Fall is almost here, which can only mean one thing - and no, we are not referring to the dreaded switch from flip flops to socks & boots - it means it is time to use outdoor lighting to turn those dark and chilly patios, gardens, and decks into cozy and inviting nightscapes.
If you are not yet convinced about installing outdoor lighting this fall, here are some compelling reasons that will make you reconsider: Why Should You Install Low Voltage Lights During the Off-Season?
Now that you believe in the power of low voltage LED lights, be ready to get inspired by our top 5 outdoor lighting design trends for the fall season this 2024:
1. Modular. Minimalist. Clean.
Partially-covered and integrated lights play a huge part into achieving that clean, minimalist, and sleek style homeowners can't seem to get enough of.
Undercap lights - also known as ledge lights - like BOLD's Edge series are perfect to subtly accent your clients' hardscape steps, decks, pillars, retention walls, fire features, outdoor kitchens, and more.
Recessed fixtures for border lighting, patios, deck risers, trees, and even walls are also a great choice to brighten up a space without interfering with its existing flow and layout. Here are some great examples on how you can use recessed lighting to create modern effects:
- For Patios, Deck Risers, and Borders: we recommend using the Ruby, Cube, Prism, or Silo recessed lights. Available in 22 mm (7/8") and 60 mm (2 3/8").
- For Large and Tall Elements: to uplight larger elements that require more power - such as walls, trees, posts, and house fronts - we recommend BOLD's Starke, Ray, and Onyx recessed lights.
2. Good Things Come in Odd Numbers
Strategically placed fixtures in odd numbers along a path, garden, patio, fence, or wall creates the optical illusion of balance and satisfying fullness. You do not have to install an excessive number of lights to achieve a well-lit outdoor space.
This principle can apply to all outdoor lighting categories, but we would like to focus on wall, path, and recessed lights:
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For Paths: staggering your path lights along a walkway or garden in a loose pattern is a great way to accomplish that balanced lighting effect. If classic designs are your cup of tea, we recommend dynamic path lights like the Silo, Cube and Prism to accent both traditional and modern spaces. If bold and futuristic is the goal, then the Dax, Blaze, and Silva series is the way to go.
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For Walls and Fences: for classic wall lighting designs, you can install the Dome and Hero fixtures, which come available in 2 sizes and black or white finish. For more unique and modern wall lighting effects, go for the Backlit 4 series (available in 3 shapes to choose from) or the Dax Up Down in black or white finish.
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For Patios, Pavers and Deck Risers: avoid the 'runway' look by installing recessed lights in strategic spots throughout a space. Playing with the ring shapes, finishes, diameter, and lighting effects of BOLD's recessed lights will help you create customized lighting designs for your clients. We recommend checking out the 60 mm (2 3/8") and 22 mm (7/8") versions of the Ruby and Diamond series in all their ring shapes and finishes.
3. Dramatic Nightscapes
As the leaves turn brown and fall, your trees and gardens also lose their vivid colors and volume. This can make landscapes seem empty and monochrome during the fall season - especially at night. The best part of outdoor lighting is that it adapts to accent the colors and textures of your outdoor spaces as they morph and change through the seasons.
That Strata spotlights and the Starke recessed well light are the ultimate weapon to uplight from the biggest of trees, to the smallest of gardens.
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For Tall and Wide Trees: place 2-3 Strata L spotlights strategically around a tree to achieve dramatic lighting effects on the branches. The Starke recessed spotlight is also a powerful alternative to light up big and wide trees located in high-traffic areas where you might need to cut the grass often or avoid tripping hazards. Install it in groups of 2-3 around big trees to illuminate from every angle.
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For Tall and Narrow Trees: place 1-3 Strata L Slim spotlights under the tree and adjust the light source to ensure it is lit from every angle.
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For Small Trees, Gardens, Grasses, and Bushes: Use the Strata M and Strata S spotlights and adjust the light source to uplight small and medium-sized elements.
4. Good Ol’ Curb Appeal
If our years of industry experience have taught us one thing, is that homeowners cannot stay away from a well-lit house front/facade. There is nothing more beautiful than arriving home after a long day of work and seeing your house lit up from the distance like a rising sun - especially during the colder months of the year.
There are many lighting styles and fixtures you can choose from depending on the layout and elements of a house front:
- For Walls, Columns, and Pillars: install two or more Dax Up Down wall lights – available in white or black finishes - to achieve modern wall lighting effects. You can also use the Onyx recessed light to light up a wall or fence on an angle from the ground-up. For pillars or columns, we recommend using a more powerful and focused recessed light like the Ray.
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For Hardscape Steps: the Edge 7 and Edge 21 undercap fixtures are a modern and subtle addition to brighten up front steps with style. The Edge 7 and Edge 21 linear lights come included with an installation bracket to facilitate the installation process.
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For Driveways and Walkways: frame the space with path lights like the Dax or Cube path light series or add drive-rated recessed lights like the Diamond series to achieve stunning lighting designs.
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For Front Yards: you can quickly install Strata S spotlights, Silo path lights, or recessed lights like the Diamond or Ruby with the Fang accessory into grass or mulch to uplight gardens, grasses, small trees, and bushes.
5. Magical Fire Features
The fall season is associated with cozy fires by default, so why not take your average fire-gazing and marshmallow-roasting experience to the next level? Illuminating the key warm areas where homeowners will spend most of their time when they go outdoors during fall is a must.
Use undercap fixtures like the Edge 7 and Edge 21 around fire features to create an even warmer and inviting atmosphere. For surrounding areas like patios, paths, or gardens, you can install path lights like the Dax or Silo series along with Strata spotlights to add depth, layers, and warmth to your landscapes.
For patios we recommend installing recessed lights like the Ruby, Silo, Cube, and Prism in different sizes and finishes for pavers or poured concrete applications.
We hope these 5 rends for the fall season have inspired you to step up your outdoor lighting game. If you have any questions about BOLD or our products, don’t hesitate to contact via email to support@boldpros.com or give us a call at 1-833-472-9960.
