Elevate your evening view
SEE THE STARS, IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S CURB APPEAL AND PREVENT LIGHT POLLUTION WITH SMART LIGHTING SELECTIONS PHOTO PROVIDED
Enjoying time outdoors is a big part of the Lowcountry lifestyle, which puts a home’s exterior design on the priority list of most owners. Home exterior design can include recreational areas like outdoor lounges and kitchens or more simply, landscaping that is inviting and attractive. No matter how far you take your outdoor design, one thing is a necessity: good lighting. Decorative outdoor lighting provides more than just illumination. Since it is part of your home’s first impression, it should aesthetically complement the surrounding architecture. It should also be environmentally safe and resist weathering and corrosion. Outdoor lighting that meets these criteria is something you can enjoy and feel good about.
DARK SKY CERTIFIED
Founded by astronomers, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) aims to preserve and protect our night time environment through quality outdoor lighting. Poorly targeted, overly bright light and improperly shielded light contribute to what researchers call light pollution. The science indicates this not only prevents us from experiencing a night sky filled with stars, but can also lead to billions of dollars wasted in energy consumption as well as health risks due to overexposure to artificial light. To help guide the lighting industry, IDA has created a set of standards to prevent light pollution. These encourage a normal cycle of light and dark without harsh glare and light infiltration, which is better for our ecosystems. An increasing number of planned communities along the coast are including Dark Sky lighting solutions in their covenants to protect the reproductive cycles of sea turtles and other endangered animals.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Complementing the style of your home with lighting increases curb appeal. However, lighting that meets IDA guidelines while offering beautiful, aesthetic quality can be a little daunting to find. As the lighting industry becomes more educated on the benefits of IDA design, expect to
You can reduce the amount of light that penetrates the evening sky by installing lights that are shield protected and face downward, choosing warm light bulbs that mimic natural light, using energy efficient bulbs, and placing lights on a timer.
LONG LASTING DURABILITY
Outdoor lighting should be designed to last against the elements – especially in highly corrosive environments like coastal regions. Protection against UV light is necessary to keep your fixtures from fading and cracking, and materials that are resistant to humidity and salt air will guarantee a longer lasting product.
By looking for fixtures that meet these criteria, you can ensure that your outdoor evening experience is spectacular.
