Lighting Lowdown
A quick look at the most stylish trends in exterior lighting design:
Utilize fixture families. With more opportunities for architectural and landscape lighting—around the entry door and garage door, next to the deck, post lights and path lights, and more—consumers are looking for families of fixtures that will provide a cohesive look around the house, says Kichler’s Jeffrey Dross. Think big. As interior ceiling heights grow to 9 to 12 feet, the exterior of the home is growing, too, and that 8-inch coach light isn’t going to cut it anymore, Dross says. “You need taller fixtures to fill that vertical space.” Try earth tones. Warm brown, bronze, and earth colors are all the rage in exterior fixtures, pros say. Black, followed by pewter and brushed nickel, are the next most requested. Keep it down. Originally started by astronomers, the Dark Sky movement advocates that more light is not better; better light is better. Make sure your clients’ lights aren’t shining into the night sky (or a neighbor’s window), and use timer or motion-sensor devices so the light is only on when it’s needed. Luraline. The Helos collection features a versatile, modern design enhanced by durability and energy efficiency, according to the manufacturer. The collection is offered in pendant, ceiling, wall, and post-mount configurations with a choice of incandescent, compact fluorescent, or high-intensity discharge lamping. The product (pictured in faceted silver) is available in the manufacturer’s full palette of finishes, as well as custom colors. 800.940.6588. www.luraline.com. This article first appeared in BUILDING PRODUCTS magazine.
