LIGHT OUTSIDE

Outdoor Lighting

I want more light outside. That long winter was dark, icy, cold. I worried about family and guests arriving for one of our Sunday night family suppers, our driveway is too dark. And the sidewalk that circles the house from the driveway to the door isn’t lit for navigating slippery sidewalks. For that matter, how welcoming is our front door?

My job as a Certified Lighting Specialist at Madison Lighting can actually work against me at times like this. So many choices!

There is the incredible mid-century modern house that we did a lighting plan for with its softly lit terrace at the front door. The key here is low LED lighting from more than one source. Carriage lights on either side of the front door are simply not enough. Should we add moonlighting? Maybe!

And there is the warm and welcoming Waunakee WI home. The garage carriage fixtures light the driveway without looking like an airport runway- soft light that is just enough to be comforting.

I love the effect of the path lights at the Middleton Hills home featured on our homepage right now. Nestled into the plants they lit the walk, but also sent little shadows of texture and nature into play.

Each home here has its distinct style, but they share an important trait: the right light outdoors. Living in Wisconsin we’re used to the cold winters, warm jackets and Uggs, we don’t leave home without our mittens and 4-wheel drive. We embrace it all with wonderful dinners and the laughter of family and friends. So my first task this year is to make sure that every evening is a welcoming one at our house.