Photo courtesy Kichler Lighting
Outdoor lighting has come a long way from the standard flood light on the corner of the house. Lighting can be used to highlight a landscape or unique architectural elements, and it can illuminate patios and other entertainment spaces. Of course, lighting plays a key role in home security. New innovations in design and energy efficiency have created more options than ever before for those designing an exterior lighting plan.
Product Innovations
According to Jerry Hopp, certified lighting consultant at Annapolis Lighting, “the most pervasive trend throughout the lighting industry is the LED,” or light emitting diode. “It is the most energy efficient lighting known to man,” he continues. “It started with usage indoors and the technology has grown and expanded to the outdoors.”
Although technological breakthroughs are being made every day, the light output of LED bulbs is currently still quite small, making it appropriate for outdoor accent or decorative lighting. For high wattage output needs, such as lighting a flagpole, a standard incandescent is still the best bet. Consider setting LED lights into driveway pavers or walkways to create an unobtrusive pathway markers. As manufacturers continue to refine LED technology, look for higher outputs and broader applications in the future.
Another technology that is on the cusp of a breakthrough is solar. “Solar powered lighting, due to its limited light output, is not used very often in outdoor lighting designs,” says Tom DeMuth, president of Vernon Daniel Associates Landscape Illumination, which specializes in the design and installation of custom illumination systems. “However, solar powered LED lighting is currently being used in street lighting applications and holds future promise as a solution to providing lighting to remote areas.”
Cutting Edge Design
“With the emphasis on people expanding their living space outdoors, especially with coastal homes, the industry has responded with exterior chandeliers that can handle exposure to weather,” says Hopp. This new breed of chandelier features covered sockets and bulbs (though they aren’t apparent to the casual observer) and weather-resistant finishes. Some of Hopp’s favorite new designs include the Oak Trail chandelier (by Kichler) that features candle-style lights in a bronze finished chandelier, and the indoor-outdoor ceiling fan and light from Savoy House, which includes a lantern-style light that can coordinate with other exterior illumination finishes.
The Kichler Intaglio Brass Crook Neck path light features a brass shade that has been engraved and etched with an organic pattern.
From a design perspective, in addition to highlighting their landscapes, DeMuth says clients are very interested in illuminating architectural items such as the facades of their homes, pool houses, and sculpture pieces. “Over the past several years, there has been a subtle shift in the color of light that clients prefer,” he says. “Clients are tending to select warmer tones or lightly filtered lighting versus cooler blue or white tones.”
Although security is top of mind for many homeowners, security lighting does not need to be harsh. “The illumination system designed for a property should actually enhance the evening beauty of a property while also providing security and safety benefits,” says DeMuth, adding that he likes to use an automated system so exterior lights go on and off in the evening at specific times.
The Automation Option
Yesterday’s answer to home security lighting was a floodlight set on a motion sensor. Though that option still works, fully integrated automated lighting systems that work through a programmable processor offer more options and greater energy efficiency. According to Tom Duncan, vice president of Chesapeake Smart Homes, exterior lighting (like everything else in the home) can be programmed to fit your lifestyle. For example, a home- owner who leaves for work each morning at 5 a.m. can set the exterior lights to go on at 4:45 a.m. and to shut off at 5:15 a.m. Rather then come home to a dark house—or leave exterior lights burning all day—an automated system can be turned on by the homeowner just by pushing the garage door opener. That button can be programmed to turn on lights on the home’s exterior, in the garage and even inside the house. If there is a bump in the night, one push of a button at the bedside can switch on lights outside, eliminating the need to investigate suspicious noises.
“You can have as little or as much lighting control as you want,” explains Duncan. “The number one reason to have an automated system is certainly safety…you have centralized control anywhere you want it.” For older homes, an automated system can be installed using wireless technology.
Christianna McCausland is a Contributing Editor for ChesapeakeHome.
Contacts:
Annapolis Lighting: annapolislighting.com or 410-224-2565
Chesapeake Smart Homes: chesapeakesmarthomes.com or 410-604-3600
Hadco Lighting: hadco.com or 800-331-4185
Kichler Lighting: kichler.com or 866-558-5706
Vernon Daniel Associates Landscape Illumination: vernondaniel.com or 800-477-3210
