The Recession changed a lot of things in our daily lives. We learned words like “staycation”, “recessionista”, and “funemployment”. We’re more likely to invite friends over for dinner then just meeting up at the newest hot spot. This means that we’re getting more creative with out living spaces. Outdoor lighting can be a great way to increase your usable square footage.
One of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday evening is out on the deck, sharing a drink with my boyfriend and catching up before another crazy week starts. When the last rays of the sun fade we turn on our recessed rope lights on the canopy and extend the outside evening time. There is something so peaceful and relaxing about watching a summer evening turn to night.
The deck isn’t the only area where we want to use outdoor lighting. We would like to add solar outdoor lighting lining our walkway in the front of the house this summer. I am perhaps the world’s most clumsy person so part of that is just practicality. However, there is something just so welcoming about coming home to a house that has lights already glowing. The beauty of the lights being solar powered is that there was no need to run electricity…just measure out spacing and pop them in the ground.
The options for outdoor lighting are endless, everything from modern to traditional. The possibilities for finishes are endless. Also, with everyone trying to be more “green”
and environmentally friendly there are numerous eco options from LED lights, to solar powered and energy saving models.
Two well known names in the lighting world are Kichler outdoor lighting and Hinkley outdoor lighting. Both companies have fantastic websites and extensive products listed on them. I might not want to admit how much time I’ve spent flipping through their online stores. Both have fantastic galleries to start the creative juices flowing.
Whether you choose to peruse online or take a trip to your local hardware store the bottom line is the same. Outdoor lighting can make your home have better curb appeal, expand your usable space, and bring that warm welcoming glow available for whenever we get home. So head out to your deck, your front poor or that scrap of dirt you keep meaning to do something with and start imagining.
