Today’s landscape lighting can completely transform the way you use your outdoor space. Whether you want to make a bold design statement or keep your light fixtures in a supporting role providing safety and ambience, you can choose from an incredible number of styles and techniques. Here’s how to incorporate outdoor lighting into seven patio designs in Oyster Bay, NY.
A Sculptural Element for Your Modern Patio
Outdoor lighting fixtures can be sculptural elements and focal points. Stark simplicity is one of the hallmarks of modern design. Outdoor lighting is no exception. You could choose lighting fixtures that emulate the shapes of nature to better integrate a modern patio into its surroundings.
A Pergola-Covered Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Space
Outdoor pendant lighting directs light to illuminate your cooking and prep space while making a design statement. Then, perhaps nothing makes an alfresco dining setting more memorable and glamorous than an outdoor chandelier suspended from the rafters of a pergola. Whether you love the look of wrought iron in a rustic setting, the crystal in a boho patio, or a machine-age aluminum chandelier for an industrial vibe, this type of light fixture is sure to become an eye-catching focal point.
Hidden Lighting Within Masonry Features: Elegance for Any Patio
Outdoor lighting often involves a series of low-lying fixtures that may be prominently displayed on the outer perimeter of a patio or disguised in landscaping. Light fixtures can also be installed in masonry features like a retaining wall. It may be possible to retrofit outdoor lighting into a retaining wall if the lip of the capstone allows for it. The effect can be absolutely stunning. If you’re thinking of adding a masonry structure to your patio (retaining wall, pillars, a water feature, or a fire feature), consider including outdoor lighting in the structure itself, for an unobtrusive and dramatic effect.
Define your patio perimeter at night by adding wall sconces to a privacy wall. Use soft lighting to prevent the space from taking away the magic of the night.
Adding Romantic Moonlight to an Intimate Patio
Moonlighting is a wonderful technique that can introduce romance to a patio. Mimic the effect of a full moon by installing a bluish-white fixture high in a tree canopy. As the light filters down through the trees, you’ll be treated to gorgeous dancing shadows (turn off the rest of the landscape lights for a truly wondrous effect).
Symmetry in a Rustic Patio
A slightly formal touch can transform a rustic patio into “rustic-chic.” Go for repetition: a set of outdoor pendants, path lights, or wall sconces create subtle symmetry that helps tame the wild feel.
Layers to Liven Up a Flat Patio
Of course, all patios are flat, but vertical elements can break up the expanse. Layering light creates a variety of shadows and highlights. Use spotlights and wash light techniques to bring attention to vertical architectural elements, to create a highly dimensional space.
Adding Fun to a Formal Patio
Outdoor lighting comes in a staggering array of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Anything from cubes to orbs, lanterns to floor lamps, you can add a touch of whimsy to any formal space simply for the sake of putting a smile on someone’s face.
Related: MERGING OLD AND NEW WITH THESE 5 OUTDOOR LIGHTING TRENDS IN BABYLON AND HUNTINGTON NY AREAS
