Lighting. It can make or break the atmosphere of a room. It can also be one of the cheaper fixes in staging and redecorating, following painting, depending on how simple or complex of a change you are looking to make. Since the weather is finally beginning to get nicer, let's start with patio lighting.
The key to outdoor lighting, is to keep it subtle. Nothing too jarring. You don't want to take away the feel of being
outdoors.So, think more sparkling starlight than crude flourecsent. I love lit walkways. Not only are they practical,
they can be stunning if done right. Crackle glass lantern stakes can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot
(and sometimes even at the Dollar Store).
Another new trend is light up pebbles that can be placed on a gravel walkway or driveway before a party,
in order to give a Mid-Summer Night's Dream feel to a gathering. Target sells really cute patio stringed lighting.
I love the round lightbulb look, as pictured above. Very simple, and yet beautiful. Bed Bath and Beyond, and many
other stores, sell lights that snap onto the inside of your patio table's umbrella. Coordinate the shade of this lighting
with your string lights so that your lighting sources flow, throughout your yard.
Stick with an amber glow. You can also buy lanterns and use flameless candles, if kids are running around.
The Aldi's in my area has a special on these this week for $7.99! Light up functional areas, such as the dining area,
above the grill, and walkways, and you will be well on your way to lighting without overkill! The picture below features a
cute and cheap DIY way to light up your yard using your fence to hold the lighting. You could set your grill and outdoor
cooking area or bar station up, along the candlelit fence for some unique and practical lighting.
Check back next week for Part Two of our lighting posts, which will share my interior lighting tips!
