How Outdoor Lighting Can Impress Your Guests This Holiday Season

If you’re hosting friends or family for the holidays this year, you’ve probably already started preparing the inside of your home by setting up the tree, wrapping the staircase in garland, and accessorizing the mantle. But don’t forget about the first thing your visitors will see – the outside of your home. The right outdoor lighting can not only add to the magic of the holidays, making your house truly sparkle with warmth and joy, but it can also transform your home throughout the whole year.

Where to Add Lights

Although you might already have some outdoor lighting on your home, an updated lighting system that is designed and installed by professionals can significantly increase the value, safety, and curb appeal of your home. Areas to think about when designing your outdoor lighting plan include:

• Driveway, walkways, and steps – These areas are especially important to light well to make sure your visitors can safely navigate your property.
• Windows – Appropriate lighting here can both highlight the beauty of your home’s architecture as well as increase security.
• Front door – A well-lit front door can draw the eye and welcome guests to your home.
• Landscaping – Adding uplights can focus attention on beautiful trees and shrubs, accentuating textures and creating an almost magical feel with dramatic shadows.
• Outdoor seating areas – Downlights on outdoor seating areas mean you can enjoy the outside of your home well into the evening all throughout the year.

Simple and Classic Outdoor Lighting

Once you’ve decided where you want lights, you should think about your personal style. If a more elegant display appeals to you, simple is best. White lights, both uplights and downlights can be used to create a classic and timeless look. You can easily emphasize different parts of your home, such as architectural lines, water features, or a pool or patio area.

When using white lights, you can choose either warm or cool white lights, depending on the location and purpose. Warm lights have a slightly golden glow that makes a cozy, welcoming atmosphere for your visitors. Cool white lights are brighter and lend themselves well to a cheerful and brisk environment and also provide enhanced security.

Contemporary and Fun Outdoor Lighting

If you prefer a more colorful and fun lighting display, you might consider Haven Lighting. This cloud-based lighting system uses energy-efficient LED technology, which will also save you money on your energy bills during the holidays and all year long. Choose from 20 different colors or 8 shades of white to match whatever holiday theme and outdoor decorations you choose all year long – from New Years to graduations, birthdays, Halloween, or Christmas –  bringing life and personality to your display. Haven Lighting is highly customizable, and the app system lets you choose colors, set timers, and switch between lighting set-ups all from your smartphone.

Get Started Today

Why just add a temporary light display for the holidays when you can dramatically improve your home permanently? At Houston Lightscapes, we have over 30 years of experience working with our customers to bring their visions to life. Whether you prefer traditional lights or want to learn more about Haven Lighting, we are proud to offer a free consultation. Call us today at (713) 461-3600 to schedule a time to walk your property with you, discussing your ideas and options. We will provide you with a customized plan and also outline our maintenance program that helps ensure the safety and efficiency of your outdoor lighting for years to come.