With the introduction of the LED Lighting Landscape and specialty Outdoor Lighting options, even more doors have been opened for crafting unique Lighting setups based on the spec ific needs of the contractor. Outdoor Lighting design used to be an expensive endeavor done professionally only when commissioned by commercial clients or those willing to pay a pretty penny. Anyone just looking to liven up their own homes had to figure it out for themselves and experiment with setups until they found one that suited their needs and budget. Thanks to innovations in LED Lighting Landscape, homemade designs are starting to look more and more like commissioned specialty Outdoor Lighting configurations. LED bulbs are versatile, sturdy, and long-lasting, making them the perfect medium with which to experiment if you're new to the field. Outdoor Lighting design blogs exist for the sole purpose of helping greenhorns learn more about the craft through exchange of ideas and tips for how to improve past projects. Learning from each other's mistakes is only possible in community, and an online presence of those interested in the LED Lighting Landscape conveniently makes that possible. Expert designers and even commercial companies occasionally jump in as well to give advice free of charge, so be on the lookout! Some basic scouting can yield extensive information on the following topics. The first thing to consider when beginning your design is the purpose. What do you want the light to show, and to whom? More often than not, specialty Outdoor Lighting will serve multiple needs at once, including aesthetic enhancement of your home's exterior, specific showcasing of features such as gardens or fountains, and increased security through illumination of surrounding areas. You don't have to choose just one function when drafting a design, but it is important to make sure that you take them all into consideration from the get go. Another important topic is how weatherproof you need your Lighting to be. If it is going to be fully exposed to the elements, then a hardier variety of bulb is what you're looking for. Depending on the climate, you best choice for glass will vary, so make sure to ask at your local hardware store what they recommend. Additionally, it is always a good idea to check with neighborhood associations about policies regarding Lighting design. Most residential communities welcome decorative light for both its beautification and safety benefits, but it never hurts to run your ideas by the neighbors first to avoid having to undo any of your hard work. The most important part is that you're satisfied with the finished product, so take your time along the way and never be afraid to ask questions as you go!