tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33844760129512627292024-03-12T17:57:45.955-07:00Landscape Lightinglandscape lighting,landscape lighting design,landscape lights,landscape lighting fixtures,outdoor landscape lighting,led landscape lighting,solar landscape lighting,landscape lighting solar,low voltage landscape lighting kitsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-59124493421143644642013-05-17T06:38:00.001-07:002013-05-17T06:38:35.874-07:00Using Bollard Lights for Landscape Lighting<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9piS_M4hcjg/UZYywuqKHsI/AAAAAAAABZQ/WPwN8ndpfDo/s1600/Using+Bollard+Lights+for+Landscape+Lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9piS_M4hcjg/UZYywuqKHsI/AAAAAAAABZQ/WPwN8ndpfDo/s1600/Using+Bollard+Lights+for+Landscape+Lighting.jpg" /></a><b>Bollard</b> <b>Lights</b> are a very specific type of outdoor light, sometimes referred to as post <br />
<b>Lights</b> because of their design. The word <b>Bollard</b> stems from the nautical term used to describe the specific type of post that ships would tie to when they were docked.<br />
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The earlier fixtures, keeping with this sailing theme, had a nautical
look to them with a cylindrical post and rounded top. This style is
still readily available but as the demand for outdoor <b>Lighting</b> increases and the styles evolve to meet the needs so have the available styles of <b>Bollard</b> <b>Lights.</b> You can now find a variety of styles and sizes of these type of <b>Lights.</b><br />
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Residential Uses<br />
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While <b>Bollard</b> <b>Lighting</b> is most commonly used for outdoor commercial <b>Lighting</b> or in public areas these <b>Lights</b> can also be used quite effectively in residential areas as well. Residential <b>Bollard</b> <b>Lighting</b> can be used to create an attractive <b>Lighting</b>
design that will help create a cozy outdoor environment. It can also be
used for added security or to increase visibility at night.<br />
<br />
The residential areas are where most people want to take advantage of
the newer decorative styles available like the zen, mission or column
style <b>Bollard</b> <b>Lights.</b> Some of these styles can really add
distinction to your yard while adding better visibility. They can also
be incorporated into a <b>Landscape</b> design that will enhance both the look of the light itself and the landscaping.<br />
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They can be used at the beginning of a driveway, by the entrance to the
home, to light outdoor stairs or around the deck or patio. How to use
them best will depend on the size and shape of the yard. Mini or compact
<b>Bollards</b> can also be a great addition to a garden or <b>Landscaped</b> area of the yard.<br />
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Business Uses<br />
<br />
<b>Bollard</b> <b>Lights</b> are popular type of outdoor commercial <b>Lighting.</b> They are most commonly used to light pathways; typically a row of evenly spaced <b>Lights</b> are used to illuminate the path. But they can also be used in <b>Landscaped</b> areas of the parking lot to add additional light to the parking lot and to the <b>Landscape</b>
design, or at the entry of a building to add light and create a safer
environment at the entryway. Sometimes they are used to light the
company sign or logo at a business.<br />
<br />
Other Uses<br />
<br />
<b>Bollard</b> <b>Lights</b> also work well at parks, pedestrian malls
or in community owned neighborhood association areas. They can be used
to create a distinct separation between pedestrian areas and areas used
for vehicle traffic. They can be used along paths. They can also simply
be used strategically to add light for increased safety and visibility.<br />
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Because <b>Bollard</b> <b>Lights</b> are durable and weatherproof they are perfect for a variety places where outdoor <b>Lighting</b> is wanted or needed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-11844721729486304452013-01-25T06:00:00.001-08:002013-01-25T06:00:07.796-08:00Ways To Use Landscape Lighting
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC8V7_4k32g/UQKPz54qQ9I/AAAAAAAABDA/WRP5UnXlBBc/s1600/lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC8V7_4k32g/UQKPz54qQ9I/AAAAAAAABDA/WRP5UnXlBBc/s200/lighting.jpg" width="200" /></a>
In essence, for as long as humans have been around, <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> has been a part of society. <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is not only used for aesthetic appeal, but also for safety, and simply for light to be able to see where you are going.
Prior to the introduction of electricity as the main power source for lights, <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> was powered by gas, and before that, there were candles and torches or lanterns covered with animal or plant oils.
If you consider <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> any <b>Lighting</b> that is used outside, it is certain that you would be able to come up with many forms of it. Street lights, lit up signs, and even your porch light.
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What is more interesting though, in the opinion of many <b>Landscapers,</b> is <b>Lighting</b> used to add dimension and appeal to outdoor features. Below are a few ideas of ways to use <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> to make your home more unique and beautiful.
Adding lights along your driveway is like calling out to your guests "you have arrived!" It makes a first impression on visitors that they will not soon forget because of the beautiful entrance it provides to your property.
<b>Lighting</b> a water feature truly brings it to life. Of course a water feature is beautiful on its own, but when you add illumination to the feature, you are adding so much more than just light. You are adding reflection, sparkle, and vibrance. The light also makes the water feature more visible in the night when you invite people over to your home for parties or dinners. You may not have fountains like the Bellagio in Las Vegas, but with the right illumination, your home water feature could add a lot to your overall <b>Landscape.</b>
When you add light to the side of a building or to the side of your home, you draw attention to it in a positive way. A home with <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> that points to the walls outside of the house seems to glow at night. It shows that you are confident in your home and you want people to notice the beautiful details of it throughout the whole day and night. Consequently, <b>Lighting</b> the outside of your home makes it less of an attractive stop for burglars. Burglars cannot creep unnoticed through your yard and up to your home when you have high powered <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> illuminating the whole area.
So whether it is for safety, general <b>Lighting</b> of a street or walkway, or to add beauty and aesthetic appeal to a home, <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is a great investment.
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-50226975543448200912012-12-15T06:30:00.002-08:002012-12-15T06:30:46.798-08:00Using Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ok2dT0ghJuQ/UMyJg-9hfxI/AAAAAAAAA5E/12IlVJzzrJ4/s1600/Secret-of-Southampton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ok2dT0ghJuQ/UMyJg-9hfxI/AAAAAAAAA5E/12IlVJzzrJ4/s200/Secret-of-Southampton.jpg" width="200" /></a>
If you have ever walked through a yard with a professionally installed <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> system, then you know exactly how enchanting it can make even the most ordinary yard feel. With the help of your electrician, you can come up with a plan to create an original, and inviting atmosphere in your yard, with just a few simple <b>Low</b> <b>Voltage</b> lights. Furthermore, appropriate <b>Lighting</b> can actually make your property safer, as it reduces places for people to hide.
Whenever you arrive back at home in the middle of the night, having appropriate <b>Lighting</b> can make you feel much more safe and secure. You can use <b>Lighting</b> to light a path, highlight certain features or just provide light in areas that are prone to shadows. These lights can help make sure that you always get to where you're going safely. By using <b>Low</b> <b>Voltage</b> <b>Lighting,</b> you can avoid being the annoying neighbor who has bright lights pointed in every which direction.
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In addition to these benefits, <b>Low</b> <b>Voltage</b> <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is very appealing due to its affordability. This makes them ideal for a variety of areas around your home, including front <b>Landscape</b> beds, decks and backyard pool areas.
Although there are a variety of options that you can install yourself, there are some definite benefits to working with a professional when it comes to installing your <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting.</b> While store-bought <b>Lighting</b> kits may be appealing due to their <b>Low</b> price and seemingly simple installation, working with a professional is the best option for the long run. Although this typically comes at a higher price, the resulting product is much more polished, long lasting and properly installed. As a rule, your electrician installs high quality <b>Lighting</b> that is built to withstand years of use under a variety of weather conditions. Furthermore, professionally installed outdoor <b>Lighting</b> systems do not rely on unsightly converter boxes and unburied cables. Instead, your electrician will bury any required wiring and place any necessary boxes out of sight.
If you do decide to install your own outdoor <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting,</b> one of the most popular options is solar powered lights. In contrast to older <b>Lighting</b> systems, solar powered garden lights do not need any of the cords and transformers that can clutter up your garden. Instead, solar lights are equipped with very small solar panels that charge a rechargeable battery throughout the day. Whenever it is dark, a photovoltaic sensor turns the lights on, utilizing the power that was collected throughout the day.
Regardless of the route that you take for your new <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> project, you will be amazed by how much of an effect it can have on your garden, outdoor living space or other parts of your home. With the addition of just a few lights, you can effectively turn a dark and uninviting outdoor space into a comfortable, safe and inviting atmosphere.
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-63264228369181909372012-11-24T16:24:00.000-08:002012-11-24T16:26:22.187-08:00Brighten Your Outdoor Landscape With LED Lighting Fixtures<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-CLxHH0GFY/ULFlD7oDPAI/AAAAAAAAAzk/yL4o33QhtKk/s1600/Led+lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-CLxHH0GFY/ULFlD7oDPAI/AAAAAAAAAzk/yL4o33QhtKk/s200/Led+lighting.jpg" width="200" /></a>
With the introduction of the <b>LED</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Landscape</b> and specialty <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> options, even more doors have been opened for crafting unique <b>Lighting</b> setups based on the spec
ific needs of the contractor.
<b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> 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 <b>LED</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Landscape,</b> homemade designs are starting to look more and more like commissioned specialty <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> configurations. <b>LED</b> bulbs are versatile, sturdy, and long-lasting, making them the perfect medium with which to experiment if you're new to the field.
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<b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> 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 <b>LED</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Landscape</b> 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 <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> 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 <b>Lighting</b> 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 <b>Lighting</b> 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!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-63111505946373102442012-10-13T21:34:00.000-07:002012-10-13T21:34:01.445-07:00The Importance of Luminaire Lighting Design
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxlBve6FK5M/UHpAgWiiX4I/AAAAAAAAAlU/E8rBExK1z8g/s1600/lighting+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxlBve6FK5M/UHpAgWiiX4I/AAAAAAAAAlU/E8rBExK1z8g/s320/lighting+design.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Determining an ideal <b>Luminaire</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> can prove to be extremely valuable when choosing a <b>Luminaire</b> for your home, garden, or place of business. <b>Design</b> has a huge part in influencing not only aesthetics, but durability, servicing, convenience of operation, and the lifetime of the <b>Luminaire.</b> When determining the appropriate <b>Luminaire</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design,</b> thoroughly take into consideration the variety of requirements the <b>Luminaire</b> will need to fulfill. Purchasing a <b>Luminaire</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> unsuitable for the application it is being employed for could lead to a lot of needless trouble in addition to potentially squandered income.
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Do you need <b>Luminaire</b> <b>Lighting</b> to provide surrounding illumination for studying and analyzing important documents? If so, you will need to closely examine the direction in which the <b>Luminaire</b> disperses light emanating from the bulb. Is there a sufficient amount of light to illuminate a good sized location or will it merely handle smaller areas? Is the power switch effortless to reach and thus control from a laying down or seated position? Can the particular location of the lamp shade be fine-tuned without needing to shift the entire position of the <b>Luminaire</b> base? These are the types of questions in need of asking when selecting a <b>Luminaire</b> suitable for your personal office needs.
If you're searching for a <b>Luminaire</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> that can be used out of doors, some critical factors in need of consideration include the endurance level of the <b>Luminaire</b> and its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. The <b>Luminaire</b> must be able to safely guard the internal electrical components from hard rainfall, extensive snowfall, and hail. The cord used in hooking up the <b>Luminaire</b> to the electrical power supply must also be ideal for resisting weather without resulting in a dangerous power supply emergency. In order to minimize frequent replacing of the light bulb, the light bulb must be long-lasting, cost-effective and consume power in an energy-efficient manner. The procedure used for installing the <b>Luminaire</b> must also be taken into account. Can it be placed directly into dirt and debris, or does it require specialized fasteners so it can be be affixed to brickwork?
If a <b>Luminaire</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> that can cater to your place of work or an industrial area is desired, you may want to consider a <b>Luminaire</b> that can be recessed in a ceiling or wall and will therefore be placed out harm's way. <b>Luminaires</b> capable of fitting inside wall spaces, ceilings, and cavities formed inside floorboards are readily available. Any time you are making use of recessed <b>Lighting</b> for your place of work, you will ultimately want to take into consideration the level of brightness being directed. Currently, scientific studies have confirmed that assorted levels of light have a remarkable influence on laborer efficiency. However, the quality of <b>Lighting</b> needed for optimal productivity can change extensively for each individual. Be sure to take into account the well being of the employees when buying a <b>Luminaire</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> proper for the workplace.
Why would one want a <b>Luminaire</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> ideal for mounting among floorboards or inside wall structures? <b>Luminaires</b> of this variety are mainly used for cosmetic purposes. They are typically found where illumination is used to create a specific atmosphere or needs to emphasize creative and captivating attributes of the surrounding architecture. Common venues where cosmetic <b>Lighting</b> is used include dance clubs and art galleries.
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-25327653862077271802012-06-19T05:08:00.000-07:002012-06-19T05:08:11.278-07:00The Benefits of Professionally Installed Landscape Lighting<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpCBXrhmBww/T-BrnCi4GKI/AAAAAAAAAjE/s6z2P8VG8AI/s1600/lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpCBXrhmBww/T-BrnCi4GKI/AAAAAAAAAjE/s6z2P8VG8AI/s320/lighting.jpg" width="320" /></a>With properly installed <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting,</b> you can greatly change the look and atmosphere of your outdoor spaces. This is a great way to increase the safety, function and look of your entire yard. Many people choose to start with just one flowerbed, tree or outdoor living area. Regardless of the size of your <b>Lighting</b> project, there are many options and <b>Lighting</b> packages available. While it may be tempting to do it all yourself with a DIY <b>Lighting</b> kit, you should also consider having your <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> professionally installed by a licensed electrician. Professionally installed <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> often looks better and lasts longer than its DIY counterparts.
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Using DIY <b>Lighting</b> Kits
You can find DIY <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> kits at nearly every store in town. They are available in a range of styles, sizes and levels of quality. In general, this route is much cheaper than having your <b>Lighting</b> installed by an electrician. The tradeoffs, however, can be greater than you think. Unless you go with a very high-end <b>Lighting</b> kit, most DIY kits will be nowhere near the quality of the lights that an electrician will use. As a result, your lights will wear quicker, leading to a shorter lifespan and diminished aesthetic value. Furthermore, many DIY kits leave you with unsightly wires, converter boxes and other items that will not exist in a professional installation.
Professionally Installed <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b>
<b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is not typically the first thing that you think of when you think about the services that are provided by the typical electrician. Many electricians, however, specialize in the installation of great-looking, long-lasting <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting.</b> Utilizing the services of an electrician means that you will have the utmost ability to customize exactly how you want your <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> to look and function. This means that you can reach all of the hard-to-reach places, light all of your trees and ensure that your <b>Lighting</b> will not disturb any cars that are passing by. Most electricians use very high quality, metal fixtures that can use higher-output bulbs than their plastic counterparts. This means that your <b>Lighting</b> will function more efficiently than if you had gone with a plastic DIY kit. Furthermore, metal fixtures are sealed from the elements, giving them a much longer lifespan.
In addition to accenting trees and showing off flowerbeds, <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> also has a very functional purpose. If you have outdoor walkways, decks or other living spaces, well-placed <b>Lighting</b> can turn them into great places to be both day and night. Rather than stumbling around in your backyard at night, you can safely walk any paths, and enjoy company on your deck at all hours of the day. Because every home is different, a custom application can be very important to the overall look and function of your finished exterior <b>Lighting</b> project. Consider working with your electrician to make sure that everything works just the way you want it to.
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-40958719325605660642012-04-19T09:36:00.000-07:002012-04-19T09:36:41.722-07:00Finding Landscape Lighting Ideas - 7 Helpful Tips<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8sj6eQlutn0/T5A-zM3DDeI/AAAAAAAAAi4/AN7iP8fZDss/s1600/ligthing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8sj6eQlutn0/T5A-zM3DDeI/AAAAAAAAAi4/AN7iP8fZDss/s320/ligthing.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Thinking up a few good <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Ideas</b> may be a bit challenging for some people. However, it need not be that hard, and it can actually be a pleasant if not fun experience. These 7 easy tips will show you how to use your creative imagination to easily come up with your own great <b>Lighting</b> <b>Ideas</b> for your landscaping.
Think About Any Unique Features That Would Benefit From Lights
During the daylight hours when the sun is shining bright, some <b>Landscape</b> features may look rather unremarkable, if not mundane. But at nighttime, tastefully placed <b>Lighting</b> can bring out a spectacular variety of colors, hues, and effects.
Places that can benefit from <b>Lighting</b> include driveways, walkways, walls, steps, statuary, water fountains, trees, shrubs, patios, decks, and borders.
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Use a Flashlight to Simulate Nighttime <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> Effects
When nighttime falls, get a flashlight, put in some fresh batteries, then take a walk through the <b>Landscape</b> areas such as lawn, garden, and pathways that you would like to light. The reason for bringing the flashlight along is to simulate different <b>Lighting</b> effects.
Point the flashlight at objects you would like to light, and shine a beam of light on it. See how the beam of light creates various <b>Lighting</b> effects, contrasts, and shadows on the wall of your house, on trees, shrubs, and other elements of the <b>Landscape.</b> If your flashlight has variable settings, change the width of the beam between floodlight and spotlight, and make note of positioning and angles that you think look best.
Visualize Effects Mentally
Next, try to visualize in your mind a few different ways you can re-create the flashlight simulated effects with common <b>Lighting</b> methods.
Some of the popular <b>Lighting</b> methods include path <b>Lighting,</b> wall-wash <b>Lighting,</b> shadow <b>Lighting,</b> flood<b>Lighting,</b> spot<b>Lighting,</b> back<b>Lighting,</b> down<b>Lighting,</b> and up<b>Lighting.</b> See your <b>Landscape</b> come to life at night after you install some low voltage light fixtures in a few strategic locations onsite.
Write Your <b>Ideas</b> in a Notebook
When you have some good <b>Lighting</b> <b>Ideas,</b> write them down in a notebook or personal organizer as soon as possible. You shouldn't assume you will remember all of those <b>Ideas</b> you have in your head, because you may forget something important.
Draw a simple map of your <b>Landscape</b> layout, and plot each point where you want to place a light fixture. When you are ready to purchase your light fixtures at the store, take your notes with you so you can refer back to them if necessary. This holds true if you buy online as well.
Use Online Search to Find More <b>Ideas</b>
For even more <b>Ideas,</b> go online to conduct a search. You will find a virtual goldmine of information online about many different topics, including that of <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting.</b> Performing a few quick searches online is a good way to find more <b>Ideas.</b>
Search Online With Specific Keywords
A generic phrase like "<b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting"</b> may return some results that are not completely relevant to your search, such as product sale pages. Do a search with targeted keywords, like "<b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> methods" or "outdoor <b>Lighting</b> <b>Ideas."</b> Home improvement sites, DIY sites, forums, and answer sites such as eHow, Yahoo Answers, and Google Groups are good places to search for more <b>Ideas.</b>
Books and Magazines - Take a Look!
Besides searching online, don't forget about home-and-gardening books and magazines for even more helpful <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> articles and advice. So be sure to check out the books and magazines in the self-help section of your local home improvement store or <b>Landscape</b> nursery.
The things you can do with <b>Lighting</b> are virtually limitless, given the endless number of <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Ideas</b> available today. Let your creative juices flow, use your imagination, and go for it with gusto! By <b>Lighting</b> your <b>Landscape</b> at night, you will increase the beauty of your outdoor areas and improve the level of security and safety.
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-73399461252569536102012-04-08T08:22:00.002-07:002012-04-08T08:22:47.734-07:00Outdoor Lighting Keeps the Fun Going All Night Long<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bz93Z2GrCQ/T4GtLr6RQMI/AAAAAAAAAiI/-JomBTimA4E/s1600/colorful-outdoor-illumination-the-solar-light-balls-by-poketo-sub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bz93Z2GrCQ/T4GtLr6RQMI/AAAAAAAAAiI/-JomBTimA4E/s320/colorful-outdoor-illumination-the-solar-light-balls-by-poketo-sub.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Once an afterthought, today's exterior spaces are becoming an extension of the interior of the home. Not only does a well-conceived <b>Outdoor</b> space increase the comfort of the home, but it can also increase the home's value.
One of the keys to creating a superior <b>Outdoor</b> escape is <b>Lighting.</b> While any deck or patio can serve admirably in the daytime or even twilight, only those with <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> can truly own the night.
If you are thinking about adding <b>Lighting</b> <b>Outdoors,</b> you'll probably want to do some planning. <b>Lighting</b> is not a haphazard activity - you want to make sure that the <b>Lighting</b> is appropriate, covers the spaces you want, and doesn't leave any dark spots, especially near stairs or transitions between different levels of a deck.
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Installing lights not only increases the usefulness of your property, but also the safety of your home. And, with the low wattage <b>Fixtures</b> coming out on the market and the growing number of solar powered lights, installing <b>Lighting</b> is also cost effective.
If you have a deck or patio, you may want to consider recessed lights. These are installed right into the floor and are flush, giving you dramatic <b>Lighting</b> that adds resale value to the home. These can be costly to install, however, largely because you'll need to hire an electrician. But the visual impact and curb appeal is worth it.
Another good option for <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> is to put lights on the post caps around the deck. These can be extremely decorative in the daytime and will cast a lovely light on the deck without it being too bright or obtrusive. Alternately, you can go with lights mounted on the posts themselves, either down at the deck level to provide <b>Lighting</b> along the surface or a little higher up to illuminate the entire deck.
If you have tall posts, you can go with lanterns for <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting.</b> These work really well around the edge of a deck or patio or around the pool or hot tub.
If the wiring of the deck is a roadblock to <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> for your home, consider the growing number of solar lights coming onto the market.
The great thing about solar <b>Lighting</b> is that you don't need to dig trenches or hire an electrician. Each light has its on photovoltaic cells that take in the sunlight during the day and stores it as energy in a battery.
These are easy to install your elf and usually they can be set to turn on automatically as the sun sets, so you don't even have to remember to turn them on at night.
While these were originally created for landscaping, they are increasingly finding their way onto decks and patios, particularly smaller ones where the lower wattage of these lights is sufficient.
Solar light technology is in a state of flux right now, with newer, more efficient and even brighter lights coming to market weekly.
<b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> is something of an art. You want to create different levels of <b>Lighting,</b> not only to create focal points, but also to enhance the natural beauty of your home and deemphasize those areas that are more utilitarian.
For instance, you can choose to use solar lights along walkways to add a soft light for safety and to draw visitors to the front door of the home or to a pool, spa or garden area behind the home. Floodlights are great for security, especially when connected to motion detectors. You can put dimmers on deck lights, allowing you to adjust the mood, going from soft <b>Lighting</b> for a romantic evening to brighter levels for a party.
If you don't know where to start, you may want to call in a <b>Lighting</b> specialist or landscaper to help you plan your <b>Lighting</b> strategies so that you won't be disappointed or left in the dark because you didn't consider all your options.
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-62847751379089502992012-02-21T06:34:00.000-08:002012-02-21T06:34:49.961-08:00Everything You Need To Know About Outdoor Lighting Fixtures<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1H_k_EZdlN0/T0OrWaLgkxI/AAAAAAAAAho/f--OfSTm6gs/s1600/lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1H_k_EZdlN0/T0OrWaLgkxI/AAAAAAAAAho/f--OfSTm6gs/s1600/lighting.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Lighting</b> the surrounding areas of your home is as important as it is to light the inside. <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Fixtures</b> serve to illuminate the outside areas of the houses. Most people fix the lights for security reasons while others install them to beautify the home during the night.<br />
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Before purchasing and fitting the <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Fixtures,</b> there are various factors that you need to look at. Some of these factors are directly related to safety and as such cannot be brushed aside. Determine the power source for the lights. This can be gas, battery, or electricity. Also, calculate how much the additional <b>Lighting</b> will cost you to determine if you will be able to foot the bill. As a tip, florescent and energy saving bulbs consume less power than tungsten bulbs and would provide a way to reduce your power bill.<br />
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<span class="fullpost"> Secondly, you would have to consider the application. Different <b>Outdoor</b> lights are designed for specific areas: pool <b>Lighting,</b> perimeter <b>Lighting.</b> Below are some of the popular examples of <b>Outdoor</b> lights:<br />
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<b>Outdoor</b> landscape <b>Lighting:</b> The most common example of these is the directional <b>Lighting</b> used to draw attention to the beauty of the homes landscape. They are intended to catch and appeal to the eye, thus drawing attention to their surrounding area, more so if there is a feature you want people to take note of. Since these lights are designed to play a specific role, how and where they are placed counts for a lot. For this reason, setting them up would require the landscaper to have a good <b>Lighting</b> system plan in place.<br />
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<b>Outdoor</b> Decorative lamps: These are usually mounted just outside the house front door. They come in eye catching designs which usually blend with the façade. These are mostly fitted for security purposes. As their name suggests, they are more of decorative pieces than security <b>Fixtures.</b><br />
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<b>Outdoor</b> wall lights: <b>Outdoor</b> wall scones are examples of these lights offering brilliance and beautiful looks as well as offering security. They are basically fitted on the wall and you have an option of installing exterior flush lights to boost beauty. But other than adding to the beauty of the architectural design, <b>Outdoor</b> lights are also used as signs, and map out paths and walkways at night.<br />
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Taking into account that these lights are the instruments you look up to for personal security and beauty, it is crucial to ensure that they are always in good working condition. You should always ensure that:<br />
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They are well fitted; poorly fitted lights bulbs could fall off and hurt people. It is advisable to seek professional assistance to fit the bulbs if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.<br />
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Switch them off whenever they are not needed; this helps to save power and reduce the power bill. It is also prudent to use the right type of bulbs for <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> because <b>Outdoor</b> lights are specially designed to resist elements like rain and snow.<br />
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The idea of <b>Lighting</b> the outside of your house is a concept that can be materialized by getting the right <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Fixtures,</b> fitting them well and the result exhibits itself through beauty and security you enjoy with a clear surrounding and a clear mind.<br />
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To be told about essential tutorials about <b>Outdoor</b> <b>Lighting</b> [http://<b>OutdoorLightingonline.org/]</b> and even on Solar Lights <b>Outdoor</b> [http://<b>OutdoorLightingonline.org/benefits-of-solar-lights-outdoor-general-usages/],</b> see this incredibly informative site. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-8908376134713179832012-02-20T09:00:00.000-08:002012-02-20T09:00:14.901-08:00Create Modern Garden Lighting Designs<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NI-zAIpSyTY/T0J22hmka9I/AAAAAAAAAhI/JHP0mY4JBHU/s1600/lighting-outdoor-pots-planters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NI-zAIpSyTY/T0J22hmka9I/AAAAAAAAAhI/JHP0mY4JBHU/s320/lighting-outdoor-pots-planters.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Creating a truly <b>Modern</b> garden lighting design can add so much to your home. All types of properties can benefit from a garden lighting makeover, from small apartments with limited outside space to large palatial country mansions. You can <b>Create</b> <b>Designs</b> that are practical and those that simply impress your neighbors. But how do you achieve this in a contemporary style? This can be done using a few tips and techniques, all that is required is a little forward planning and thought as to how the end result will look.<br />
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Use contemporary looking landscape light units for starters. The style and design of the light units themselves can influence the overall appearance of the project. Avoid using the old fashioned lantern style lights or even those common stick in solar lights, they just look dated. Go for sleek <b>Designs</b> in chrome or stainless steel. When using floodlights again pick out something that looks nice and <b>Modern</b> not the standard black housing that is so common today. Don't forget you will see many of these lighting units, in the daytime at least.<br />
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The type of lighting you use can have an impact on the <b>Modern</b> look of your design. For example think about LED lights, they simply look <b>Modern.</b> LED string lighting can give any garden a contemporary edge. Using some colored lighting can also <b>Create</b> the desired effect. Color garden lights can be very effective but care must be taken not to mix vivid colors too much, the effect can look quite cheap. It is usually best to stick with one added color other than your standard white light.<br />
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Another way to make things look attractive and contemporary is to use the light units in <b>Modern</b> ways. Certain techniques for creating lighting effects have developed over the years moving away from the old light above the front door style. Think about using up lights, down lights and recessed lighting. Back lighting a garden feature is another great trick to keep things looking fresh. Vary the lighting methods and styles but be careful not to over-do it. Sometimes simple and subtle landscape lighting design ideas are the most effective.<br />
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Many elements will have an impact on your overall garden lighting design. Something as simple as choosing <b>Modern</b> looking units can do the trick. For the best results aim to mix <b>Modern</b> looking lights with a few contemporary techniques. If <b>Modern</b> is what you want then start thinking in different ways from the start, avoiding the older traditional ways of using outside lights. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-68963734809568607212012-02-09T07:40:00.000-08:002012-02-09T07:40:43.509-08:00Landscape Lighting Planning and Design Overview<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xavOUdzBGJs/TzPo3DIgpGI/AAAAAAAAAgY/xoYdGY1QlyY/s1600/lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xavOUdzBGJs/TzPo3DIgpGI/AAAAAAAAAgY/xoYdGY1QlyY/s320/lighting.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
A properly <b>Designed</b> <b>Landscape</b> with appropriate outdoor <b>Lighting</b> is a source of enjoyment for the entire family. It also enhances the utility and security of your property and adds to the resale value.<br />
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However <b>Landscape</b> <b>Design</b> and the <b>Design</b> of outdoor <b>Lighting</b> to go with it involves much more than just placing trees, shrubs and other plants on the property together with a few solar lights or low voltage outdoor lights. The <b>Design</b> process is part art which deals with conscious arrangement or organization of outdoor space and its <b>Lighting</b> for human satisfaction and enjoyment. Some of the major goals of the <b>Landscape</b> <b>Planning</b> process include:<br />
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Organizing and developing the site for maximum use and pleasure.<br />
Creating a visual relationship between the house and the site.<br />
Reducing <b>Landscape</b> maintenance to a practical level.<br />
<b>Planning</b> <b>Landscape</b> outdoor <b>Lighting</b> that blends with and enhances the <b>Landscape</b><br />
<span class="fullpost"> Americans spend tremendous amounts of money landscaping and <b>Lighting</b> their businesses, homes, streets, parks, schools, etc. Unfortunately, much of this money is wasted, however, because of little or no <b>Planning.</b> People cannot know how to <b>Landscape</b> and light that <b>Landscape</b> properly until they know why they <b>Landscape.</b> There are several reasons why people <b>Landscape:</b><br />
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Some think it improves the appearance and value of their property;<br />
Other people like to grow plants;<br />
Others just want their place to look aesthetically appealing.<br />
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However, these <b>Landscapes</b> and the associated outdoor <b>Lighting</b> unfortunately often dominate rather than serve. Masses of plants or other materials in the <b>Landscape</b> may take up a large portion of the space and leave little room for people. Also, too often the <b>Lighting</b> is overdone, intrusive and/or harsh. So how does the <b>Designer</b> arrange outdoor space and the <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> to complement it so that people will find it useful, appealing and functional?<br />
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The methods include:<br />
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Observing and analyzing the habits of the people who will be using the space, including their activities, needs and how much space and light each of their activities requires.<br />
Studying past landscaping and <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> methods.<br />
Surveying available materials to solve <b>Design</b> requirements.<br />
Analyzing the environment of the site including the view in and around the site. The ecology of the site should be carefully analyzed since it is important in determining the <b>Design.</b><br />
Deciding which areas will be best served by outdoor <b>Lighting</b> and which should be left un-illuminated.<br />
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With new outdoor <b>Lighting</b> installations you may want to consider energy efficient lights such as LED outdoor lights, which have several benefits when used for garden and <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting,</b> including:<br />
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They are low voltage and energy efficient. In other words they throw out a lot of light for not much electricity in.<br />
They are versatile and so can be used for a variety of outdoor <b>Lighting</b> solutions including ambient <b>Lighting,</b> flood<b>Lighting,</b> walkways in fact for most applications<br />
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The good news is that the purchase costs of LED outdoor lights are now competitive with traditional <b>Landscape</b> lights. Because LEDs are energy efficient this means the overall cost of installing and operating an outdoor <b>Lighting</b> system is falling.<br />
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See the next article in this series for more detail on the <b>Landscape</b> and outdoor <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> and installation process. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-34122041157045980732012-01-27T08:33:00.000-08:002012-01-27T08:33:11.837-08:00The Benefits of Landscape Lighting<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbHtkvDoWRg/TyLRrGEcy7I/AAAAAAAAAf4/DxR2T2Abbgw/s1600/reflection-pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbHtkvDoWRg/TyLRrGEcy7I/AAAAAAAAAf4/DxR2T2Abbgw/s320/reflection-pool.jpg" width="320" /></a>Every home is different: the yard size, the exterior of the home and of course, the type of light fixtures needed to light the area. However, no matter what the differences are between each home, the benefits of installing <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> are generally the same. If you've recently considered adding <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> to your home, you'll be pleased to know that there are several benefits indeed.<br />
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Security<br />
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By far, one of the biggest advantages to having additional outdoor <b>Lighting</b> is the added security. If your home is mostly dark after you go to bed, with no exterior <b>Lighting,</b> it can quickly make you a target for thieves and intruders. However, homes that are well-lit and make use of various landscaping light fixtures and even security <b>Lighting,</b> can quickly deter a good number of intruders.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> Resale Value<br />
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Improving the exterior of your home in any way will always benefit you in the long run. Installing outside light fixtures adds additional visual curb appeal to your home, which is especially important if you plan to sell within the next few years.<br />
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<b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> highlights different areas of your home's exterior. These light fixtures can be positioned either in front of bushes, around trees, behind bushes to create silhouettes and more.<br />
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Safety<br />
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Outdoor light fixtures can also make the exterior of your home safer for invited guests. This is especially true if you have pathways, as properly <b>Lighting</b> these can ensure you and your guests can make it inside without tripping over something in the dark.<br />
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On a side note, by properly <b>Lighting</b> your outdoor space, you can also aid in preventing liability. A well lit area may hold the person accountable, rather than you, which of course protects you and your best interests.<br />
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Also, installing <b>Lighting</b> can also encourage your neighbors to do the same. By doing the same, the entire neighborhood can quickly become safer in the evening hours and deter burglars and intruders from the general area thanks to all the additional light.<br />
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Ease of Installation<br />
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The truth is, many people assume that installing exterior lights is difficult and requires the help of a professional. Fortunately, this isn't true and the average Joe homeowner can install them on their own with little difficulty.<br />
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Most <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is installed underground and simply requires a shovel and an afternoon of digging, laying wire and light fixtures, then filling in and plugging in to light up the yard.<br />
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Cost<br />
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Last but not least, the cost of installing, running and maintaining many outdoor <b>Lighting</b> fixtures is relatively low. Most outdoor light fixtures feature low voltage <b>Lighting,</b> which often translates to more eco-friendly bulbs such as LEDs, which use very little electricity.<br />
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This means that you won't shell out big bucks to keep your home safe at all hours of the night.<br />
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In short, <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> has many benefits: security, safety, an increase in your property's value and many more. Therefore, it's a no brainer as to why you should install <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting,</b> as outdoor light fixtures are extremely beneficial. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-89944980760341745702011-09-10T07:27:00.000-07:002011-09-10T07:27:43.662-07:00Choosing a Lighting Design for Your Church<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6zwYlF46CM/TmtzyTYOGHI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/HK1q_tYHHok/s1600/design_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6zwYlF46CM/TmtzyTYOGHI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/HK1q_tYHHok/s320/design_edited.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The Bible is replete with references to light. David sang about light. Jesus taught about light. Light, like music, is capable of stirring the soul. And yet, light is probably one of the most overlooked and misunderstood <b>Design</b> elements in any church facility. Not long ago <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> options were limited. Windows were narrow because of the limited span borne by stone lintels. Stained glass diffused light and reduced the painful contrast between the window and the dark interior of the church.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> Today we have an endless, if mind-numbing, variety of <b>Lighting</b> options. And the consideration of <b>Lighting</b> fixtures goes beyond cost, into the areas of heat and sound generation, maintenance, operating costs, light color, and more. Some churches have eliminated natural <b>Lighting</b> entirely and are able to control every sparkle, every shade, for its peak effect. This is particularly useful for churches that videotape services, use projection screens, or offer dramatic presentations. And the <b>Lighting</b> considerations are not limited to ceilings. <b>Lighting</b> can be used for dramatic effect in stair risers, under bathroom vanities, or above wall niches. Furthermore, some of the most beautiful <b>Lighting</b> <b>Designs</b> are employed on the exterior of the building to highlight architectural features, landscaping, and walkways.<br />
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Since it is a daunting task, the church may want to seek help from their architect, builder, and <b>Lighting</b> supply contractors to explore the many possibilities offered by today's "exciting <b>Lighting"</b> products.<br />
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The most common <b>Lighting</b> types for church use are incandescent, fluorescent, high pressure sodium (HPS), and metal halide (MH).<br />
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Incandescent lamps offer the advantages of low initial cost, compactness, instant light, and lumen control through dimming. However, they are relatively inefficient, limited to low light output, can generate significant heat, and have a short life span.<br />
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Fluorescent <b>Lighting</b> offers low brightness and a relatively large surface area so it is good for diffuse, non-directed <b>Lighting.</b> It operates more economically than incandescent <b>Lighting.</b> Fluorescent lamps work best indoors and prefer a temperature of about 70 degrees. They don't generate much heat but can produce significant noise.<br />
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High pressure sodium lamps have been used for many years in parking lots, warehouses, and along roadways where the yellow color of the light and the long start-up time are not critical.<br />
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Compared to incandescent lamps, metal halide lamps are more costly initially, yet are 3-5 times more efficient. A 100 watt MH lamp provides 5 times the lumen output of a 100 watt incandescent bulb, and the bulb has 15-20 times the lifespan. Metal halide light can be directed, but is not dimmable. It may take 5 to 20 minutes for MH lamps to reach full output. A major advantage of MH is the white color of the light which most closely simulates sunlight. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-55451832847171560902011-08-28T09:58:00.000-07:002011-08-28T09:58:34.423-07:00The Importance of Outdoor Post Lighting Design Experts<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8ZgzuX-BuE/TlpzHIREwTI/AAAAAAAAAW8/z5QpiZ3eZE0/s1600/garden-lighting-design-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8ZgzuX-BuE/TlpzHIREwTI/AAAAAAAAAW8/z5QpiZ3eZE0/s320/garden-lighting-design-ideas.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Using the technical expertise of a <b>Lighting</b> <b>Designer,</b> you can create the perfect <b>Outdoor</b><br />
post <b>Lighting</b> for your home. These professionals are equipped with a thorough knowledge of <b>Lighting</b> equipment, products, and software <b>Design.</b> Taking raw creative <b>Design,</b> an <b>Outdoor</b> post <b>Lighting</b> expert can turn your <b>Design</b> ideas into an advanced and creative platform <b>Design.</b> With a thorough understanding of possible light pollution and <b>Lighting</b> levels, three dimensional models of the best possible <b>Lighting</b> system for your yard is standard. By utilizing the expertise of an <b>Outdoor</b> post <b>Lighting</b> professional <b>Designer,</b> you can experience the newest aspects of the industrial <b>Lighting</b> industry and then integrate your favorites into a new energy efficient <b>Lighting</b> system prior to making any purchases. The <b>Design</b> can be purchased from the <b>Designer</b> or from other sources of <b>Lighting</b> equipment.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> You can select the distinct level of precision which you desire when you hire professionals to help create your perfect <b>Outdoor</b> post <b>Lighting</b> <b>Designs</b> and systems. The technical expertise to be found with <b>Experts</b> in the field of <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> include <b>Outdoor</b> and landscape <b>Lighting</b> for residential homes and for commercial buildings. This includes <b>Lighting</b> for sports areas in the home or tennis courts, as well as security lights, safety items, and holiday <b>Lighting.</b> With the necessary hands-on training in electrical <b>Design</b> and architectural <b>Design,</b> it takes a thorough knowledge of wiring and building exteriors for an expert <b>Designer</b> to create the perfect <b>Lighting</b> layers for your home. They can directly correlate their understanding of how light is dispersed with your particular structure.<br />
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Solving any problems you might have with your <b>Outdoor</b> post <b>Lighting,</b> <b>Experts</b> can offer <b>Designer</b> solutions which integrate in-depth knowledge and the best energy efficient <b>Designs.</b> Taking an overhead plan and converting it to match your current <b>Lighting</b> system, photometric models can be presented for your consideration prior to making any purchases. Offering system solutions and innovative <b>Designs,</b> residential landscape <b>Lighting</b> and <b>Outdoor</b> post <b>Lighting</b> ideas can work with any existing fixtures or accessories.<br />
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By using an expert in the field you can save money by receiving precise numbers on the required fixtures and <b>Outdoor</b> post lights required. You will find products with an extended lamp life and the maximum energy efficiency. Any <b>Design</b> questions can be answered by using a professional. Your residential questions and <b>Designs</b> can be created in conjunction with a technical expert to produce a system that best complements your home. No matter your needs, there is a full range of <b>Outdoor</b> post <b>Lighting</b> that can meet you <b>Lighting</b> needs, your creative desires, and your safety concerns.<br />
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Providing you with a cost effective plan, your system will show you ahead of time how much light is needed in each part of your home and the required number of <b>Outdoor</b> post <b>Lighting</b> fixtures. The cost of these <b>Lighting</b> plan <b>Designs</b> is well worth the investment. You receive better planning and better savings overall in terms of your personal future maintenance, your time, as well as your money. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-4371312814158643852011-08-26T09:54:00.000-07:002011-08-26T09:54:33.310-07:00Effective Landscape Lighting Planning and Design<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbYX3BNEt6E/TlfPm01mKtI/AAAAAAAAAWw/i40eBwJ1ReU/s1600/landscape-lighting-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbYX3BNEt6E/TlfPm01mKtI/AAAAAAAAAWw/i40eBwJ1ReU/s320/landscape-lighting-design.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
When you are landscaping, or installing outdoor <b>Lighting</b> for a newly-built home, or re<b>Designing</b> an existing <b>Landscape,</b> the results will be much more satisfying if you plan first. This sounds obvious, but when you start landscaping a property, or installing outdoor <b>Lighting,</b> the urge to begin planting, or placing outdoor lights immediately is almost overwhelming.<br />
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Developing The Basic Plan<br />
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A <b>Landscape</b> and the associated <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is a picture, with a great opportunity for artistic composition. With a home the central feature is the house and the fundamental objective is to make good use of every part of the grounds and to avoid scattering trees and bushes all over the area surrounding the house.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> So you need a definite plan on paper for the location of the key features of the <b>Landscape</b> and the associated outdoor <b>Lighting.</b> Consider the features and functions of the different components - the residence itself, outdoor areas and patios, any out buildings, walks and drives, the service areas, the border planting, flower-garden, and possibly a vegetable-garden.<br />
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To begin, it is recommended that you draw a base plan to scale. For most properties a scale of 1/8″=1′ is workable; for small properties or a particular area of a larger development 1/4″=1′ may be better. Graph paper with lines indicating a particular scale is also helpful.<br />
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Include all the major features of your property on your drawing. After you have prepared the base plan you can either use tracing paper or transfer the drawing into a suitable PC drawing/graphics program. Then you can sketch possible ideas and solutions to your landscaping and outdoor <b>Lighting</b> needs.<br />
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Steps For Drawing The Plan<br />
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Indicate the compass directions in relation to the house by drawing an arrow (N->) pointing north.<br />
Measure each property line and record the measurements.<br />
Accurately locate one corner of the house on the plan by measuring the distance from the back edge of the curb or edge of the street and nearest property line. From this corner of the house, measure each side of the house and place it onto the plan.<br />
Locate other existing features on the plan by measuring from known reference points, such as the street, property line or house.<br />
Identify potential outdoor living and entertaining areas. Terraces and patios are now an integral part of many homes. They should be located, if possible, where they will receive summer breezes and afternoon shade. If sun is a problem, add trees or overhead shading structures.<br />
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Once key features are located on the plan, next decide which of these will require outdoor <b>Lighting.</b> Some will need functional <b>Lighting</b> e.g. patios and decks, paths and walkways, others will be lit for aesthetic value and other <b>Lighting</b> will be for security purposes.<br />
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Tips:<br />
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Don't go overboard with the number of lights. It increases the costs for installation, maintenance and the running the outdoor <b>Lighting.</b><br />
Too many lights also don't look good.<br />
The best (and most used) outdoor living areas are usually located adjacent to living areas of the house where they can easily be served and seen from inside. Even when they are not in use, well-planned, attractive decks and terraces adjacent to the house give a feeling of added space to interior rooms.<br />
A terrace is sometimes placed away from the home to take advantage of a striking view, good afternoon breezes, or the shade of a large tree.<br />
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Feature and Aesthetic <b>Lighting</b><br />
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There may be some striking features on your property that you wish to highlight. There is a huge range of lights available. Again be restrained - less is more here - and remember that just like you trees and shrubs don't like to be brightly illuminated night after night. It interferes with their natural rest cycles.<br />
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<b>Lighting</b> Paths and Entrance Areas<br />
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The amount of path <b>Lighting</b> required depends on:<br />
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(a) The amount of ambient light from other sources, such as streetlights, "always on" security lights and outdoor <b>Lighting</b> attached to your home and outbuildings.<br />
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(b) The smoothness of the surface of the walkway, the presence of steps.<br />
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Outdoor lights linked to motion detectors are a popular and efficient choice for entrance areas as the light only comes on when needed.<br />
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Security <b>Lighting</b><br />
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The main objectives with outdoor security <b>Lighting</b> are to illuminate dark areas and detect and recognize movement in "protected areas".<br />
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The best vision with outdoor <b>Lighting</b> is obtained from downward directed and shielded security <b>Lighting</b> that is "always on", supplemented with instant-on <b>Lighting</b> triggered by motion detectors.<br />
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Overall, the best position for security lights is mounted as high as possible on your property, directing light in a downward position for safe and reliable operation.<br />
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Motion detectors sense movement and turn outdoor security lights on when movement is detected and are ideal for both security <b>Lighting</b> and energy management. They are often used in conjunction with floodlights that raise the overall brightness. However, the aesthetic drawback of floodlights is they can make your home look like a jail.<br />
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The author enjoys the simple but rewarding pleasures that come from a well <b>Designed</b> garden with tasteful outdoor <b>Lighting.</b><br />
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Well chosen and located <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> enhances your enjoyment of your property and with well chosen outdoor security <b>Lighting</b> you can use and enjoy your garden as much in the evening as during the day. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-43489420757530661622011-08-13T20:19:00.000-07:002011-08-13T20:19:55.499-07:00Tips To Create The Perfect Landscape Lighting Design<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl9zH-SS8bU/Tkc-yv-d-BI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/RjarTbhOYyk/s1600/outdoor-lighting-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl9zH-SS8bU/Tkc-yv-d-BI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/RjarTbhOYyk/s320/outdoor-lighting-ideas.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
There are many ways in which you can improve the overall look of the exterior of your home and garden. Not only do you have the options of planting certain trees, plants, and other types of shrubbery to create the perfect effect during the day, but you can also use <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> as a way to enhance the overall look of your property during the evening. The way in which you are able to do this is by using low-voltage lights that have different colors to create the perfect welcoming effect in your garden. In fact, <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> is not only about being decorative, as these lights can also be used in a practical way, such as improving vision in outdoor kitchens Houston has to offer. When you begin looking for ideas to create the perfect ambiance for your home, there are a few points you should keep in mind.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> First of all, try to use a <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> that has a welcoming effect to it. This can be achieved by using lights that have warm colors, and then to not make them too bright or too dim. In addition, it is also good idea to point some of these low-voltage lights in other areas of your garden besides just the walls of your home, such as against some shrubbery, because this in turn will enhance the overall look and feel of your garden. You can also use your <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> as a way to improve security, because it will do a good job in <b>Lighting</b> up in certain areas such as the driveway and porch. It is also recommended to experiment with your <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> before doing any final installations. In other words, point your lights to different areas of your garden and walls of your home until you feel you have the right settings, and then only once you are completely satisfied, can you then go ahead and finalize everything.<br />
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To ensure that your lights last for a very long time, it is always a good idea to use good quality bulbs and cables. The best way to find this type of quality is by going online and searching through many of the sites that specialize in selling these <b>Lighting</b> systems. In fact, it is also a good idea to compare the prices from one store to another, because you will be quite surprised at how often you are able to find a good deal on the exact same make and model of the specific <b>Lighting</b> system. More importantly, take the time to read up any extra information that these sites can provide to you in terms of best practices, creative ideas, as well as any other important information that you can utilize, because all of this can be a big help in ensuring that you create the perfect ambient feeling once your <b>Lighting</b> system has been set up. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-68034358992342915092011-08-11T09:40:00.000-07:002011-08-11T09:40:41.774-07:00Landscape Lighting Design Tips<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUBXYRVKkZA/TkQFhZhiYBI/AAAAAAAAAWA/uyIkug00Arc/s1600/landscape+ligth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUBXYRVKkZA/TkQFhZhiYBI/AAAAAAAAAWA/uyIkug00Arc/s1600/landscape+ligth.jpg" /></a><br />
Perhaps you have been noticing in and around your neighborhood some of the interesting and oftentimes downright amazing effects of what some of the currently available outdoor <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> products have to offer. The technology these days is in fact amazing with what has been done even with cheap solar lights.<br />
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The up and coming thing really is L.E.D. <b>Lighting</b> though. The subtle, yet fantastic displays of ambient (and low cost) light are a wonder to behold. Perhaps the thought has crossed your mind that maybe, just maybe you could do something with your own <b>Landscape</b> whether it is in your front yard, back garden or patio area, or maybe even to do something along the lines of driveway <b>Lighting.</b><br />
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If in fact these sort of things are on your mind here are a few <b>Tips</b> and guidelines to get your creative juices flowing:<br />
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<span class="fullpost"> Remember that "more" is not always better.<br />
Remember that "more expensive" is not always better either.<br />
There are a lot of low cost solutions to your outdoor <b>Lighting</b> situation and it helps to spend some time on the world wide web researching and looking at what others have done with their own <b>Landscape.</b><br />
Depending upon your own unique circumstances you may be able to get away with spending a hundred dollars or so for some relatively cheap outdoor solar lights initially and see if they get the job done.<br />
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The last point really is a key thing for a lot of people. Many have called upon the services of a professional only to be shocked at just how much they can and will charge for an outdoor <b>Lighting</b> scheme. Nothing against spending a few thousand dollars or more to get the job done right, but more often than not most people can do a sufficient job all by themselves.<br />
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For a plethora of outdoor <b>Lighting</b> and backyard garden <b>Design</b> <b>Tips</b> visit our <b>Landscape</b> and <b>Lighting</b> resource site. You will find there a compendium of information from <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Tips</b> to pool <b>Landscape</b> <b>Design,</b> and even deck lights and <b>Lighting,</b> plus a whole lot more.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-68208229501908670372011-08-06T21:36:00.000-07:002011-08-06T21:36:12.831-07:00Landscape Lighting Tips For Your Entire Home<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvAmhLo-92M/Tj4WI9IFSuI/AAAAAAAAAVs/6cjkniLy_rc/s1600/outdoor-landscape-lighting-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvAmhLo-92M/Tj4WI9IFSuI/AAAAAAAAAVs/6cjkniLy_rc/s320/outdoor-landscape-lighting-ideas.jpg" width="233" /></a><b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Tips</b> will help brighten your gardens and <b>Landscape</b> during the evening hours. Some <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Tips</b> are meant to show off different areas of your garden <b>Landscape.</b> <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is not only popular to homeowners but also business owners to highlight the business building during the evening. Everyone enjoys low voltage <b>Lighting</b> and solar <b>Lighting</b> because they are inexpensive and easy to install and are available to purchase almost anywhere.<br />
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Low voltage <b>Lighting</b> has been around the longest and you will find are used by many homeowners. Low voltage refers to the line that is sending the voltage from the house outlet to a transformer and lowers the voltage to only 12 volts. This style is quite safe and can be install easily without hiring an electrician or without procuring a permit. The transformer that comes with the low voltage kit will plug into a 110/120v outlet located on the exterior of your home. Multiple cable runs are attached to the transformer that can connect up to a group of six light fixtures.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> Solar units have become more popular these days as outdoor <b>Lighting</b> because they are easier to install than the low voltage kits due to the fact there are no wires attached. All you do is attach a fixture or solar panel where it will receive direct or indirect sunlight. Some solar lights come with a solar panel that is attached with a wire; these are usually spot lights or uplights that highlight an area that is usually sitting in darkness most of the time. You position the light on a tree or some other object to be highlighted and the solar panel needs to be inserted in an area that receives sunlight to absorb the sun's energy. There are some solar lights that are recessed for placing in decks and others for placing on posts or railings; these will need a screwdriver for installation. The solar <b>Landscape</b> fixtures consist of a solar panel, LED bulb, and anywhere between 1 and 4 rechargeable batteries. The energy from the sun will be changed to electrical energy by way of the solar panel and be stored in the batteries. It will take about eight to ten hours of sun to completely charge the batteries after the initial installation of the solar <b>Landscape</b> lights. After the charging is complete the units will come on at dusk.<br />
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Here are more <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Tips</b> that will apply either to low voltage or solar lights for good results in the garden. You can accomplish up<b>Lighting</b> by placing the light below a target and positioning the beam on an upwards angle for high<b>Lighting,</b> this will create a focal point. Down<b>Lighting</b> is done by doing just the opposite; place the light source high above an object and position the beam of light on a downward angle to highlight an object or large area. By placing a downlight close to ground level it will create light puddles to light a walkway or pathway. Grazing an object means to position the light close the surface and it will display the texture of the surface. To silhouette an object hide the lights behind and below that object and the night sky will show its silhouette.<br />
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Other than the above ways to light objects there are other ways such as spread <b>Lighting,</b> path <b>Lighting,</b> moon <b>Lighting</b> and security <b>Lighting.</b> Spread <b>Lighting</b> is done by using low-level lights to cast light upon ground covers, shrubs, or flower beds; these can also be used underwater to highlight a pond. Path <b>Lighting</b> can consist of low impact lights or lights that are shielded so they shine on the path for visibility and safety. Moon <b>Lighting</b> is accomplished in the same manner as down<b>Lighting</b> as described above. We use security <b>Lighting</b> to guard against crime and uninvited pests. It is best to illuminate all areas that intruders like to hide and the best ones for that are spotlights that are set to come on when any type of motion occurs.<br />
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There are a few things to avoid in regards to <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting.</b> When there are too many lights <b>Lighting</b> up your property it will look too garish and you do not want that. You basically only want to bring out the most interesting aspects of your <b>Landscape</b> features, structures, and/or special areas. When you place lights along a pathway do not line them up evenly, alternate them for each side and make sure they are spaced according to what the manufacturer recommends.<br />
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Do some experimenting with low voltage <b>Lighting</b> and solar <b>Lighting.</b> Both types of <b>Lighting</b> are flexible enough to move things around and adjust angles for the right effect. Some solar <b>Lighting</b> spotlights and the low voltage <b>Lighting</b> kits have wiring that you can bury but can be left until last until everything is positioned correctly. When your patio area and the <b>Landscape</b> in the front yard look good to the eye you wisely used some good <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Tips.</b> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-14700843190410471202011-08-04T07:27:00.000-07:002011-08-04T07:27:25.079-07:00Landscape Lighting Gives a Cool Effect<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8r_I7VR148/TjqsNBN1DkI/AAAAAAAAAVc/oRaSNH7knN0/s1600/landscape-lighting-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8r_I7VR148/TjqsNBN1DkI/AAAAAAAAAVc/oRaSNH7knN0/s320/landscape-lighting-design.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is the jewel in the crown of excellent landscaping. This is not to suggest that it is optional. Far from it. Most professional <b>Landscape</b> designers consider light essential to completing their work, and essential to making it work. This is why tailored <b>Lighting</b> is now an essential consideration in planning new homes and updating existing ones. <b>Lighting</b> is a way to revitalize existing landscaping and is vital in new greenery designs. Gone is the spotlight! Throw away the cans! The trend now is fixtures that you cannot see.<br />
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Outdoor <b>Lighting</b> still has function, of course. It allows the use of outdoor entertainment areas after the sun has gone down. It lights the way on paths and walkways. It provides security. But you can have all of the essential functions with beauty built in. You often hear the term "nightscape" or "lightscape". These terrific designs change the look of everything at night, using light and the direction of light. In the hands of a professional designer, <b>Lighting</b> provides a daily makeover of your landscaping, using appropriate fixtures and their location. Light paints. Light draws attention. Light does much more than simply illuminate.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> For many people, it makes sense. Why should they not be able to enjoy their greenery after dark? If you have invested in trees, plants, hardscape and water features, you want to enjoy them in the evening hours, too. The great part about it is that once a professional <b>Lighting</b> design has been installed, you will see your home and grounds in an entirely new way.<br />
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Here are some of the terms for today's outdoor <b>Lighting:</b> Uplight, shadow and downlight. Up<b>Lighting,</b> as you would imagine, points upward. When you light a tree from below, for instance, it takes on a whole new look (we are accustomed to seeing our trees with light from above, from the sun). Up<b>Lighting</b> can give texture to a wall or draw attention to a fountain.<br />
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Shadowing throws a shadow, which is a dramatic counterpoint to a ray of light. A great new trend in downlight is hanging the fixture in a tree, so that it shines on the greenery below. It can be installed in traditional areas, too, such as from eaves of a house. Down is still the preferred direction for security <b>Lighting.</b> But it can be wholly decorative, too. <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> does so much more than just flood an area with light. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-84650116402559848682011-07-29T17:35:00.000-07:002011-07-29T17:35:43.613-07:00Increase Your Usable Property Space With a Custom Landscape Lighting<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98Wug1r-sAc/TjNRgCok88I/AAAAAAAAAVI/CQ0_solTPZ0/s1600/garden-lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98Wug1r-sAc/TjNRgCok88I/AAAAAAAAAVI/CQ0_solTPZ0/s320/garden-lights.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Make your outdoor property usable day and night by installing <b>Landscape</b> and walkway <b>Lighting.</b> These lights are an easy, beautiful way to light up your garden so that you can stay outside as long into the night as you want to.<br />
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Forget messy torches and candles--transform your yard or garden into a prime relaxation location with a system of <b>Landscape</b> and walkway light features. <b>Designed</b> for outdoor use, these durable lights provide gentle illumination to your property so that you and your guests can continue to enjoy the evening outside without struggling to see. Contact an electrician in your area to set up an appointment to start the <b>Design</b> process. They will work with you to create and install a <b>Lighting</b> scheme that will highlight the beauty of your property and create a welcoming, safe, and well-illuminated location.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> The first step in the process of outdoor <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> is to determine how you want to use your outside space and what your overall <b>Lighting</b> needs are. Do you want to create a general glow and ambiance to the whole area? Do you want to concentrate on <b>Lighting</b> a specific portion of the patio? Do you have walkways that need to be lit? Your <b>Design</b> expert will work with you to address all these questions so that you arrive at an overall <b>Lighting</b> scheme that fits your needs and your space. They will also help you choose the appropriate fixtures and configurations to achieve the look that you're going for, choosing from options such as solar <b>Landscape</b> light units to specially focused accent <b>Lighting.</b><br />
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Once the <b>Design</b> process is complete, your outdoor <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> expert will then start the actual installation process. Outdoor <b>Lighting</b> professionals have years of experience in installing these systems. They will be able to do all of the technical work of attaching the fixtures and connecting the wiring in a way that is non-intrusive to your outside space, both during and after installation. From concealing the <b>Lighting</b> in the contours of your <b>Landscape,</b> to burying the wiring so that it isn't even noticeable, these professionals will create a system of illumination that complements your space without drawing attention to itself. All you will be left with are beautiful, durable lights that will allow you to enjoy a well-illuminated exterior for years to come.<br />
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<b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is a wonderful way to add usable space onto your home and property. Instead of dealing with temporary <b>Lighting</b> measures each time you want to spend time outside at night, invest in professionally <b>Designed</b> and installed <b>Landscape</b> lights. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-81627611286410464642011-07-14T06:21:00.000-07:002011-07-14T06:22:19.825-07:00Landscape Lighting Design - Choose a Professional for Best Results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfeng7KUpAg/Th7tLJsevEI/AAAAAAAAAUY/KFxAEDHqY98/s1600/light+design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfeng7KUpAg/Th7tLJsevEI/AAAAAAAAAUY/KFxAEDHqY98/s400/light+design.png" width="400" /></a></div>Your home and property are special to you, and you use your outdoor spaces in a way that is unique to you and your family. For maximum evening enjoyment, select an outdoor <b>Lighting</b> professional to <b>Design,</b> install and maintain your <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting.</b><br />
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During the day, you may look at your flowers and garden beds, enjoy vegetable or herb gardening, have play and seating areas, deck and cooking areas. Walkways are important aspects of your property, providing access to the areas of your yard. In the evening and hours of darkness, you probably have different needs in your backyard living areas - sitting and visiting, cooking, relaxing with friends, sitting by the fire or chimenea. How you view your yard at night - if you can view it at all, may change your perspective on outdoor <b>Lighting.</b><br />
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<span class="fullpost"> Is your yard completely dark or have you flooded the area with bright floodlights? Did you make a trip to the home improvement store and come home with a box of inexpensive little fixtures that you didn't really know where to put, and turned out to be rather dim and disappointing?<br />
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It's usually best to consult with a professional <b>Lighting</b> <b>Designer</b> and have them work together with you to create a satisfying <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> that will suit your needs and desires. Professional grade <b>Lighting</b> equipment lasts longer and performs better, and professional quality state-of-the-art fixtures live up to your high expectations and offer you a product that will provide beauty, reliability and longevity.<br />
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The secret of knowing exactly what to use and where to put it are the arena of the professional <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Designer.</b> Most professional <b>Designers</b> work with you individually to <b>Design</b> a plan that enhances the architectural features of your home and best aspects of your property using a creative palette of light and shadow to set the perfect mood. Each project is as individual as you are. Hire an experienced and educated staff that knows how to take full advantage of modern <b>Lighting</b> technology to set the stage for your lifestyle. From formal events to casual gatherings, the most important aspect of your <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> is to create evening pleasure for your family.<br />
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In addition to our providing <b>Design/build</b> services, you should ask your outdoor <b>Lighting</b> <b>Designer</b> if their projects are offered with a workmanship warranty and maintenance agreement to optimize your investment. Plant growth and Mother Nature provide constant change to your property, so your will need to ensure that the original <b>Design</b> is maintained over time. Have a professional clean, adjust, re-lamp, trim plant material and move fixtures to create the optimum effect, annually at a minimum, and more often if you have <b>Landscape</b> plant material that changes frequently or is fast-growing.<br />
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Additionally, your <b>Designer</b> may recommend re-positioning fixtures, changing lamp wattages and beam spreads as your plant material matures. These changes can make significant differences in the voltage drop and greatly affect the appearance of your <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design,</b> so a professional should make these changes. Your outdoor <b>Lighting</b> <b>Designer</b> should be a long-term partner for progress in your outdoor environment.<br />
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Professionally installed outdoor <b>Lighting</b> not only increases the security and safety of your home and its surroundings, it expands your living space to the outdoors and makes your home, lawn, and garden more beautiful, more functional, and more inviting. The benefits of outdoor <b>Lighting</b> for your home, <b>Landscape,</b> poolside, patio, and deck are endless. <br />
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For Professional Outdoor <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> in the Dallas-Ft.Worth Texas area </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-82737779182220934552011-07-11T09:10:00.000-07:002011-07-11T09:10:13.918-07:00How to Hire a Landscape Lighting Contractor<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqogRYmTHrQ/ThsgPYutQrI/AAAAAAAAAUE/yeMcXqXOdDI/s1600/landscape-lighting-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqogRYmTHrQ/ThsgPYutQrI/AAAAAAAAAUE/yeMcXqXOdDI/s320/landscape-lighting-design.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
What to look for in hiring an outdoor <b>Lighting</b> contractor. <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> can truly set your home apart from the crowd and give you many extra hours of night enjoyment. <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> can turn your home into a show place while also creating an inviting atmosphere for your family and friends to enjoy relaxing evenings at home. In my 23 years of <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> and installation I have seen many outdoor <b>Lighting</b> systems that do not achieve the desired results of homeowners. I have had to totally redo many outdoor <b>Lighting</b> system. This unfortunate waist of money and frustration of a home owner could be avoided if they asked their <b>Lighting</b> contractor a few simple important questions. such as.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> Do they have <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> experience?.Make sure they have <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> and installation experience. Not that they installed a Malibu's system on a few of their other projects. I have seen expensive outdoor <b>Lighting</b> system installed by licensed electrician that were dangerous and voltage drop so great that it took the electricity 2 seconds to activate fixtures after it was turned on.... Yes that's right 2 seconds and this was in a 3 million dollar house.<br />
Make sure that they are Licensed in the right category for outdoor <b>Lighting</b> we have a c-10 electrical license.<br />
Do they have references dealing with outdoor <b>Lighting?</b><br />
Do they offer fixtures that are durable and will withstand the harsh exterior elements? Many <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty?<br />
Do they use stainless steel transformers and have multiple voltage taps for longer <b>Lighting</b> runs?<br />
Do they have photographs of actual projects they have done and not photos off a web site or from a <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> fixture catalog?<br />
Do they understand creative <b>Lighting</b> and <b>Design?</b><br />
Do they have your best interest in mind or are they just trying to sell fixtures to drive up the price. We will even talk clients out of fixtures if we don't feel it serves a practical or artistic purpose. It's all about value.<br />
Do they understand Ohms law and how it affects voltage drops and <b>Lighting</b> effects?<br />
Have they been in business for a while? What is their track record and experience?<br />
Do they offer follow up maintenance or service or do they install the <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> system and leave you in the dark (no pun intended) If there is a problem down the line will they be available to provide service? Maintenance and repairs is a big part of a <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> professional <b>Lighting</b> business.<br />
If you have an existing system with quality fixtures and transformers, will they try to incorporate them into your new outdoor <b>Lighting</b> system or just try to sell you everything new (note fixtures and transformers in most existing systems are not adequate but some times they are and we are happy to reuse what we can if it doesn't comprises the quality of the outdoor <b>Lighting</b> <b>Design</b> and installation.<br />
Do they bury the cable at least 6-8 inches below the surface.<br />
Are the connections at all the lights crimped with copper sleeves and inserted in a waterproof cap?<br />
Is Outdoor <b>Lighting</b> and <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> a passion of theirs?<br />
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A true <b>Lighting</b> professional will address all these issues. This simple list of questions could of saved many homeowners thousands and thousands of dollars. Dont proceed with <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> until you have asked these important questions. Knowledge is power.<br />
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Chuck Evans is the founder of Illuminated Concepts Inc. in Laguna Hills CA He has been providing creative <b>Lighting</b> experiences since 1976. Chuck started his <b>Lighting</b> career in NY by <b>Designing</b> and running stage <b>Lighting</b> for many musical productions. see their work on the web http://www.oclights.com </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-89785662109642911852011-07-08T07:12:00.000-07:002011-07-08T07:12:27.649-07:00Six Great Landscape Lighting Ideas<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-vNSFSxO3w/ThcQOBI4DAI/AAAAAAAAATw/uCqKq-WmdrU/s1600/green-office-desk-ideas-pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9-vNSFSxO3w/ThcQOBI4DAI/AAAAAAAAATw/uCqKq-WmdrU/s320/green-office-desk-ideas-pictures.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The best way to start your next landscaping project is to come up with some <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Ideas</b> to help you plan out what you will be doing. However, coming up with <b>Great</b> <b>Ideas</b> for illuminating your <b>Landscape</b> areas may not be as easy as it seems. This is especially for those who have little experience or knowledge with outdoor <b>Lighting</b> methods. Here are some <b>Ideas</b> to help you get started.<br />
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1. Find a theme. The theme does not have to be something like "fairy tale dreamland". Instead, it can be something as simple as <b>Lighting</b> various features from the same angles and with the same type of lights. Find a common unifying theme that can tie everything together.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> 2. Choose Your fixtures. Before you begin, you need to know exactly which type of <b>Lighting</b> instruments you will be using. There are several different types of lights, including bullet lights, well lights, and path lights that work in different ways to illuminate your outdoor areas.<br />
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3. Keep it minimal. Many times when people begin thinking about <b>Landscape</b> lights, they think that they need many different <b>Lighting</b> fixtures to provide all kinds of light all over their yard. However, remember that too much of a good thing is not a good thing. This is very true with <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting.</b> Try to keep the minimum amount of lights and use them as efficiently as possible to get the best effect.<br />
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4. Use a central figure. Think about using some kind of landscaping feature as a central figure of your yard. Many people choose to make this central figure a fountain or a large tree. If you have a very old or particularly characteristic tree in your yard, consider having it moved to a central location.<br />
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5. Use a mixture of up <b>Lighting</b> and down <b>Lighting.</b> Up <b>Lighting</b> of course, refers to lights that have been placed on the ground and shine up onto something that is higher than the lights. Down <b>Lighting</b> is just the opposite, the lights are placed high and shine down on something below them. Consider using a mixture of the two to get a nice effect.<br />
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6. Think about shadows. If you have a large wall or other kind of flat surface, consider casting a shadow onto that surface. Large trees and shrubs can be used to cast shadows for some very interesting landscaping effects.<br />
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In addition to these <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Ideas,</b> there are of course, many other ways you can illuminate your landscaping at night. The possibilities are virtually endless, and you are limited only by your creative imagination and/or your budget.<br />
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You can get lots more <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> <b>Ideas</b> here, at the Malibu Solar Lights website. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-55014277080463361882011-07-02T17:52:00.000-07:002011-07-02T17:52:55.405-07:00Using LED Landscape Lighting to Improve Your Yard<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9npCQPQJAL4/Tg-9V76qMMI/AAAAAAAAATU/bSkRgEdUqEY/s1600/Led+ligthing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9npCQPQJAL4/Tg-9V76qMMI/AAAAAAAAATU/bSkRgEdUqEY/s320/Led+ligthing.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Using <b>LED</b> lights in the <b>Landscape</b> is a great way to be able to see your <b>Yard</b> during the hours of darkness. Using <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> has many different benefits from the added security of being able to see into your <b>Yard</b> to the visual appeal it gives when used as an accent <b>Lighting</b> for a focal point in the <b>Landscape.</b><br />
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<b>LED</b> lights have many added benefits and are a much greener solution than using conventional bulbs. They are much more economical due to their longer lifespan, increased durability and energy saving qualities over the conventional type of light bulb.<br />
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There are many other reasons to use <b>LED</b> lights to turn your <b>Landscape</b> into an eco-friendly <b>Yard.</b> The <b>LED</b> <b>Landscape</b> is both environmentally friendly and also economically smart. Since <b>LED</b> lights use less energy than conventional lights they save on our energy costs. They also have longer lifetimes than other light bulbs and therefore create less waste than other types of lights.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> The light emitting diode, or <b>LED,</b> has been sold for about 50 years. These lights have come a long way since first being employed and are now much safer, durable, last longer, are more efficient and cost less than they did when first used.<br />
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<b>LED</b> lights are extremely efficient, especially when you compare them to standard halogen bulbs. <b>LED's</b> use 90 percent less energy than halogen bulbs which means you pay only around 10 percent of the normal costs when it comes to your electric bill. <b>LED's</b> are also produced without using harmful and poisonous chemicals such as mercury, which is another great reason to use them.<br />
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<b>LED's</b> have an incredible lifetime. When you compare these bulbs to halogen lights you can see the amazing differences between them. Standard halogens last for about 3000 hours while specialty halogens last for about 12000. <b>LED's</b> last much longer at about 40000 hours of life. If you turned them on and never turned the lights off they would last for around 4 and a half years in total.<br />
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These bulbs are extremely efficient and another added bonus to using them in your <b>Landscape</b> is that they produce a large amount of light for how little energy they use, the perfect compliment to any <b>Landscape.</b> You can see the obvious benefits to using these bulbs when choosing a type of <b>Lighting</b> for your <b>Landscape.</b><br />
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Eco Friendly Houses writes about many topics related to solar, green trends and eco-friendly products among other topics related to this field. Please feel free to read more about this topic on our site at <b>LED</b> <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting.</b><br />
http://landscape-lightingonline.blogspot.com/ </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3384476012951262729.post-66578875399790075672011-06-26T07:46:00.000-07:002011-06-26T07:46:12.084-07:00How to Incorporate Landscape Lighting For Night Time Illumination<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKsHj4tLwp8/TgdGJRB8_SI/AAAAAAAAAS4/PLoTit7AJA0/s1600/Lighting+ladscaping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKsHj4tLwp8/TgdGJRB8_SI/AAAAAAAAAS4/PLoTit7AJA0/s1600/Lighting+ladscaping.jpg" /></a><br />
When they say, "let the sun shine in," during the day, what exactly do they say at night? "Let the <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> illuminate?"<br />
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How many times have you arrived at a home at night only to discover that you could not find your way to the front door? Scary, unsafe, and so unappealing. Now there are companies that do nothing but handle <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> design.<br />
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<b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> design is really not that difficult for the DIY homeowner - especially if your <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> ideas focus on solar power. With no electrical writing concerns, you have an open playing field in which to build your nighttime world.<br />
<span class="fullpost"> Your plan should center around two things: safety and enhancement.<br />
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First, where do you need <b>Lighting</b> for safety? Generally, all walkways, secondary paths, and anywhere else someone might be wandering. This becomes a visitor's compass to your home and around your yard. When you install <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> for safety, the general rule of thumb is to place the light so (a) it does not shine in someone's eyes, and (b) that it illuminates at least 75% of the path from side to side. (Nothing like having someone blinded by the light or walking off the side of the path into a flower bed.)<br />
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Next, consider the spacing. This is best done at night when you can see what kind of coverage you need to have. This is the one area in which you do not want to skimp! If you are particular about the spacing between each light - i.e., that it has to be exact - then lean towards the "more is better" approach.<br />
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For enhancement, some great <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> ideas include up <b>Lighting</b> trees, accenting a fountain, illuminating an architectural feature, outlining a fence, or brightening a darkened area. In this case, the installation of the <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> is all about where you place the light versus how much lightening you need.<br />
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When it comes to how to install your <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting,</b> that is going to depend on the type of <b>Lighting</b> you will be using: solar or electrical. If you have an external outdoor receptacle, then doing walkway <b>Lighting</b> is fairly easy for the do-it-yourselfer. If you do not have an outdoor receptacle, you may want to hire an electrician to install one. When it comes to solar, go for it. Simply make sure that your lights are positioned where they will receive enough sun to charge the solar cells and that they will generate enough <b>Lighting</b> for the planned use.<br />
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Your <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> design plan should be something you have to do only once with minor tweaks into the future. Do it right the first time, and you are on your way to having a home that is a beacon in a dark, nighttime world.<br />
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To learn more about <b>Landscape</b> <b>Lighting</b> design, visit http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/how-to-install-<b>Landscape-Lighting.html.</b><br />
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Mary Morris is a self-proclaimed porch lover and grandma to 7 awesome grand kids. Mary is one of the co-founders of http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/, a site about everything related to front porches and more.<br />
http://landscape-lightingonline.blogspot.com/ </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17117648369794115708noreply@blogger.com0