Amazing Thing About A Houston Landscape Lighting

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Landscape Lights In Houston: Can They Enhance Plants Growth?

Clients are often worried about the effects that this lighting might have on their landscape plants. To have a better understanding of how these types of lighting can affect the plants, it is important to first understand how plants utilize light. Light affects plant growth through its quality (color or wavelength of the light spectrum), irradiance (intensity), and duration of lighting. The light that is visible to the naked eye normally ranges from 380 to 760 nanometers (nm) in the wavelengths. The wavelength of 380 nm is the color that we identify as violet, while the color we identify as red is the wavelength of 760 nm. The wavelengths in between appear as the colors of the rainbow, the light spectrum.

Light regulates a majority of plant processes. For instance, blue light and red light, which are in the 400-450 nm and 625-700nm wavelengths respectively, are necessary for photosynthesis to take place. Phototropism, which is the tendency of plants to grow towards the light source, happens in the blue wavelength while photoperiodism happens in the red wavelengths. Plants are classified into three groups depending on photoperiod responses; long-day, short-day, and day-neutral. Short-day plants form flower buds only when a day length is less than a certain number of hours. Short-day plants are preferably referred to as long-night plants. Long-day plants are the type of plants that flower only after being exposed to light for periods longer than a certain critical length. Long-day plants can be preferably referred to as short-night plants. When it comes to day-neutral plants, their flowering isn’t controlled by photoperiod. When short-day plants are exposed to light for 24-hours, they will continue their vegetative growth, however, their flowering will be inhibited. On the other hand, long-day plants the extended exposure to light will induce the plants to flower earlier and continue to grow vegetatively. Day-neutral plants will continue their vegetative growth. What many people worry about landscape lighting is that plants will continue their vegetative growth late in the season. Due to this delayed growth, the plants won’t have the chance to properly harden off before the winter season and can suffer serious winter injury.

Some of the most widely used types of lighting include high-pressure sodium, incandescent, mercury vapor, and metal halide. Five sources of light were compared and their impact on delaying the flowering of short-day plants, promoting the vegetative growth of woody plants, and enhancing the flowering of long-day plants. The light sources were ranked from the most effective (lights able to enhance vegetative growth) to the least effective:

  1.  Incandescent
  2.  High-pressure Sodium
  3.  Metal Halide
  4.  Cool White Fluorescent
  5.  Clear Mercury

From the results above, when it comes to landscape lighting, one would definitely want to say away from lights such as incandescent that enhance vegetative growth.

It is worth noting that incandescent lights emit all light wavelengths and they imitate natural sunlight. While Incandescent lighting is the cheapest light source, it is the most expensive to operate as it has a short lamp life and very low efficiency. Surprisingly, it is still the most sought-after kind of lighting for landscapes in residential properties. Metal Halide is a much more efficient type of lighting and has wavelengths in the blue-green-red region. Compared to mercury, it has better color emission, however, it isn’t as good as incandescent. Mercury vapor lamps produce light with wavelengths in the blue-green area which heightens the green color of plants. High-pressure sodium type of lighting is very efficient.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or contact us today if you need professional help with your landscape lighting. Feel free to visit our blog for more related topics and articles.

Choosing an Outdoor Light Fixture for Your House: Tips and Tricks

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Installing an outdoor light fixture adds curb appeal to your house, adds ambiance to your home, creates a unified look, and adds safety and security. Therefore, replace the dated, tired outdoor light fixtures with new ones. However, choosing an outdoor light fixture for your house is so stressful.

Here are things to consider when choosing an outdoor light fixture for your house and what is the best landscape lighting to match your taste.

1. Size

Do not select an undersized outdoor light fixture. It is important to install a fixture, which is the correct size for your house. Most people install an undersized fixture to save money. Measure the area where you want to install the fixture. Then, choose a light fixture that covers that area. Measuring the area makes it easier to choose the right light fixture.

2. Use LEDs

Fluorescent and incandescent bulbs are very bright. However, LED lights are much better for outdoor spaces. Why? They use less energy. They do not affect the skin. They can last for a long time. And it easy to find LED lights that offer the same illumination as traditional bulbs.

3. Style

You should consider the architecture of your house when choosing the style of the light fixture. Outdoor home lighting comes in different styles such as casual, traditional, Southwestern, rustic, contemporary, and many more. Have a colonial-style house? Choose a traditional outdoor light fixture. Choose a style that is consistent with your house.

4. Outdoor Entertainment

Do you entertain your guests outdoor? Choose a lighting fixture that gives a soft glow. Do not choose a fixture that gives a bright light. Install a subtle, indirect lighting fixture in your outdoor rooms. Because it creates a restful mood. Choose the right lighting fixture if you want your guests to have fun.

5. Durability

It is easy to assume that all outdoor lighting fixtures are durable. However, that is not the case. Because some light fixtures are designed for use where there is no rain. And other light fixtures are completely weatherproof. If you are installing your outdoor lighting fixture, choose a durable light fixture, which is not affected by the weather.

6. UL Damp Rating

It is perfect for covering outdoor areas, which do not have direct exposure to rain, water, or snow. It handles moisture and damp areas. Therefore, it is perfect for outdoor rooms. If you have an outdoor kitchen, this is the perfect light fixture for your kitchen.

7. UL Wet Rating

It handles intense rain, ice, and snow. It also handles harsh, salty breezes from the ocean. It is a perfect outdoor light fixture because it is not affected by the rain. You can easily place it on an exposed deck and you will never have to worry about it. It works in any weather condition.

8. Security

Outdoor light fixtures provide ambiance. And they secure your house. Therefore, install a lighting fixture on all entry points of your house. Install a fixture, which illuminates your windows, side doors, and garage. If there are shadows around your house, install a lighting fixture that illuminates these shadows. If you are on a budget ask first how much does it cost for landscape lighting so you can prepare ahead of time.

9. Wattage

Most outdoor light fixtures are used after dark. Therefore, they consume energy for the whole night. That is why it is important to choose wattage, which fits your unique needs. If you are going to use your light fixtures for security purposes, choose a higher wattage bulb. If you are only using them to decorate your house, choose a lower wattage bulb.

10. Frosted Glass

Most people love clear glass for their outdoor lighting fixtures. However, frosted glass is a much better option because it uses a lower-wattage bulb, amplifies light, and saves energy. Also, it does not need regular cleaning because the frosting effect hides dust. Lastly, it reduces glare.

11. Local Requirements

Last, but not least, consider the local requirements before choosing an outdoor light fixture for your house. In some areas, you are not allowed to install any outdoor light fixtures you want. Therefore, it is important to check the regulations of your area before buying a light fixture.

These are what to consider when choosing an outdoor light fixture for your house. Now you know what are the best outdoor lights, choose a durable light fixture made of frosted glass because it reduces glare. And LEDs are perfect because they consume less energy and they can last for a long time.

Visit our blog to discover more tips and tricks. Call or contact us today for more information!

How Much Does it Cost for Landscape Lighting?

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In Houston, landscape lighting design can bring quite great features to your landscaping. Elegance might be what you’re looking for, but safety and security are certain things to look forward to as well. Lighting can accent fountains, trees, and even shrubs so the whole yard looks great, but pathway lighting and motion-activated illumination also mean your whole yard is safer for everyone. Given all this, it’s no wonder that you’re thinking about installing landscape lighting, although you’re also likely very curious about how much such an installation is going to set you back.

Things do vary based on your local market and the specific project that you have in mind. However, the average price across the national market for landscape lighting in 2020 is approximately $2,500.

While that’s the average price, you should note that the usual price range starts around $1,000 and up, with most projects landing between there and $5,000. Nearly all projects have a minimum of around $500, with maximum price points topping out at $10,000.

Another way to break it down is by the average price for each light that you want to put in. They typically cost $320 for each light.

The cost of $320 per light can be brought down some with volume savings, especially considering how each extra light usually spreads the labor costs out even further. A very typical lighting system uses a dozen lights, topping out at $2,500. Choosing an outdoor light fixture for your house can be stressful you need to pick the right piece since it’s quite pricy.

Design costs are something to factor in, as well. Landscape lighting designers usually charge from $200 up to $500 to come up with a detailed plan and illustrations for either your DIY guidance or contractor use. Professional designers know where to best locate your fixtures for an amazing aesthetic once the project is done.

If you’re adding lights at the same time you’re doing new landscaping, it can cost less for the lights. This is because you can add lights without having to worry about anyone needing to repair your landscaping once the installation is done. Also, labor can be even cheaper since contractors save time. It helps when they don’t have to do any digging around obstacles to bury conduit.

Of course, adding lighting to your existing landscape is always a possibility. However, the project is likely to involve more work and getting your landscape back into shape. Both factors add to the costs. Ask first what are the best outdoor lights before investing.

The kind of bulbs or lights you choose also come into play into the cost considerations. Halogen lights might appeal to you initially since their starting price points are lower than LED fixtures. However, halogens need to get changed annually, so there is more upkeep over time.

Many contractors prefer high-caliber LED lights inside metal fixtures, given how they last longer and can have longer warranties. Consider the power savings of LED bulbs to save money over time. They draw far less juice than halogens, and they also last a lot longer.

An LED bulb can burn anywhere from 35,000 up to 50,000 hours. With 12 hours of daily use, every day of the year, that’s only 4,380 hours per year. That means LED bulbs can last a decade or more, compared to changing halogens every 12 months or so.

As mentioned earlier, how many lights you pick substantially determines the overall system cost. As a general rule of thumb, seven up to 10 lights will put you in the $2,000 up to $3,250 range, whereas a system with 20 or two dozen lights is more likely to start at $4,000. You need to know what is the best landscape lighting that would fit your needs so you won’t waste your money.

Your lighting system is likely to need a transformer, where 110 or 120-volt power is converted to 12VDC. The farther your lights are from this transformer, the dimmer they are going to be. An extra or bigger transformer can address this, but many homeowners also opt for the ‘natural’ look of lights being brighter the closer they are to the actual home. Transformers typically run several hundred dollars apiece.

One way you might be able to save money on the upkeep and recurring costs of your system is to use solar-powered lights. However, they might not shine all night, and you need to keep them out of shade so they can charge up enough.

Visit our blog to discover more tips and tricks. Call or contact us today for more information!

What Is The Best Landscape Lighting and it’s Different Types

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Residential exterior lighting can turn a basic landscape into a masterpiece that everyone marvels at. However, lighting up your landscape of choice, be it your backyard, front yard, or outdoor garden, can be a daunting task especially if you have never done this kind of work before. But, there is no reason to fear or panic as this does not have to be the case. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best landscape lighting for your property. We’ll highlight different types of landscape lighting setups and how you can use them to give your landscape a total makeover.

Landscape Lighting 101

The first lesson you need to learn about landscape lighting aside from knowing what are the best outdoor lights is that in many cases, less is more. This means that you can essentially light up everything you want without investing in tons of lights that will cause your power bill to skyrocket. Simply put, don’t wash your yard out with lights while trying to spice it up. This will only make it look work. You need to play around with both the light and the dark. This is how shadows take form and things that were otherwise hidden come into the light. A well-lit landscape can help you create a sense of comfort, security, and tranquility in your property.

What To Light and What Not To Light

When playing around with the light and the dark, you’ll need to figure out what to light in your yard and what not to light. Choosing an outdoor light fixture for your house is not easy. To achieve this, you’ll first need to identify specific features in your landscape that you like. It can be anything from a pond to a particular tree. You can use lights to highlight these features and sought to show them off. You can add intrigue to sections of your landscape that are often ignored or avoided. This section can be anything from a simple stone wall to a dull footpath. Highlight these sections can give them an entirely new personality especially at night.

Another factor you should consider is functionality. Certain parts of your landscape may need to be lit for purely functional reasons. These can be areas such as staircases, and footpaths. You’ll need to be able to see these things at night to be able to conveniently move about your yard at night. Also, entryways and exits should be adequately lit yo allow guests and family members to safely and conveniently access your home. You can create a warm and welcoming mood in your property by simply using certain types of landscape lights on your entryways and exits.

Types of Landscape Lighting

Now that you have established what you want to light up, the next step is choosing the specific type of lights you will use. Below are various types of lighting fixtures you can use for landscape lighting.

Path Lights

Probably the most popular type of landscape lighting, path lights are small light posts that are spread out along a footpath to illuminate the walkway. These lights can also be used to frame out space or feature in your landscape. They can also be configured around a pool or along a driveway.

Up Lighting

This is a lighting setup that’s commonly used together with trees and other tall structures to create drama. You can use this type of landscape lighting to highlight large and exotic trees in your compounds.

Silhouette Lighting

Silhouette lights give an amazing effect for highlighting features that are otherwise hidden during the day. You only need to place these lights behinds the objects or features you want to highlight and boom, they will become visible for all to see.

Shadow Lighting

This type of lighting is the opposite of silhouette lighting. Here, the lights are placed in front of the object or feature that you want to highlight. For this lighting setup, you will need to have a flat surface such as a wall behind the object being illuminated so that proper shadows can be formed.

Moon Lighting

This is a special type of landscape lighting that can transform your yard. The light source is usually positioned high up in trees while aimed downwards. The light washes down the branches and illuminates the ground below.

Now you have a few ideas of some landscape lighting options you can use to spice up your yard. You can now go forth and transform your landscape into a masterpiece. You can look around to visit stores and ask how much does it cost for landscape lighting.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

What are the Best Outdoor Lights for your Home?

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Choosing an outdoor light fixture for your house serves an important function. Without them, we would not be able to see at night. The blessing of modern technology has made us able to use something more reliable than fire. Outdoor light is about more than providing us with a way to see at night. These lights make for excellent decorations. They can also enhance the decorations you already have. To be sure that lighting is the best it can be in your yard, it’s important to do your research. The taste you have may be different from someone who told you about a great option for yard lighting by word of mouth.

The functions that outdoor lighting serve are endless. They help us park in our driveway without running over our mailbox. They highlight beautiful trees and flower beds that otherwise wouldn’t be seen at night. These beautiful decorations make every yard perfect. To understand how they can enhance your yard, it’s important to know what you’re going to use them for. Do you have a stone path? Many homeowners are buying outdoor lights to make it possible to step on the stones and not the grass at night. It is important to know what is the best landscape lighting. Here are the 5 best outdoor lights you can find in-store or on the internet:

Muse Outdoor Lamp Battery Powered

This lamp provides more than light, it is also a beautiful decoration. With the modern and artsy look of its X design, it is sure to look excellent on the side of any swimming pool. The handle on the lamp makes this light extremely easy to transport. They provide a dim light, so they may not be the best option if you need high lighting in the area. While they are referred to as a table lamp by the company, they are certainly big enough to be put on the ground.

Halley Floor To Floor Lamp

This lamp is designed to look like an arch. It is perfect to go over a chair or a hammock. Those who would like to read a book in their backyard at night need adequate lighting to do so. This light goes straight over the chair and makes it possible to see the pages. This light is also perfect to go over seating arrangements. Beautiful lights are completely necessary at a wedding reception. The Halley Floor light provides it perfectly. Look for light companies in Houston as they will help you if you need any assistance with the lightings.

Daylight Table Lamp

This is a chandelier lamp. No one would have ever thought it possible to have one of these in the backyard. It’s so beautiful to look at you almost don’t care about its function; however, it provides enough light for any guest to be able to see their plates. It also creates an enchanting look when it is put in the middle of the yard for decoration. An elegant rose garden couldn’t possibly have a better mate than this outdoor light. While it may seem delicate, it is almost completely weather resistant. Only extreme weather conditions can harm this light.

So Fresh Led

At great parties, there is always wine. Too bad it’s so hard to see the bottle in the dark. This light is perfect for parties were adult drinks are served. The led light is a wine holder. You will be sure to delight all the guests who are 21 and older with this beautiful way to display it.

#5 Point Led

This light is perfect to place along pathways. It is a small light that is put on the ground. It looks sort of like a mini hill. It is battery powered, so cords aren’t necessary. The lights can be placed along the stone path to make it possible to see the stones while you’re walking down it. It also has a color-changing feature as most led lights do. You can pick out the color that suits your path the best. It also helps as you won’t get bored.

Which To Choose?

If you’re worrying how much does it cost for landscape lighting you should canvass first to see what fits best for you. All of these are excellent lights. As you can see, they all serve different purposes. Pick the one that’s right for you and go with it. These lights are more than just functional, they’re incredibly aesthetically pleasing. You’ll love the look and your guests will too.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Why Is A Houston Lighting Design Important?

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The Importance Of Lighting Design In Houston

Light can be a very powerful tool when used right. If used carefully, it can truly enhance any constructed environment. It does this through interplay on many different levels. They include how light interplays with space, form, surfaces, texture, color, and perhaps most crucially, people. An effective lighting scheme can be used first to enhance a space, and even later to reinterpret one. Specific uses of effective lighting include improving wellness, offering drama, dictating ambiance, improving productivity, and even supporting brand values. A deliberately crafted lighting scheme can enhance even the most boring and tedious spaces. For all its power, what exactly is lighting design then?

Behold The Artistry

Seeing as how science is always something that gets simply borrowed, it’s imagination that proves more crucial than anything else. The best lighting specialists let creative ideas push their design process. Only after we have come up with a vivid vision for a certain environment, space or building do we start thinking about the practical implications involved in actually achieving it. Our process typically happens as a collaborative result of many suggestions, concepts, and ideas coming together in a beautiful mental melting pot. When the creativity of many come together, it paves the way for the comprehensive design narrative or broader project philosophy.

Witness The Scientific Side

It’s crucial to also comprehend how lighting works, in particular with the reactions it has with various surfaces. A good lighting designer has a thorough understanding of the scientific side of this, as well as certain technical properties related to both artificial and natural light. This comprehension and knowledge go a long way in establishing the definition of a design solution.

Trust The Technology

Artificial lighting is something that has shown substantial progress in the last 10 years, particularly in terms of LEDs. Light-emitting diodes have come a long way in terms of technological development and mass production. LEDs are certainly going to be around for a while, but that’s not to say other kinds of lamps and technologies aren’t also useful. Lighting designers are adept at staying current with these developments, as an industry necessity, if they are going to keep manifesting desired effects using the field’s most cost-efficient options available at the time of any project.

Regardless of what a particular project is going to be, great lighting schemes are a result of a lighting designer that is a master of their medium, since they can meld technology, science, and artistry into one impressive package.

We Are The Best In The Local Landscape Lighting Industry

We bring decades of landscape lighting experience to the table. Our outdoor lighting company is both licensed and insured, and our friendly commercial and residential lighting teams work directly with you to come up with customized lighting schemes you can afford, meet your needs, and are visually appealing. We handle every job with the same professional and reputable care as any other. Trust us to turn something rudimentary into something extraordinary.

For a free estimate, answers to questions, or just to learn the possible options, contact our outdoor lighting experts right away or call us at (713)861-2000!

Metals For Houston Outdoor Lighting Use: Which Will You Prefer?

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Which Metal Is The Most Durable Outdoors?

When buying outdoor lighting it is crucial is to consider and weigh the properties of various metal options. Many people prioritize the appearance of the fixture and the light source but do not place much emphasis on the type of metal utilized.

Aluminum Outdoor Lighting

Although they are quite cheap aluminum fixtures are ranked lowest in quality among metals for outdoor lighting. They do not last for long in the outdoors. As time progresses, the aluminum gets oxidized and the paint begins to fade. Also, aluminum corrodes around salt hence it is not a good fit for outdoor lighting applications around coastal regions. However, aluminum fixtures’ life can be prolonged by powder coating which seals the aluminum.

Stainless Steel Outdoor Lighting

Stainless Steel reflects in the sun hence it is a good solution in modern applications. It has to be cleaned routinely to maintain its beauty and to prevent it from corroding. Stainless steel is guarded against rust by a coat of chromium oxide which can be weakened by dirt, debris, and sand. Outdoor stainless steel lighting installations need regular cleaning to preserve the chromium oxide layer to avert corrosion.

Brass Outdoor Lighting

Brass is an alloy that combines both zinc and copper producing a hard metal that is resilient in all conditions. Brass fixtures are highly durable and last for long periods. With time and as it is subjected to various elements brass will gradually turn darker or “patina” though it does not corrode making it an excellent choice for landscape and outdoor lighting. Brass fixtures perform remarkably well in coastal environments. Due to their durability and superior quality brass fixtures are priced at a premium to some of the alternative metals used for outdoor lighting.

Copper Outdoor Lighting

Copper is also an outstanding quality choice for lighting in the outdoors. However, it is not as solid as brass. To create a superior hybrid option that merges the beauty of copper and the durability of the brass some manufacturers coat brass fixtures with copper. Copper also darkens as it is gets exposed to various elements over time. One disadvantage of copper is that it is prone to theft since it is a valuable metal. As copper reserves diminish throughout the globe and prices increase due to demand this problem will only get worse.

Vivex Outdoor Lighting

Vivex, the ground-breaking material for outdoor lighting from Maxim Lighting is a higher quality option to polyurethane resin options commonly utilized in outdoor lighting. Vivex isn’t a resin. It is a one of a kind fabricated blend of latex composite that provides longevity and ground marble for strengthening fused using an ATP adhesive. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is an adhesive whose quality has been checked at low temperatures in the range of -20°F as well as at extremely high temperatures exceeding 130°F. This material can cope even under higher temperatures and is also biodegradable and fire retardant. It is a great option for outdoor lighting fixtures in coastal areas since the material lasts for many years while still preserving its look.

To find out more, give us a call or contact us today. Please feel free to visit our blog for more related topics and articles.

Switching From Halogen To LED – Outdoor Lighting Tips From Robert Huff

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From Halogen To LED – Making The Switch

Just like many industries, there is a lot of changes we have witnessed within the lighting industry. In today’s market, efficiency is king, especially when it comes to newer technologies. For example, an outdoor lighting system that was installed years ago may be an old technology or even outdated compared to the standard of technology these days.
Halogen bulb is a good example of a technology that used to dominate the lighting industry in the past. However, a few years ago, LED technology began to take over; to a point where they are the current industry standard. LED has become the number one choice for outdoor lighting designers. 

 Why LED technology over Halogen? Well, LEDs offer many benefits which include:

  • Low Energy consumption
  • Low heat
  • Durable
  • Easy to replace
  • Does not attract insects
  • Affordable or cost-effective
  • Brighter light
Since we are living in an era of YouTube videos, Pinterest, HGTV, and others; we often want to get our hands dirty with DIY projects at home. Many do prefer doing DIY projects whether they are small like painting one room or large jobs such as redoing the kitchen cabinets. This is because there are thousands of tutorial videos available online today and it seems like an affordable method.

However, the million-dollar question is; Are DIY projects the right and best decision in the long run?

This is a highly debated question! Nonetheless, it all depends on what you are looking for in terms of longevity. For example, installing an outdoor landscape lighting system within your property is a long-term investment, if done correctly. It increases the appeal of a home and most importantly increases security around your property. Furthermore, there are many reasons why in this case, you should really seek the services of a professional
With the help of our lighting designers, we will help you create a layout for your outdoor lighting while taking all details into consideration. Our experts will spend time communicating with you so as to understand your vision or goal of proper outdoor lighting, asses the environment, and then come up with ways to enhance your property through effective lighting. Because we are professionals in the field, we will discuss lighting options such as types of fixtures, lighting temperature, and space needed. 
It is important to note that there are a variety of lighting fixtures in different stores or hardware near you. However, the range of lighting fixtures available to you is limited compared to what we can access. On the other hand, commercial lighting supplies generally have a longer warranty and available in better quality. In a nutshell, we have the knowledge needed to make the whole project a success for you. In other words, we understand electrical systems, wattage needed, and the permits needed to complete the installation. 
Of course, hiring a professional will generally cost you more compared to DIY projects. However, you have nothing to worry when it comes to our services. This is because we work with our client’s budgets. We also save time on a project as well as help you avoid all those costly repairs. 
Outdoor home lighting is a practical home project, with companies needing the technical aspect of it. With our LED landscape lighting services, you will get the best from the rest at an affordable price.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Outdoor Kitchen Lighting That’s Worth A Look!

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Outdoor Lighting Techniques For Your Kitchen Worth Implementing This Summer

Summers are always the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors during the day and night. As the days get longer and nights warmer, you need to gear yourself up to make the most of the perfect outdoor weather. The outdoor living areas and kitchen become the ideal areas for spending time with family and friends. They become a much-welcomed break from the indoor spaces.

The sun is in plenty during the summer, but that does not mean that your outdoor lighting should be limited to this natural, abundant source of natural light. Consider injecting some landscape lighting to ensure that the outdoor fun you have during the day extends well into the night. Below are a few techniques of achieving this that are worth considering.

1. Hardscape lighting for grills
Having the grill going in the dark as you try and make your famous BBQ is somewhat frustrating. You do not have a clear view of the food you are preparing when grilling in the dark. As such, you are prone to serve a meal that is overcooked or undercooked. It would be disheartening to have spent a lot of time preparing the BBQ only to undercook or overcook it because you do not have adequate lighting.

With hardscape LED strips and spotlights can ensure that you illuminate your grilling area. You can install the lights above the grill so that you have ample lights. It ensures that you do not cast a show of the grill when using the elevated spotlights that are illuminating the grilling area.

2. Downlights for work areas
The LED lights may not suffice if you have a full outdoor kitchen. Such a space means that you have ample room to prepare your food outside the house. However, this can be hard to do if you are in the dark. Given that the area is bigger than the grilling area, you will need to illuminate it using downlights. With the light produced by these bulbs, you will not overdo the seasoning or fail to see every step of what you are doing. You can opt to use the white-light downlights or decide to work the accent lighting variety that helps add some flair to the outdoor space at night.

3. Deck lights for the eating area
You may not need too much light to see where your mouth is, but eating in the dark is no fun. If you have a decking that serves as the outdoor eating area, then you should ensure that it’s adequately lit. Consider enhancing the ambient lighting of the bulbs that are illuminating the kitchen or grill area but installing deck lights. These should produce a soft glow so that people can see where they are sitting, walking, and what they eat. With a deck in place, the options of how to spend the summer nights in the outdoors at home are plenty.

4. Fire pit to eat around
A fit pit is an excellent addition to your backyard if you love cooking outside. Such an installation will be perfect for enjoying those summer cookouts and also come in handy as the month’s transition into the colder seasons. As such, you will not have to dread the chilling temperatures if you have a fire pit in your yard. It can be the “wind down” zone after enjoying a hearty meal. The fire pit can help transition into dessert as guys cuddle up close and get warm and cozy around the fire. The fire also doubles up as a source of light is perfect for setting the right summer night mood.

5. Spotlights for the surrounding areas
Your backyard area is not limited to where you cook and eat; you also need to consider the other areas. The lawn, flowers, shrubs, and trees are all integral to having a beautiful garden where people love to spend their time during the summers. As such, they also need to share in the spotlight. Show them off by using spotlights and downlights that can be set in a way that they illuminate certain garden features and plants at different angles. So, if you have water features or a unique plant in your yard, then allow it to be the pride of outdoor space.

 If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!

Residential Outdoor Lighting in Houston

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When You’re Looking To Get Houston Residential Outdoor Lighting: Here Are A Few Of The Many Services We Provide

If you have spent any time looking for high-quality light ideas, then you know how hard it can be to find what you want at an affordable price. You also know how challenging it can be to figure out what will work best for you situation and needs. Here are some ideas for working with residential outdoor lighting in Houston:

The Front Door

The point of entry for any home is generally the front door. This area needs proper lighting in order to create a welcoming place for friends and family to gather and enter your home. The right fixture can make or break the way people look at your home. Fixtures can be placed at either side of the door or hung over the entryway.

Garage Doors

This is commonly noted as the second entry point for most homes. Matching fixtures that coincide with the front entryway lights help highlight the area and market it as an entry point. Lighting is generally a bit more subdued than the front door lighting but it still must be bright enough to provide a safe entry point.

Post Lanterns

This style of lighting is best used along walkways, driveways, and to provide light around patios and decks. They can be large or small and come in an array of bulb type style design, and light intensity and color. They are a popular option for residential outdoor lighting in Houston because of their versatility.

LED Lights

The revolutionary new bulb known as LED has changed the way people look at home lighting. LED is cool to the touch, long-lasting, versatile, and perfect for outdoor lighting usage. They are wonderful to use in outdoor landscapes with directional lighting to highlight plant and hardscape features.

There are plenty of amazing options available when it comes to residential outdoor lighting in Houston. Let your imagination go and find the lights, fixtures, and bubs that best fit your wants and needs.

Call or contact Robert Huff Illumination & Outdoor Lighting today for more information!