Neighborhood Lighting
(Vermeers in water, O'Keefeliters above)
We all know and recognize the house with the best Night Lighting in our neighborhoods. The question that contractors and lighting professionals should ask themselves is, "Is this my house?" And if not, "Why isn't it?" Landscape Lighting starts at home, and in order for lighting professionals to achieve ultimate recognition, they should take pride in warming up their own homes with light. We have all seen wonderful effects with anywhere from 3 to 100 lights. Regardless of the number, it is always about the effect. Here are 5 lighting tips, whether you are a lighting professional or not, to enhance the beauty of your own home, or that of someone you love.
Illuminate All Safety Hazards
To be safe doesn't mean it has to blind you. Areas to light are pathways, stairs, the front porch, and any other area that might prove to be a tripping hazard. When illuminating a pathway, do not create the "runway affect" that we often see. Architectural lights and accenting plant material has a much more desirable and creative effect. For stairs leading to a front porch or entryway, make sure this light doesn't create glare for those arriving or departing. If your guests are squinting, you should get the hint.
Large Plant Material and Trees
If you are working with large trees, downlighting will create a beautiful moonlight effect. When light fixtures are placed high enough in an established tree, it will cast a shadow of branches and leaves on the ground, simulating moonlight. If the trees or plant material are newly planted and less established, uplights with a 10-20 watt lamp will work well.
Architecture
Any visual interest of the house or structure can be enhanced by wash-lighting or grazing the surface. For example, a beautiful brick home at night would never be noticed for its charm if wash lighting wasn't used, showing off its texture and color. Showing off large pillars or interesting architectural features will always enhance a lighting design. Try to avoid directing the light towards a window.
Water Features, Garden Art, Flag Poles and Play Equipment
These features are in all of our neighborhoods, and can benefit from the many low voltage fixtures that NightscapingŪ has to offer. Always remember to enhance the best attributes of your yard, and leave the less impressive areas dark.
Light "Trespassing"
This is a touchy subject. We now have the knowledge and ideas to enhance our environment, but how do we deal with a neighbors excessive light or glaring street lights? Ambient light can detract from the beauty of our environment, and wash out a well designed lighting system. We have two tips for you. One, emphasize your lighting design in the darker areas of the yard, balancing the ambient light. Two, use a slightly higher wattage lamp for stronger illumination. Once you are done, hopefully your professional example will sell the neighbors on a well designed low voltage lighting system.
David Oborn
Southern California Manager
T: 714 746 1215
F: 714 848 1816
David@Nightscaping.com
Contractor of the Week The Islander Brothers
Mike and Kevin Islander operate a successful lighting and sprinkler company within the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, California. As owners of Stewart-Jackson Sprinklers and Lighting, founded in 1956, they offer their clients the highest quality of professional low-voltage landscape lighting services available, along with an intense attention to fine detail and a strong philosophy that the customer is their #1 asset. Their clients are typically upscale residential customers who are looking for a lighting contractor they can work closely with to help them realize the potential of their property. Both Kevin and Mike spend a great deal of time with their clients to develop lighting systems that meet the exact needs of their customers as well as maintain function, beauty and technical precision. They provide their own designs, install the systems, and offer long-term maintenance to their customers. They make themselves available to their customers long after the initial installation is completed.
Mike and Kevin have also made significant contributions to the lighting industry by being involved in trade associations and helping to educate the industry. Likewise, they have made significant contributions to the NightscapingŪ family. Their intensive attention to detail and customization has led them to work with NightscapingŪ to develop several important NightscapingŪ products. In particular, two of those include the Islander 12 Volt Relay and the Mini-Wash Liter fixture.
*All landscape photos included in this Newsletter display the high quality of expertise you can expect from Kevin and Mike Islander.
Stuart Jackson Sprinklers and Lighting
Michael and Kevin Islander
20602 S. Normandie
Torrance, Ca 90502
www.stewartjackson.com
Mike and Kevin have also made significant contributions to the lighting industry by being involved in trade associations and helping to educate the industry. Likewise, they have made significant contributions to the NightscapingŪ family. Their intensive attention to detail and customization has led them to work with NightscapingŪ to develop several important NightscapingŪ products. In particular, two of those include the Islander 12 Volt Relay and the Mini-Wash Liter fixture.
*All landscape photos included in this Newsletter display the high quality of expertise you can expect from Kevin and Mike Islander.
Stuart Jackson Sprinklers and Lighting
Michael and Kevin Islander
20602 S. Normandie
Torrance, Ca 90502
www.stewartjackson.com
