6 Creative Outdoor Lighting Ideas

 

We’ve all seen standard outdoor lighting. Traditional designs provide a great starting point, but sometimes an outdoor space needs a little bit of extra creativity. In addition to their eye-catching appearance, some creative designs add functionality you wouldn’t usually have. Some fixtures are lightweight and portable while others can even float on water!

“We like to keep our customers informed about the latest trends in outdoor lighting. There are some light fixtures you just don’t see every day,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. “Nothing can spark a conversation at get-togethers quite like a unique outdoor lighting piece.”

To give you some ideas for outdoor lighting, our experts have put together a list of some standout outdoor lighting fixtures.

Log Seat Campfire Lights

Photo From: DesignYouTrust.com

Place these tree stump seat lights around a fire pit and watch your guest's eyes light up. During the day when not lit, these seats look like perfectly cut trees. They give a nice wooded, campsite feel to your yard.

Arching Outdoor Lighting

Photo From: 2modern.com

Have you ever seen the St. Louis Arch? It looks majestic when lit up at night. Put a (much smaller) version in your outdoor space. When placed over a table, it provides functional light while you eat and entertain friends. 

Solar Powered Globe Lights

Photo From: Fancy.com

These solar powered globe lights can be placed anywhere outside. Since they are powered by the sun, a clear day should charge the battery enough to last around 12 hours.

The globe lights even float on water, adding an element of fun for kids. Simply ensure the bottom battery latch is secured tightly and you’re ready to swim! These lights are among the most unique outdoor lighting options we’ve seen!

Umbrella Light

Photo From: Interiordesignables.com

Put this umbrella on your outdoor table or bar to stay dry and well lit. The bulbs are attached to the umbrella supports and provide a small amount of overhead light. You can also keep it open during the day to provide shade!

Shadow Design Lights

Photo From: Houzz.com

During the day, the metal exterior provides a neat design. But, nighttime is when these lights really stand out. When lit, the shadows from the metal exterior create remarkable patterns on your walkway. 

Pac-Man Lighting

Photo From: Globalgeeknews.com

Pac-Man lights aren’t intended for everyday use, but are sure to be a hit at your next outdoor party or holiday celebration. The lights are traditional round bulb lights intended for overhead attachment. Simply attach or detach the ghost piece and Pac-Man piece as necessary.

“Of course, any of these pieces will look out of place if a traditional outdoor lighting system is not installed already. These unique fixtures are intended to be accent lights and conversation starters,” said Minor. “We would love to get you started with a professionally designed and installed outdoor lighting system, so you can begin having fun adding these unique accent lights.”

To learn more about how Irrigation and Lighting Specialist can get you started with your new outdoor lighting system, e-mail John or call 704-747-0235. We look forward to bringing light to your nights this summer.

Outdoor Security Lighting: Why It Works & How to Use It

Outdoor security lighting can be the difference between a criminal targeting your property or passing it by. Intruders love to focus on properties with dark, low-lit areas where they can not be seen.

“There are an estimated 20,000 burglary crimes in the Charlotte area each year,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. “Many of those crimes could have been prevented if outdoor security lighting was present.”

To help protect our community, our experts share how outdoor security lighting can improve your home's security and offer a few tips to ensure your property is safe from intruders.

Security for you – Insecurity for the Intruder

Criminals look to target areas with no lighting. They feel more safe knowing they can’t be seen. Illuminating a potential intruder can make them feel exposed and insecure.

If you are home, you will be able to see the criminal and alert the police. If you are not home, your neighbors or passersby will be more able to see and report suspicious activity. Outdoor security lighting doesn’t guarantee crime prevention, but it does act as a powerful crime deterrent.

Make Your Outdoor Security Lighting Tamper-Proof

A determined intruder may try to damage your light fixtures or bulbs in order to create a dark area to gain access to your property. There are two options for lighting damage prevention:

1. Install the fixture out of reach. 10 feet or over should be sufficient. Most burglars won’t carry ladders, and if they do, they will be spotted very quickly.

2. Buy tamper-proof lights or place mesh wiring over sensitive areas of the light.

Lower Brightness is More Effective

Many medium powered light fixtures are more effective than a few high powered ones. Several medium powered lights provide more even property coverage, which reduces the amount of dark areas. On top of being less aesthetically pleasing, high-powered lights can produce glare and make it difficult to see an intruder in detail.

Motion Detecting Lights

Any outdoor security lighting system should have at least one motion detecting light. There may be nothing more alarming for a criminal than to be suddenly illuminated. It gives the illusion that someone is aware of their presence and has turned a light on to see them. It will most likely send them running away from your property.

Motion detecting lights should be placed near any doors, windows or other entryways around your home or business. Intruders may feel too exposed to pick a lock or climb through a window if they are under the light.

“We believe motion detecting lights are the backbone of any good outdoor security lighting system. That’s why we offer so many different options. On top of being a great tool for home security, they’re extremely energy efficient,” said Minor.

Install to Several Circuits – Not Just One

Install different lights to different circuits. If the entire lighting system is run through one circuit, a tripped circuit breaker shuts down every light. If sections of the system are assigned to different circuits, a tripped circuit will only affect one area.

“Sometimes customers envision outdoor security lighting looking bright and ugly. Our installation techniques and careful fixture placement ensure we add a pleasing aesthetic element to your home,” said Minor. “We offer plenty of fixtures that provide both security and style.”

 

Talk to our outdoor security lighting experts to learn more or to discuss your options. Irrigation and Lighting Specialist looks forward to helping you keep your property safe and secure. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please e-mail John or call 704-747-0235.

7 Eco-Friendly Lawn Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting Tips

“Before grooming their lawn and installing outdoor lighting systems, our customers are often concerned with higher energy costs and creating a negative environmental impact,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. “We wanted to pass along a few simple tricks to help these consumers create a more eco-friendly lawn irrigation and outdoor lighting system.”

Lawn Irrigation

Irrigation systems drastically improve the look and health of your lawn, but can be a waste of water if not performed correctly. The 3 tips below can help make your lawn irrigation system more efficient.

Tip # 1 Only Water Your Lawn & Plants Early In the Morning

It may sound simple, but this tip can go a long way. It allows time for the grass and plants to absorb as much water as they need. Any excess water evaporates throughout the day.

Watering at night can create mold. The excess water will sit overnight and won’t evaporate for another twelve to sixteen hours.

Warning: Do not water in the middle of the day. The heat will evaporate a large amount of the water before the plants have a chance to soak it in. In addition, water droplets act as a prism, magnifying sunlight and can scorch the plant.

Tip # 2 Use Mulch

Placing mulch around plants helps cool roots and retain moisture, making each watering from your lawn irrigation system more effective. The mulch will deter the growth of weeds, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals. As an added benefit, mulch made from natural materials will decompose and enrich the soil.

Tip # 3 Check for Leaks in Your Irrigation System or Sprinklers

Unnoticed leaks can waste several gallons of water, which often leads to harmful overwatering of the surrounding area. It is important to conduct irrigation system checks  and maintenance to ensure efficiency.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Lighting can add beauty and security to your home. It can also be responsible for a large part of your energy use. Use the following tips to save money on your next electric bill.

Tip # 4 Switch to LED Bulbs

LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are much more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. “They cost a bit more, but last an estimated 25x longer while consuming significantly less energy,” says Minor.

Floodlights and porch lights are typically the main culprits for using excess energy in most outdoor lighting systems. Once you make the switch to LED bulbs, you should notice an immediate impact.

Tip # 5 Switch to Motion Detecting Lights & Remote Control Systems

Motion detecting lights help improve the security of your home. These security lights are great for saving energy because they usually remain dim or dormant until motion is detected.

Remote operated systems also offer great energy saving and security capabilities. With these systems, it is a good idea to keep the control by your bed. When you go to sleep, you can easily turn off your outdoor lighting. If you hear something in the middle of the night, the lights can be quickly and easily re-activated.

Tip # 6 Install Outdoor Lighting Timers

The functionality of using a timer is nearly the same as using a remote system. It has an added “set it and forget it” benefit, but cannot be turned on as quickly or as easily.

Tip # 7 Explore Solar Powered Lighting

Solar powered lighting uses the energy of the sun. Since sunshine is free, the operating cost is $0. If you have any outdoor buildings such as sheds, workshops or garages, chances are the roof receives quite a bit of sunlight each day. If so, solar lighting solutions are perfect for these areas.

“We know starting energy saving habits and choosing efficient options can often be overwhelming, but we would love to help guide you in the right direction,” said Minor.

Many of these outdoor lighting improvements can be installed on your own. Check out Irrigation and Lighting Specialist’s do it yourself lighting kits. We provide 30 minutes of initial instruction and are available at an hourly rate if additional assistance is needed.

To learn more about eco-friendly lawn irrigation and outdoor lighting options, don’t hesitate to contact Irrigation & Lighting Specialist by e-mailing John or calling 704-747-0235.

5 Best Outdoor Lighting Fixtures for 2014

2014 is a light year. No, not a space light year, but an outdoor light year. "Across all categories, 98.3 percent of respondents rated lighting as somewhat or very in-demand for 2014,” said John Minor, owner of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. Minor continues, “followed by seating/dining areas (97.7 percent), fire pits/fireplaces (95.4 percent), grills (94.3 percent) and installed seating (89.6 percent), which include benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps and boulders."

"There are so many outdoor light fixture options in the marketplace, it can be hard to know where to begin," said Minor. Let us help you get started with some ideas. We have identified 5 of our favorite fixtures for the upcoming year.

Neptune Wet Location Wall Light

Achieve a more modern look this summer. This contemporary wall fixture will update any outdoor area for 2014 and beyond. Designed for wet environments, this wall mounted light is built to last against anything mother nature has in store. Its rugged durability and streamlined design are perfect for waterfront properties, in-ground swimming pool areas, and patios. [13" Height]

Manufactured By: 
Access Lighting 

Hinkley Lighting Casa Post Outdoor Lantern 

The curved accents crowning this piece add the right touch of understated elegance. The “olde black” finish in combination with the light amber etched glass are versatile enough to match any outdoor theme. Adding this Hinkley outdoor lantern will provide a perfect nighttime accent to any entrance, path, walkway or patio.

Manufactured By: 
Hinkley Lighting

Ball Rechargeable Light, Pearl with Remote 

Give your patio or deck tabletop a memorable look. Enjoy your summer conversations with family and friends even more with this truly unique piece. [10" Diameter]

This waterproof, durable, LED powered light can illuminate your night with traditional white light or your choice of four different colors. 

Manufactured By: 
Smart & Green 

Wikoda Sunflower Helostat

Not all outdoor lighting has to be used at night. The Sunflower Helostat
actually tracks the sun throughout the day and redirects it to any area you wish. This is perfect for areas that do not receive much natural light. The sunlight refraction system will go a long way in improving your landscaping efforts in those tricky spots.

Manufactured By:
Wikoda Inc.

High Motion Sensor Outdoor Light

Combine security with great looks. This outdoor fixture remains lit from dusk until dawn and automatically turns off during daylight hours. The attractive design makes for a great aesthetic addition to any garage or patio with the added security of a two level lighting feature that automatically brightens when motion is detected.

Manufactured By:
Point Grove 

"Any of these lighting fixtures can greatly improve the look and functionality of your outdoor space," Minor said. Let us take care of it for you. We professionally install and maintain these outdoor lighting systems. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please email John or call 704-747-0235.

A Basic Guide for Charlotte Outdoor Lighting

For as long as outdoor lighting has been in existence, homeowners have been exploring the different lighting options for their homes. Different effects, shapes and styles have come and gone, but designers still implement the same basic principals to evoke the highly desirable, "Ahhhh" factor.

These design elements are used to create attention and to transform a dull exterior into an eye-popping masterpiece. In addition to this, they also add security and safety while enhancing the usability of your home. There is no wonder why Charlotte outdoor lighting projects are more popular than ever. 

"Outdoor lighting techniques have really grown over the last decade," said John Minor of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "New technology and techniques have really enabled homeowners to do magical things with their exteriors. When outdoor lighting is applied correctly, it can have a more positive impact than any other home improvement project."

Principals of Charlotte Outdoor Lighting

When designing an outdoor lighting system, keep in mind the following key principals of outdoor lighting: 

• Depth - Refers to how far the viewer's gaze travels as they observe a home. By using depth properly and strategically, our expert designers are able to control the viewer's gaze and primary focus. 

• Perspective - Think of your outdoor space as a three-dimensional canvas for light. You can create visual interest from different viewpoints and angles around your home's landscape and exterior. 

• Focal Points - During the observation experience, focal points are grab the viewers attention. They are used to guide the viewer through the landscape, step by step. 

• Direction and Quality - Use outdoor lights to "paint" the landscape surrounding your home with various lighting intensities, directions and accents. Our designers use this to reach moods, great visual impact and to highlight your home and landscape's natural beauty. 

At Irrigation and Lighting Specialist, we've developed our own signature system of applying these design principals. We take a different approach by not only focusing on how you can use the space outside your home, but what kind of lighting delivers the absolute best accents to the landscape and beauty of your home. 

For a limited time, customers can take advantage of our early-season pricing for all Charlotte outdoor lighting projects. 

To learn more about our outdoor lighting serviced or to schedule a free consultation, please call John Minor of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 877-443-5833 or email John. We look forward to helping you get the most out of your home's exterior environment. 

Popular Spring Outdoor Lighting Projects in Charlotte

As the spring season arrives and the weather warms up, homeowners are becoming more active around their homes. Annual spring cleanings and landscaping projects are pulling people out of their winter hibernation and into a spring time frenzy.

During this time of year, homeowners start looking for the latest trends in home improvement projects. From decorating to gardening and painting, they are always looking for the latest style and feel of the season. One of the most popular home improvements projects of 2014 is outdoor lighting in Charlotte.

"Outdoor lighting projects are very popular for 2014," said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "Homeowners are well aware of the benefits and property value that outdoor lighting can bring to their homes, and it will be a service that is in high demand this year."

Top Four Outdoor Lighting Projects in Charlotte

Before the summer heat rolls in, here are the most popular outdoor lighting projects you should consider tackling this spring. 

1. Deck Lighting - What's better than sitting on your deck on a nice summer day? With deck lighting, this relaxing scene doesn't have to end once the sun goes down. You can even transform your deck into an exterior dining room. 
2. Pool Lighting - Late night dip in the pool anybody? By adding lighting to your pool area, you can create the perfect environment for entertaining and add a safety feature. The right lighting can make your pool an oasis for your summer. We even do underwater lighting! 
3. Pathway Lighting - Light up your driveway, walkway or garden path with tasteful outdoor lighting. This can add a beautiful and subtle touch to the exterior of your home and help you navigate your landscape at night. 
4. Security Lighting - Did you know that crime is more prevalent during the summer months than it is in the winter? Help protect your property this year with properly placed security lighting, a timer and/or motion detectors. 

"At Irrigation and Lighting Specialist, we handle a large variety of outdoor lighting projects, and we are current on all the latest styles and equipment," said Minor. "When we design outdoor lighting, we make sure it is attractive, practical and functional."

Discounted Early Season Pricing

Discounted early season pricing is currently in effect for installation of irrigation and outdoor accent lighting systems from Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. We can install new or convert existing lightings to LED lighting. This special pricing is only offered for a limited time, so give us a call today at 704-747-0235 or email John. We do the best outdoor lighting in Charlotte!

Charlotte Outdoor Lighting Terminology

Charlotte outdoor lighting installations are popular projects during this time of year. Many people are trying to find new ways to add flair, flavor and function to the exteriors of their houses before the cold winter moves in. As with any project, research can come in handy.

"There are so many options to consider for Charlotte outdoor lighting installations," said John Minor, owner of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "It can be really helpful to look through magazines, websites and books to gather ideas and become inspired. It can open up a lot of possibilities and boost your creativity."

For research resources, be sure to check out our previous blog posts. They are loaded with information and tips!

Frequently Used Words in Charlotte Outdoor Lighting

As you are researching outdoor lighting installations, you may come across words and phrases that are confusing. As with any profession, outdoor lighting has its own lingo, and knowing that lingo can help you have a greater understanding of your next project.

Below are a few word definitions that are commonly used in outdoor lighting.

Adaptation - The process in which your eyes adjust to a change in light level. There is light adaptation and dark adaptation. Light adaptation is where your eyes adjust to brighter a scene and dark adaptation is where your eyes adjust to a darker scene. We reduce extreme adaptation so your outdoor lighting is more inviting and natural.

Diffused Light - Light that scatters in many directions and produces beams with soft edges. This effect can be accomplished by using techniques like frosted lenses or shading. We use diffused light to create exotic looks that highlight certain areas of your lawn.

Light Pollution - Excessive or obtrusive light that intrudes into unintended areas, like the inside of your home. This is a common problem with poorly installed and designed outdoor lighting schemes. To eliminate light pollution, we carefully design our lighting systems and use different effects and techniques to either reduce the amount of light or redirect it.

Luminance - The amount of light that is reflective off of different surfaces. For example, light is more reflective off of a white wall than it is a brick wall. We always consider luminance because it effects lighting patterns and could create unpleasant glares.

Visual Path - The path that your vision takes as it glances from one place to another. Visual paths often start and end at focal points. We use visual paths to create a natural transition throughout your exterior and to naturally highlight your landscape's beauty.

"It can be easy to get confused with some of the terminology that is used when researching outdoor lighting,"said Minor. "That's why we take the time to explain all the details to our customers in a way that is easy to understand. We want to make the installation process easy, while giving them plenty of options. The end result is an outdoor lighting design that is exactly what our customers envisioned."

To learn more about Charlotte outdoor lighting, call John Minor with Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 704-747-0235 or 803-831-0506 or email John. We look forward to helping you obtain the outdoor lighting design of your dreams!

Light Up the Night With These Outdoor Landscape Lighting Ideas

There is something special about owning a beautiful yard. Its charm welcomes you home. Its serenity tucks you in at night, and with the right outdoor landscape lighting - its style can set you apart.

Finding the right outdoor lighting technique for your outdoor space is more complicated than it may seem. It is more than just mounting a light over your porch or hanging a few lanterns. It takes creativity and craftsmanship. When outdoor landscape lighting is done correctly, it can unlock a world of potential and enchantment.

"When it comes to outdoor landscape lighting, there are tons of possibilities," says John Minor, owner of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. "The key is to combine your personal tastes and try to extend it a little. Push yourself to think outside of the box. Before you know it, you will have an original design that will be the talk of the neighborhood."

Outdoor Landscape Lighting Ideas

Each yard has its own potential and its own charming attributes that need to be highlighted. Here are some ideas that you can use to find an outdoor landscaping design that is perfect for your yard. 

• Creating Shadows - With the right placement of your lighting, you can create shadows that are just as interesting as the lighting. One way you can do this is by placing your lights close to the foundation of your house or a feature you wish to highlight. The light will catch the edges and create an intricate shadow pattern. 
• Creating a Silhouette - With a mix of down and up lights, you can create a warm bath of light on your house that will show off its detail and beauty. Try adding light to the chimneys, dormers and surrounding trees to broaden your houses sense of space. 
• Creating Dramatic Doors - Instead of hanging a spotlight over your front door, try placing the lights behind pillars or off to the side. This will generate a sense of drama for the front door, especially if you have a narrow porch. If you have a wooden door that is dark, an amber lens in the light will make the door look even richer. 
• Cool Lighting - As far as outdoor lighting goes, moonlight is by far one of the most welcoming. To simulate moonlight, try using a softer, bluer lighting source. This can be accomplished by using a lighting source with a color temperature of 5500 kelvins. Doing this will create a soft, relaxing touch. 
• Adding Color and Texture - Path lights are visual aids in dark spaces, but they can also be used to add color and texture near interesting landscaping features. 
• Mix Styles- Take a walk on the wild side and try mixing up the styles of your lighting sources. Using different styles of path lights can change things up and provide an interesting flow to your yard. 
• Creating Dark Parameters - Less is usually more when it comes to outdoor landscape lighting. Try offset lights and make sure there is enough distance between them so you can lead the eye naturally through your landscape. After all, you are trying to add tranquial nuances in your yard, not land a plane.

"We take a different approach to outdoor landscape lighting than most companies," says Minor. "Our outdoor lighting designs focuses on what kind of lighting best matches the landscaping and beauty of your home, not just how you will use your home when the sun goes down. We feel that your outdoor landscape lighting should be more than a source of light; it should be a source of beauty and add style to your house." 

To get more outdoor landscape lighting ideas for your home, or to schedule an appointment, call John Minor at Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. We love helping our customers unlock the potential of their home's yard and giving them an outdoor lighting style all of their own!

Benefits of Professional Outdoor Lighting Installation

Ensuring the exterior of your house is just as beautiful as the interior is something all homeowners strive to do. Some invest in landscaping projects, while others concentrate on adding architectural details to the home's facade. However, they all share one thing in common - they want a beautiful home that is welcoming.

A project homeowners often overlook is adding professional outdoor lighting. When done correctly, outdoor lighting can make your home stand out and shine like a jewel once the sun goes down. In addition to the cosmetic advantages, this project also increases your property value and gives your home increased security. 

"A strong landscape lighting design is the ultimate combination of form and function," says John Minor, owner of Irrigation & Lighting Specialists. "When you hire a qualified contractor to design and install your lighting, you're doing more than simply adding some pretty lights. You are investing in your property."

Major Benefits of Professional Outdoor Lighting

It may seem like a good idea to handle the install yourself, but outdoor lighting is more than a weekend project - it is an art form. Our staff has the experience to ensure your home gets the beauty and functionality it deserves. Some of the major benefits of professional outdoor lighting include:

• The "Wow" Factor - It is no longer acceptable to just hang a bulb outside your window. Today's outdoor lighting perspectives create a strong visual presence. Adding a dramatic overhead light or illuminated water features add that "wow" factor to your property and highlight attractive landscaping that already exists. 
• Security - It is common knowledge that a well lit house can keep your home safe from burglars. It can also help you and your family safely move around your property at night. Illuminated walkways and walls can help you avoid trip hazards. They also create a safe and cozy atmosphere for you to entertain in. 
• Uniqueness - Having a custom outdoor lighting plan can showcase your house in beautiful yet subtle ways. A professionally designed lighting scheme can use light to accentuate your home's most beautiful elements and make your house stand out.
• Function - Charlotte provides excellent weather for outdoor entertaining, and landscape lighting can allow you to enjoy your outdoor living spaces well after dark. Custom lighting perspectives can also be used to create 'mood lighting' for your guests. 
• Go Green - Knowing when you can use certain lighting types and how to get the most out of its location can help you save on the power bill. When installed right, low-voltage lights and solar lights can illuminate up your house while keeping costs at a minimum. 

"Professionally installed outdoor lighting can do wonders for a home," says Minor. "Hiring a professional gives you access to ideas and materials you may not have known existed, opening up a world of possibilities. Professional installs also look more organic than most DIY kits you purchase from home improvement stores. In the end, you can't go wrong with a professional outdoor lighting design." 

To find out how professional outdoor lighting installations can bring you the ultimate combination of beauty and function, call John Minor with Irrigation & Lighting Specialists at 877-433-5833 or email John. We love helping Charlotte homeowners discover new ways to add beauty and function to their homes!

The Right Outdoor Lighting Perspectives for You

Flowers are blooming, temperatures are beautiful and summer is right around the corner  - it's that time of the year again! As the summer months move forward and the chilly weather moves out, the local hardware stores start getting crowded with customers gathering supplies for their last minute-sping projects.

In addition to building a new deck, planting a garden or adding color to an exterior wall, installing outdoor lighting has become a popular addition to the honey-do list.

There is more to installing outdoor lighting than just mounting a few lights over your garage or deck. It may be a good idea to consider having your lights installed by the professionals at Irrigation & Lighting Specialist before biting off more than you can chew. We can give you the right outdoor lighting perspectives you'll need to add a tasteful flare to the exterior of your house.

"I have seen it several times before, a homeowner tries to install outdoor lighting as a do-it-yourself project and they end up doing more harm than good," says John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. "Installing outdoor lighting is like an art form. A lot has to go into it and doing it the right way is harder than one may think."

Unique Outdoor Lighting Methods

Irrigation & Lighting Specialist has lighting designers that concentrate on creating subtle overtures and nuances for your outdoor space. This approach ensures that outdoor lighting will increase your home's curb appeal, security and beauty instead of turning it into the Las Vegas Strip.

Proper outdoor lighting can add hours to your party or family fun, but a common mistake homeowners make is over-lighting. A little can go a long way when it is installed properly.

Too much light can create unwanted light pollution that can create glares, waste energy, wash out the view from the sky or shine into indoor rooms. We use the following outdoor lighting perspectives to prevent this happening to your home:

• Careful light positioning to predict where the majority of the light will shine. 
• Shielded bulbs that have reflectors to direct the light where you want it. 
• LED lighting to reduce harsh lighting and reduce the amount of energy your lights use. 
• Controlled lighting using timers, dimmers or motion sensors can control when and how your light is used depending on your needs. 

"Having a professional company install your outdoor lighting really makes a difference," says Minor. "We love taking our customers' outdoor spaces to new, beautiful levels. Avoid the crowded hardware stores, sit back and leave outdoor lighting to the professionals." 

To learn more about our outdoor lighting perspectives, call John Minor with Irrigation & Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. We look forward to creating a welcoming atmosphere you and your family can enjoy for years to come! 

Spring is the Perfect Time for Charlotte Outdoor Lighting

Charlotte has been unseasonably cool this spring, but it seems as if the cold fronts are behind us and the sun is here to stay. Projected temperatures for the month of May are in the mid-80's, providing the perfect weather for you and your family to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. The Charlotte outdoor lighting experts at Irrigation & Lighting Specialist can help transform your outdoor space into a family-fun hot spot.

Regardless of whether your home is equipped with a pool, a deck, a lavish lawn or a barbecue pit,  properly installed outdoor lighting can help you get the most out of your outdoor space. With adequate outdoor lighting, you will no longer be forced back indoors after the sun sets. 

"For years, we have been providing superior lighting options to homeowners in our region," says John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. "What really sets us apart is our ability to decide what kind of lighting best accents the beauty of your landscape and your home, not just how you will use the light. We make sure you won't have to sacrifice beauty for functionality. We capture both!"

Decks, Pools and Much More

Spring is the perfect time to open up your pool, bring out the grill and invite some friends over for some festivities, but creating a welcoming and entertaining atmosphere is more than just  putting on some music and putting out a fruit tray. Professionally installed outdoor lighting can add a warm ambiance and bring safety to your guests. Additionally, you won't be forced to bring the party inside or end it too early.

If you are currently using tiki torches or a self-installed flood light to lit your outdoor night-life, you are barley tapping into your entertaining potential. The lighting professionals at Irrigation & Lighting Specialists can add the right amount of lighting to your entertainment area. Deck and step lighting and underwater lighting for your pool are all areas we excel at.

"Home entertainment during the spring months tends to see a great deal of activity around the pool and on the deck," says Minor. "Our lighting options help create safe areas for guests to move freely and avoid tripping. They also add a nice mystique to your parties."

To learn more about our Charlotte outdoor lighting services, call John Minor with Irrigation & Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. We look forward to kicking off your spring and summer months by creating an atmosphere you and your family can enjoy for years to come!

Implementing Outdoor Lighting Principles: A Basic Guide for Charlotte Homeowners

Since outdoor lighting's debut in the landscaping industry, customers have been steadily exploring the possibilities of lighting outdoor spaces. Many designers implement distinct lighting principles to guide the illuminating process. These principles are used to evoke particular moods out of viewers. They are design elements that when applied correctly, turn the vision you have for your home's outdoor scene into an eye-popping sight.

Originally, homeowners implemented outdoor lighting as a security measure. Now, the market has come to the realization that outdoor lighting techniques are multifaceted. They can be used to enhance the usability of outdoor space, the value of landscape and the overall beauty of a home.

"Lighting what was once a dark space outside your home, creates a sort of magical feeling," says John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. "When applied correctly, outdoor lighting principles can provide safety, aesthetic appeal, visual balance, and mood enhancement. All of this with the same system!"

Principles of Outdoor Lighting

Below are a few principles to keep in mind when designing an outdoor lighting system:

1. Depth - Refers to the how far of the viewer's gaze travels as they observe a home. The designer controls the viewer's gaze, and primary focus.


2. Perspective - Your outdoor space is a three dimensional canvas for light. You can create visual interest from different viewpoints.


3. Focal Points - Visual "destinations" or points of focus in the observation experience. Focal points are used to take the viewer through the landscape, step by step.


4. Quality and Direction - Using lights as if they are paint, and "painting" your landscape surrounding your home with various lighting intensities and directions to reach the desired mood and visual impact.
5. Symmetry and balance - Highlighting areas, structures, or parts of the home that have natural beauty.

We have developed our own signature system of applying these design principles. Under our new system we take a different approach, not only  focusing on  how you can use space outside your home after dark, but what kind of lighting delivers the absolute best accents to the landscape and beauty of your home.

For a limited time customers can add our outdoor landscaping and accent lighting at off-season, low prices!

To learn more about our outdoor lighting services or to schedule a free consultation, call John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist at 877-443-5833, or email John. We look forward to helping you get the most out of your home's outdoor environment!

Charlotte Outdoor Lighting: Function Intersects With Aesthetics

Did you know that an outdoor lighting system does more than just make your house the best looking one on the block? Charlotte homeowners are often surprised to learn that an outdoor lighting system is more than simply a cosmetic procedure and that it's also a means to expand the usability of your home.

With outdoor lighting, more can be accomplished even after it's dark outside.  Pressure to get jobs done around your home during the daylight is eased after the installation of an outdoor lighting system. Our customers appreciate the intersection of function and aesthetics our lighting systems provide.

"Outdoor lighting provides the perfect intersection of function and aesthetics," says John Minor of Irrigation & Lighting Specialist. "It's a beautiful way of manipulating light to enhance a home's appearance, while also increasing it's usability." 

Additional Benefits of Charlotte Outdoor Lighting

Here's a few additional benefits our outdoor lighting systems can provide:

1.     Increase security - one of the leading benefits of outdoor lighting is that illuminating more of your home makes it much less prone to break-ins or intruders.

2.    Increase usability of outdoor spaces - lighting systems converts spaces on your property that kept you away with darkness.

3.    Assist guests in identifying your home - a signature outdoor lighting system makes your home an iconic representation of you for your guests to easily recognize when searching for your home.

4.    Simple home improvement - our outdoor lighting systems are a simple way to make a huge difference in your home's aesthetic appeal.

5.    Bring landscaping to life at night - a great time to showcase landscaping is at night, when light can be used to focus on specific displays.

"Outdoor lighting is a great place to start when thinking about enhancing your home's appearance," says Minor. "For a limited time customers can add outdoor landscaping and accent lighting at off-season, low prices!" 

Beat the spring rush by calling today and scheduling a free outdoor lighting system consulation, call John Minor of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 877-433-5833 or email John. We look forward to helping you shed some light on how to get even more out of your home!