Page 183 - Australian House & Garden (January 2020)

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he right lighting can transform your outdoor area
after dark, adding magic to the garden, extending
your living space and boosting safety. “A well-
T planned lighting scheme encourages you to spend
more time outdoors and if you have windows looking out
onto the garden, it can draw the garden into your living
areas,” says Adele Locke, professional lighting designer
and director of Mint Lighting. “This is especially useful 8
in an urban environment where space is at a premium,”
adds Alexandra Donohoe Church, interior designer and
founder of Decus Interiors.

“The secret to a great outdoor lighting scheme is combining 3
a range of light sources,” says Josh Densten, home-renovation
expert and HPM ambassador. “A mix of up- and downlights,
bollard lights and garden spotlights brightens your home’s
exterior and highlights the garden’s best features.”
The key is to not overdo it. “You don’t need to light the 4
whole garden,” says Locke. “Instead, use light to showcase
7

“ Lighting areas of the garden you can see from inside

creates a lovely view year round.” Celina Clarke, ISM Objects

the elements you love, whether it’s a beautiful water feature,
an architectural highlight or a striking plant. You want the
space to feel inviting and intriguing.” And keep light levels
soft: “We usually won’t go higher than five or six watts per
fitting; sometimes we use two or three watts,” adds Locke.
If you’re looking to conceal light fittings, choose a colour
and finish that blends in well with foliage. “I always suggest 5
black or dark grey lights in a matt finish so as not to reflect
the light,” says Locke. 6
Backlighting plants is one of Locke’s favourite techniques.

“It’s a wonderful way to create silhouettes and shadows.”
She also favours wall lights that highlight texture on walls, BRIGHT IDEAS
Josh Densten, former The Block contestant, home renovation
invisible ground lights to illuminate a pathway, and bouncing
expert and HPM ambassador, shares his outdoor lighting tips.
small amounts of controlled light across the surface of water ✚ Pathways Use bollard or bunker lights to highlight walkways
to create sun-like ripples. and uneven surfaces. They’ll also give your pavers a nice glow.
Safety lighting is another outdoor essential, says Denise ✚ Steps Lights within the steps can look stylish and help visitors
Hammond, product specialist at Beacon Lighting. > move safely to the entrance of your home at night. To make
a feature of step lights, place them on every second step.
1 Ripple aluminium pendant light (use undercover), $770, Ilanel. ✚ Front door Lighting the area around your front door helps
2 Lucci LEDlux Lorne plastic pendant light (use undercover), $299, guests find their way safely and creates a welcoming tone.
Beacon Lighting. 3 Decorative Round solar wall light, $27.90/two, For maximum convenience and a clean, contemporary
Hoselink. 4 HPM stainless-steel LED garden spike, $41.20, Bunnings. look, consider installing a recessed ceiling sensor light.
5 Ethimo Lucerna brass-plated aluminium lantern, $1680, Fanuli. ✚ Architectural features Opt for up-, down- or up/down lights
6 Light Up frosted-glass lantern, $64, Pottery Barn. 7 Hay PC to highlight architectural features such as columns.
Portable plastic LED table lamp, $160, Cult. 8 Wink aluminium ✚ Driveway Floodlights on a timer are ideal for illuminating
LED table lamp (not waterproof), $462, ISM Objects. large areas such as driveways and the side of the house.

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