DESIGNER EXTERIOR LIGHTING DOES NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE WHETHER LOW VOLTAGE WIRE OR SOLAR POWERED
Designer exterior lighting looks expensive but it doesn't have to be. And you don't need to hire a professional to get that designer look. Either low voltage exterior lighting and/or solar powered lights can be used to create magnificent effects with some careful planning.
Solar landscaping lights are the easiest to install and the most flexible (you can move them around without worrying about trenching or wire attachments) in designer solutions and any effect desired can be created with these products. A designer would create a lighting plan but there is no reason a consumer can't do the same thing. Use the following tips as a guide in designing your lighting effects.
Floodlights should be considered at the corners of a house and positioned to light the driveway area near the home. Solar flood lights are available and with improved photovoltaic technology and LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs, they give off more than enough illumination for this role.
Spotlights can be positioned to highlight landscaping features and many different effects can be created. Use upward lighting in your design to throw light from ground level up on to a feature, highlighting its beauty (a tree, flower garden etc). Use down lighting (high mount, light aimed downwards) to create a soft effect, or accent lighting to focus either bright or amber light (depending on taste) on an object so that the dark background is contrasted.
Designer lighting is most effective with a well thought out plan
Driveways and pathways are always central features and designer lighting is available specifically for them. Choices include post lights, or lantern lights, or for more subtle effects, lower accent lights that softly highlight borders.
A well-designed lighting plan will create a nighttime scene of beauty and provide illumination for security. Low voltage lighting systems don't have to be too expensive and can be installed wherever there is a source of power. Solar garden lights can be installed anywhere there is sunlight during the day and will provide designer lighting quality as good as or better than any other product.
