth considering. Solar lights are a viable option as they require no wiring, but they must be placed in full sun to provide sufficient illumination. Alternatively, you could opt for line-voltage lighting, which operates at 120 volts, similar to the appliances in your home. 

However, installing line-voltage lights involves a conduit to protect wires and an electrical junction box that needs to be hardwired into your electrical system. For most homeowners, we recommend a low-voltage LED system for its ease of installation and energy efficiency.

Safety and Security 

In addition to enhancing the visual appeal of your home, landscape lighting plays a crucial role in improving home safety and security. A well-designed outdoor lighting system can deter potential intruders and provide a sense of security for you and your family. By strategically illuminating pathways, driveways, and entry points, you create a well-lit environment that discourages unauthorized access. Adequate lighting also reduces the risk of trips and falls, ensuring that your family and guests can navigate your property safely, especially during the evening. 

With the expertise of a professional landscape lighting designer in Buckhead, you can optimize your outdoor lighting to create a secure and welcoming ambiance that adds peace of mind to your home. 

Contact Advanced Premises Systems to get started on your outdoor lighting installation today!