Projects Outside Our Normal Service Area

At Southern Lights, we offer top quality landscape lighting services for North Carolina’s Triad. But we often get calls from folks asking, “Will you come out to my house to do outdoor lighting? Am I in your service area?” The answer is probably “yes!” In 30 minutes we can be in Southern Virginia. And some places that aren’t considered part …

What are the Most Important Elements of Outdoor Lighting?

There are many elements to outdoor lighting, but it all boils down to a trio of interconnected elements- design, components and installation. Design Design is how we achieve the desired results and make it look gorgeous! Good lighting design uses foundational principles, for sure, but does not get locked into a cookie-cutter approach where each home gets the same treatment …

What is Lighting Layering?

What is “Light Layering?” How do you layer lighting? With lighting, one size/style/fixture does not do it all. Different needs have different requirements, and lighting has an amazing ability to create a mood and atmosphere with the proper design. What are the components to Lighting Layering? Let’s take a look…. Ambient Lighting Ambient Lighting is your universal, general purpose lighting …

What is the Best Outdoor Lighting Fixture?

Outdoor lighting today has so many options—how do I decide what the right fixture is? There is no one fixture which does it all, that’s for sure.  The proper fixture is determined by several factors. But the first and most important factor is to always start with quality fixtures. Do not settle for junk. You will regret it. Lighting Technique …

Top Deck Lighting Ideas to Consider

Long gone are the days of a deck simply being a square with a table, 4 webbed chairs, an umbrella and a grill. Decks and patios today are outdoor living rooms. They have inviting furniture with cushions and pillows, TVs, fire features, water features, plants and flowers, sometimes even curtains, kitchens and more. These outdoor living rooms allow our lifestyle …

How Do I Light a Water Feature?

If you are fortunate enough to have a water feature in your yard, you already know what a peaceful atmosphere it creates, how relaxing the sound of water is, and how much beauty a water feature adds to your home, especially when the water sparkles and jumps with reflected sunlight. But that all goes away when the sun goes down. …

Should Money Be a Factor in Landscape Lighting?

Of course money is a factor in making a decision for landscape lighting! The price is what we see first and no one wants to waste money. But sometimes what seems like a good deal is a disaster in disguise. A good lighting system is an investment. A poor lighting system is a money pit. “The Other Guy” There are …