Lighting is only one of the things you can use to create your fantasy outdoor spaces
Although NightScenes does not profess to be experts at outdoor living design, we have some experience working in and around some of the finest outdoor spaces in central Texas. Some backyards are nice and simple, while others are simply amazing. As an observer, we’ve seen a few trends that can build a fantasy island right at home.
By far, the addition we’ve seen most is the deck or patio. Many folks are extending that living room feeling into the outdoor spaces. A deck becomes an extension of the gathering place for friends and family. Some homeowners furnish their decks fully and sumptuously with couches and plush chairs, while others may feature much more casual seating using more child and pet friendly fabrics to accommodate their activities preferences.
Once the patio/deck is in place, how hard would it be to add a fire pit or even a fireplace? I’ve noticed that outdoor fireplaces are huge here in central Texas. Everyone loves the look, smell and sound of a crackling fire in a fireplace, but it’s just too hot to have a roaring fire inside during the mild Texas winters. So you group that outdoor living furniture in front of that beautifully constructed outside stone fireplace, right?
You know it’s true that Texans have long loved to cook outdoors. So it should be no surprise that outdoor kitchens have also become enormously popular here. We’ve seen everything from simple charcoal grills to a full blown array of built-in charcoal and gas grills combined with ice machine, wine cooler, sink, bar, prep area and beer fridge! You can tell the master grillers for sure, because their outdoor spaces for cooking are larger and better outfitted than the inside kitchen! Texans are also big sports fans, so most outdoor entertainment areas are including a large screen TV out there to watch golf and big games while enjoying a cold refreshing beverage.
So now you and your family and friends are outside in the sunshine and – wow – it’s getting HOT! Nothing cools you faster than a swimming pool! Some may want a simple rectangle, while others may build a pool that looks like a pond in their yard with a refreshing waterfall pouring into it. It could even have a swim-up bar! Honestly, some of the backyards we have had the privilege to work in look like resorts!
All these fabulous outdoor amenities have to be surrounded by truly amazing landscaping to add to that tropical resort look. Beautiful and colorful Texas native plants like mountain laurels, crape myrtles, oak trees, and many more will keep the maintenance down to a minimum. With all of this functional luxury outside, why would anyone ever go inside?
Can’t you just picture it? When you have created this fantastic oasis for yourself, it’s a cinch that you will be spending a LOT more time out there. Probably even after dark, right? You might even enjoy just looking at that magical space from inside after dark – just to keep soaking in that vacation feel.
But you won’t see a thing if you don’t have some nice lighting out there!
No matter how beautiful it is, it would be a pretty scary place after dark without some landscape lighting to make the space feel safe, warm and welcoming. I would venture to say that without outdoor lighting, you won’t want to be out there after dark at all – and that would be a downright shame. The enhancement of landscape lighting can be anywhere from just the minimum amount needed to see where you’re going, to an elaborate zone-controlled system that can be operated and changed using an app on your smartphone. These days you can even change the color of the lights from your phone. The lighting itself should never be a harsh focal point, but should gently highlight the environment you have created in your outdoor space to add to its beauty and warmth.
One final touch might be to add an outdoor sound system that allows you to hear your favorite music from anywhere in your space without being a nuisance in the neighborhood. A well designed outdoor sound system would mean that you don’t have to blast the folks on the patio (or down the street) so you can hear the music at the pool!
Got your creative juices flowing? The best entertainment seasons are coming up: Spring, summer and fall. I know you’re ready and excited about planning that outdoor living space; but do me a favor, don’t forget the lighting because you’ll want to spend a LOT of time out there, even after dark!
We might not be able to build this whole outdoor living space for you but we do know people who can. And, of course, we CAN take care of the lighting and sound system. Contact us here.
