We ask Mara Rypacek Miller, Managing Director at Industville Ltd for her advice on how to create the perfect outdoor living space.
Whether it’s a small garden or a sprawling landscape, the right lighting can enhance the ambiance, highlight key features, and provide safety and security, allowing homeowners to create an outdoor oasis that can be relished in every season.
When it comes to outdoor lighting, metallic light fixtures are an excellent choice due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. Metal finishes like pewter, brass and copper work beautifully against brickwork, wooden fencing, concrete and other natural elements. The timeless appeal of metal fixtures also lends itself particularly well to coordination with other garden furniture and accessories. Along with adding interest with texture and shine, sleek metals can also bring a sense of luxury to an outside space.
To create an atmosphere that looks great in the evening as well as throughout the year, consider incorporating a combination of lighting techniques. Layering is a popular technique that involves using different types of lighting to create depth and visual interest. Start with ambient lighting, which provides a soft and warm glow that sets the mood. This can be achieved with string lights suspended above seating areas, lanterns placed strategically throughout the garden, or even wall sconces near outdoor living spaces. Additionally, solar-powered lights can be a sustainable and cost-effective solution, especially for areas without easy access to electrical outlets.
Task lighting is another essential aspect of outdoor lighting. It ensures that specific areas are well-illuminated for various activities. For example, installing pendant lights or wall-mounted fixtures can provide focused lighting for cooking areas, outdoor bars, or reading nooks. These fixtures can be positioned to highlight specific features or objects, adding both functionality and visual interest.
To create an enchanting atmosphere that can be appreciated in every season, consider accent lighting. Uplights for example, can be strategically placed to illuminate trees, pergolas, architectural elements, or sculptures, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the beauty of the garden, whereas downlighting help to brighten pathways and seating areas. By placing these fixtures strategically, the landscape can be transformed into a mesmerising display of light and shadows, regardless of the time of year and what the weather brings!
It’s important to consider the practical aspects of outdoor lighting as well. Look for fixtures from trusted suppliers with high IP ratings, indicating their ability to withstand dust and water ingress. LED bulbs are recommended for their energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility in terms of colour and brightness.