RESIDE SUMMER 2022
EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED SEEING THE LIGHT JUST RIGHT TAKES SOME BRIGHT IDEATION
utdoor lighting is a little like magic. It can create drama, cast a warm O glow, shed a spotlight on landscaping,
or highlight an area of interest. “People overlook that outdoor lighting can add so much personality to a property while enhancing curb appeal, increasing safety, and providing those small, intentional touches that make a house a home,” says Kaitlin Dennis, category manager for lighting at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Virginia. “Adding illumination to the exterior of a structure dramatically defines architectural volume, shape, and textural interest,” says Robert Sonneman, chief creative o cer and founder of Sonneman—A Way of Light, in Larchmont, N.Y. “When we set out to study an approach to exterior lighting, we consider the architectural context of the object as well as its functional performance,” he says. Lighting elevates a home’s curb appeal, draws attention to outdoor spaces, such as a garden or reflecting pool, and adds warmth to all that it shines on.
UNDERSTANDING LIGHTING TYPES
“ hen thinking about di erent types of lighting, you should always consider the elements you are highlighting and the goal,” says Roger Higgins, principal designer of R. Higgins Interiors in Nashville. Are you looking for drama or subtlety? Are you trying to draw attention to a certain architectural or landscaping detail, or light a path through the woods? “The task is question number one. You should also always consider where you are and be conscious of the surrounding environment,” he says. Uplighting typically uses spotlights that are angled upward to highlight specific structures. For this type of lighting, carefully select a focal point such as a tree or interesting shapes or textures, within the landscaping, to illuminate. Uplighting can also be used to accentuate the architectural elements of your 26
