Outdoor Light as Art Land O Lakes FL

Outdoor lighting has come of age. Homeowners want it as much for safety as for artistic effect.

By Christina B. Farnsworth

Not long ago, outdoor lighting for homes consisted primarily of a set of 10-light kits purchased at the local home improvement store to line the walkway between street and front door. And maybe a second set ringing the backyard patio. The builder was not involved with much beyond the single porch lamp beside the front door.

Times have changed.

Exterior lighting done right can add to a home's nighttime curb appeal. It can visually expand the interior rooms of a residence making indoor space live larger. "People want to create outdoor rooms for entertaining at night," notes Randall Whitehead, author of The Art of Outdoor Lighting. Not only is the outdoor space more enjoyable to use, but the lit spaces can be enjoyed from inside the house (and that adds perceived and real safety).

Outdoor lighting also visually expands interior spaces beyond the 'black mirror' effect at night--when you see your own reflection in the window instead of the view beyond, says the San Francisco lighting designer. And it can be an attractive builder-added option.

Party Lights

$6 to $18 per string

These party lights feature "Nomex" shades, a type of flameproof paper cone.

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