We are so blessed to live in a part of the country with such a vast diversity of landscape. We have rugged ranch land full of cactus, scrub and rocks; as well as lush estate properties with manicured formal landscapes and lots of different styles in between. These differences give us the opportunity to get creative in our lighting designs.
Over the years we have worked on projects with an equally wide variety of styles, from very contemporary to quite rustic. A few times we’ve even had rustic contemporary – if you can imagine that! Right now we are working on a large ranch project near Kingsland, and also a very nice, well-landscaped project in Georgetown, Texas – two enormously different types of landscapes within 50 miles of each other.
One of these plans required us to design a custom fixture which is contemporary in design but has a very rustic look with a natural rust finish. On the other property, the homeowner is looking at using some very contemporary fixtures that in no way could be confused with rustic.
But it’s not all about the lighting fixtures. There are also the landscape plantings that can differ widely, and sometimes those variances can happen on the same project. Central Texas is fortunate to be in a planting zone which can sustain palm trees, cactus, hibiscus, roses, wild flowers, hollies, Italian and Arizona Cypress trees, and much more. With this extensive assortment of plant life comes some pretty inspired landscape design and some even more creative lighting possibilities.
The imaginative minds of landscape designers and landscape architects allow us to also be artistic with different light intensities, beam spreads and even color. We might want to use a very wide wash light on a short wide plant, while using a very narrow beam to accent a tall, thin Italian Cypress tree. An Arizona cypress tree may look great with a whiter light to bring out the depth of its blue-green color. Then again, a warmer color light will really allow the bright yellow of an Esperanza plant to pop in the landscape.
Yes, we are very fortunate to live in the beautiful Austin and hill country area of central Texas, and it gives us an exciting new backdrop to work in every day. We like to think of ourselves as artists who paint with light — and we sure do love the canvas that our Creator has provided us here in the heart of Texas.
We would love to look at your special landscape and see how we can bring out the best of what it has to offer. Please contact us here to set up an appointment.
