Using Outdoor Lighting
The topic of urban green space has always been fascinating e.. we get access to even the smallest, private outdoor space provides immeasurable pleasure. It becomes our little oasis in the bustling city–a place of relaxation and peace.
Three Basic Rules
When it comes to creating the urban oasis there’s a question that often goes unanswered–how to light it? I have three basic rules when it comes to outdoor lighting, especially for smaller, urban spaces.
• Focus on warm, ambient light.
• Create focal points.
• Keep it simple.
Focus on Warm Ambient Light
This is my big take away for the urban garden space. The typical city-dwellers outdoor space is small and multi-purpose. You mightbe hosting a BBQ one weekend, and looking to quietly read a book by your fire pit the next night. Unlike interior spaces where a balance of ambient, accent, decorative and task lighting is the key outside we can focus on making welcoming warm light with a glow. Here
Create Focal Points
The key to great outdoor lighting is creating focal points. My inspiration image is a campfire. In the darkness of a forest a campfire becomes a glowing, welcoming center of attention. The key is that you’re not trying to light every inch of your outdoor space. At night, it’s important to let some corners fall off. Then Find fixtures that can make that focal point glow.
Keep it Simple
Lighting a huge yard or long driveway presents it’s own set of unique challenges. There are countless architectural fixtures meant for marking pathways, uplighting facades or flood lighting driveways. The vast majority of the time these are unnecessary for the urban garden. Focus on creating a cozy spot for a glass of wine or a book and you’re lighting will help accentuate the beautiful urban oasis you’ve createdd.
