Our new exterior lights got installed in the backyard, and I'd like to say that while the backyard ambiance is coming together quite beautifully, even with our newly installed lights it still feels kind of dark. I’m not sure we even have enough light in the backyard to have a party. (Check out our past backyard update to see what was recently wrapped up!)
Pool Chaises | Path Lights | Up Lights | Wall Lights | Trampoline
I kept thinking back to our Modern Cottage house because the backyard had so much light at night; I didn't understand what I was missing - until I finally remembered that at our last house, we had eaves on the exterior of the house, which added so much more light!
One day we will hopefully be adding eave lighting to this house too. And in the meantime, let's discuss the outdoor lights that were installed (so far 😉), shall we?
We had an electrician install path lights and small up lights which shine up on every other green giant tree and a few other prominent oak trees in the yard, and along the brick wall. The path lights we placed on either side of the brick stairs. And lining a few planter beds that follow a natural walkway.
Our in-ground trampoline came with an underground light kit that you can make all sorts of colors. In the fire pit area and on the edge of the counter in the outdoor kitchen, there’s small almost deck lights that add a lot of ambience to the area. And of course the pool. The pool can change colors which the girls have been enjoying. I think my favorite is the disco tech option. 😎
We also have three pendant lights getting installed on the outdoor kitchen (post coming soon!!), which should also help a bit. And since we don't have anywhere to hang string lights, I think we'll just have to add some eaves lights before hosting nighttime parties out here. But for now, with just our family, it's plenty bright enough to continue making memories after the sun has gone down.
Chris and I also love to entertain and host, so we put a lot of conscious effort into this backyard so we can create memories out here as a family along with our friends and loved ones.
We don't keep the lights on all night - we have a timer, so they automatically go off and on. But while we're out there, it will be nice to not worry as much about creatures sharing the space with us.
The other night we spent the evening out here as a family swimming and got to experience the lighting slowly coming on as the sun went down and even with everything not done, it was so magical!
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For special (not drunk, not teenager) parties, string up Japanese lanterns from the house eaves to the trees in the back and float a few in the pool as well. For more ordinary occasions, add a few round card tables with pretty skirts and lanterns in the center and string fairy lights along the back brick fence. You could host a luau or a tiki party and put out tiki torches. You can also buy tall shepherd's hooks and hang candle lanterns or paper lanterns or the fancy pierced Moroccan ones. If you want to go a bit more redneck (or an upscale version with prettier materials), take a large bucket, fill it with concrete, stick a tall pipe/bar/pole in it and let it set. Make sure that your upright is plumb and all that jazz. Repeat as many times as you like and now you have portable light hangers for tall lanterns or a net of fairy lights. Use a short pvc pipe with bolt holes instead and you can have one that comes apart to store nicely.
I think you mean "discotheque," not "disco tech."
Normally, yes. But the setting says disco tech
With all those big beautiful trees in the back of your lot I would hang the string lights on those. It would be mysteriously gorgeous and dramatic! 💚🖤
For a party I feel like the trees in the back would be beautiful lit up (large hanging pendants) and add some drama and interest.
it looks so beautifully moody just as it is....
If I had that beautiful forest as a backdrop for that gorgeous yard, I would, for sure, be installing mercury vapor "moon lighting" at the top of those trees.
I agree that more ambient lighting would be nice. Look into exterior floor lamps or illuminated tables (try Vibia or Foscarini). They will provide more diffuse lighting for people’s faces and tables and whimsical for events. I would also look into dimming your step lights and flood lights at the brick wall if you can. They are much brighter than the tree up lights and I think will help balance the brightness/contrast. Overall, looks beautiful, congrats!
The backyard is looking gorgeous. One thought is that the lights on the brick wall could be moved further away from the wall to give a bit more light that may be softer? Just a thought.
What about Lantern posts?
I love that idea!!
You need more artificial lights when you have many trees. That could also contribute to the darker atmosphere at night.
I have seen string lights attached to poles that were cemented into planters. It illuminates a particular area like around a patio dining area when there was no other option to attach them.
Love, love, love the ambiance! Maybe a few post lights incorporated in the yard could provide the overhead lighting you're missing. (like these: https://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/collections/carson-shepherds-hook-led-post-light/products/5a74e44dccf2f73fe63b455e)
It’s all so pretty! Can’t wait to see what eave lighting does to the overall. I thought this house is the Modern Colonial? Can’t remember what the prior house was called tho. Cottage?
Just wanted you to know that I think you mean green giant trees not giany... :)
It may be the camera, but the in-pool lighting seems very minimal. It should really be lit more brightly at night. And there should be lights all along the pool stairs. I would also suggest adding lights on each of the brick wall columns; either on top or along the side(s). And perhaps large outdoor lanterns placed alongside the pool. I love how the trees are lit. You could place string lights on a few trees...even the umbrellas, if they don't already have lights.
Just remember, the brighter the light...the more bugs to the pool...the more bats swooping down to interrupt your peace.