PROJECT PLANNING - Outdoor lighting

WANT TO ILLUMINATE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE AFTER DARK? HERE’S HOW TO CREATE A WARM AND WELCOMING SPACE

Not only does lighting play a huge role in adding decorative design detail to your garden, terrace or outside space, but it is also a highly practical addition, providing safety and security. There is a vast array of lighting solutions available for the great outdoors - some of which can be added as necessary, while others will require a bit of planning.

So, whether you're currently landscaping your garden or wanting to add some light to your existing space, there are plenty of options to choose from, whatever the size of your outdoor area. From festoons suspended above a seating zone and uplights that accentuate architectural features, to smart spotlights on walls and along pathways to light your way, there are endless ways to illuminate your plot.

1 PLAN IN ADVANCE

If you’re revamping your garden, you have the advantage of being able to plan your outdoor lighting from scratch. ‘Approach your garden lighting in the same way you would your interior lighting scheme,’ advises Marketa Rypacek, managing director at Industville (industville.co.uk). ‘To accomplish a well thought out and welcoming space, you need to embrace the complete range of lighting types available and vary the designs to create little pockets and pools of illumination around your garden. Work out which elements of your outdoor space you wish to highlight," she continues, 'both for practical and aesthetic reasons. Layer your exterior lighting and use multiple sources of light, including small lights to guide walkways, uplighters for highlighting beautiful plants and trees, subtle lighting for ambience and wall lights and pendants in areas set aside for eating and socialising.