As summer approaches in Sacramento, your landscape suddenly takes center stage. From warm nights spent sipping drinks on the patio to backyard BBQs, spending time outdoors has become the norm.
Proper outdoor lighting enhances your home’s curb appeal and provides a welcoming ambiance for summer fun. Landscape lighting helps you enjoy your outdoor space long after the sun sets each evening.
Huft Home Services in Sacramento, CA, is here to help you create a well-lit, safe, and inviting landscape. From path lights to ambient glows, we can help you design a lighting plan that enhances both function and beauty in your landscape.
1. Start With the Best Plan
Before you buy a single light or schedule an installation, having a plan is helpful. Consider your landscape. Examine the areas you want to highlight and those that may be treacherous due to a lack of light.
Consider the following key areas:
- Entryways and front porch
- Driveways and walkways
- Patios and decks
- Pool area
- Trees, flower beds, and gardens
- Outdoor seating and dining areas
We’ll help you highlight the beauty of your landscape and bring it to life at night. First, consider safety, including stair areas.
2. Color Temperature Matters
Not all lighting is the same, and color temperature is more important than you may realize. The industry measures light in kelvins. Cooler lights emit a brighter white glow, while warmer lights produce softer tones.
Consider 2700K to 3000K for patios, porches, and landscape highlights. These temperature levels produce a warm and inviting glow. Choose 4000K or higher for security lighting or task areas to make them safer and more functional.
Warm light is preferable in most landscape areas. Cooler lights can seem harsh in an outdoor environment, and if overused, they may make your space feel more industrial.
3. Highlight Your Trees and Architectural Features
Uplighting and spotlighting can completely transform the look of your outdoor space. They bring shadowy areas into the light, making your landscape more vibrant.
Uplights and spotlights can accentuate the following:
- Mature trees
- Stone walls or fences
- Arched doorways
- Yard sculptures
- Water features
Angle the spotlights at the base of trees and shrubbery. They can create dramatic shadows that add depth to your landscape.
The goal is to create a scattering of lights rather than highlight every landscape feature. Consider the areas you want to stand out, and let us help you install the perfect lighting for your Sacramento home.
4. Light Your Pathways for Safety
Although lighting adds beauty, the primary goal of adding illumination is safety. Lighting pathways keeps your family and guests safe, defines the walkway areas, and adds a polished look to your landscape.
You have several options for pathway lighting: low-voltage stake lights, solar-powered garden lights, and recessed step or brick lights. Ideally, you should install pathway lights every four to five feet. A staggered installation makes the path look more inviting and less like an airplane runway.
5. Consider Layering the Lighting
You have likely mastered the art of light layering inside your home, which helps you take the same approach outdoors. To present a balanced design, you will want to combine ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting illuminates the general space instead of targeting specific areas. Depending on your design goals, consider using string lights, post lights, or hanging lanterns.
Task Lighting
Task lighting needs to be brighter and more targeted. Place spotlights over grills, workstations, and outdoor kitchens. These lights will help you see clearly when preparing food or beverages.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting highlights special landscape features and creates ambiance. Consider using uplights, sconces, and ground lights to convey a unique mood in your outdoor space.
Layering lighting helps you control your outdoor environment. With precise light applications, you can create the atmosphere you desire.
6. String Lights Bring Instant Summer Vibes
Summers in Sacramento are full of lemonade, friends, family, and relaxation. Nothing says summer like carefully placed string lights over your patio or pergola. You don’t have to wait for a party to hang them. String lights are affordable, and we can ensure you have outlets to power them.
String lights look beautiful under umbrellas, along fences, and wrapped around trees or trellises. Choose weather-resistant LED string lights for durability. Warm white bulbs create a comfortable and inviting look, whether you’re sitting alone or with friends.
7. Add Solar Lighting
Many homeowners in Sacramento strive to reduce their carbon footprints. Solar lighting is a perfect option where wiring poses a challenge. These lights have come a long way over the years, offering a practical solution.
Consider solar lights for the following areas:
- Garden borders
- Pathways
- Steps
- Deck edges
- Decorative rocks
- Planters
- Focal points
You can only use solar lights in areas that receive full sun exposure for much of the day. Sitting in full sunlight charges the lights enough for you to enjoy them all evening.
8. Motion Sensor Lights for Safety and Security
Strategic lighting helps keep your landscape safe and can deter trespassers. Motion-activated lighting is energy-efficient and convenient.
Motion sensor lights are ideal for driveways, garages, entryways, and dark corners of your yard. Installing these lights can provide you with peace of mind. Pair them with dusk-to-dawn sensors to reduce your electricity costs.
9. Consider Low-Voltage Lighting
Low-voltage lighting systems are ideal for residential landscapes. They operate on 12 volts instead of the traditional 120 volts, which means they use less energy. Low-voltage lights are safer to install and easier to expand later. We can help you make the transition for your outdoor lighting project.
10. Light Up Your Water Features
If your backyard has a pool, fountain, or pond, it needs lighting. Lighting makes these water features the stars of your landscape. They can highlight the water flow or your beautiful fish.
The right lighting can also create a tranquil, shimmering effect across the water. Our expert team can help ensure your new lights are rated for wet areas and installed safely.
Add Smart Controls for Greater Convenience
Once you install your new lights, you’ll gain complete control with smart apps. You can control your outdoor lighting from your phone, set schedules or timers for convenient lighting, and sync your outdoor lights with music for special gatherings and events.
Create a Summer-Ready Landscape
Outdoor lighting does much more than illuminate your yard; it can transform how you enjoy it this summer. Light makes a significant difference, whether you want to boost safety and security or highlight your favorite place to relax.
We’re here to help if you’re ready to install it. Huft Home Services opened its doors in 2004. We provide installation, maintenance, and electrical repairs. We pride ourselves on a job well done and work to ensure your complete satisfaction with all our services.
Call our electricians at Huft Home Services when you’re ready to install outdoor lighting in Sacramento.
