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Palm Harbor Client Upgrades to Color Changing Landscape Lighting

Christina Tollefson • Apr 24, 2024

A Renovation Journey: Color Changing Landscape Lighting


Dissatisfied with the mundane look of his outdoor lighting from a different company, our client sought something which stood out. He had already completed a total renovation of his home's interior and, after following our projects on social media where we posted our color changing landscape lighting projects, knew he wanted the vibrant, color-changing lights. This choice promised not just illumination but an enhancement of his home’s nighttime charm, with the ability to tailor the ambiance for any occasion—from serene summer evenings to festive holiday nights.

Choosing Innovation and Style


Before an upgrade, reqular landscape lighting likely serves a basic functional purpose. Standard white lights cast a uniform glow, which, while practical, does little to enhance your home and can fail to capture the potential of your outdoor space. Lack of color and creativity can leave outdoor areas feeling flat and uninspired, especially during the evening hours.


Upgrading to color-changing landscape lighting can transform your outdoor environment into a vibrant, dynamic space. The new lighting can be automated, allowing control and customizing of the hues and intensity to match any mood or occasion. By strategically placeing each luminary for optimal visual impact, your garden can be subtle or made to look like something from a Disney movie, with lights that accentuate water features, highlight majestic trees, and outline pathways with subtle or striking colors.

Dos and Don’ts of Landscape Lighting


Do: Choose High-Quality, Burial-Rated Wiring


Opt for good quality, burial-rated wire rather than settling for the smaller gauge and less durable options typically found in big box stores. These inferior wires can become brittle and crack, leading to frequent lighting fixture failures. A robust wire ensures longevity and consistent performance of your landscape lighting.


Don’t: Overlook Strategic Planning and Aiming of Your Lights


Your landscape lighting should enhance your outdoor space's visual appeal without the lights being the focal point. Aim to illuminate elements like plants or architectural details, not the light fixtures. Adjust lighting shrouds to ensure the source is not visible from common viewpoints such as walkways or seating areas.


Do: Select a Larger Transformer


When choosing a transformer, it’s wise to go beyond just meeting the minimum size requirement. A transformer should have at least 20% more wattage than you need. This extra capacity is crucial because most landscape lighting setups expand over time, with additional lights often added to the initial plan. A larger transformer accommodates this growth without overdriven, extending its lifespan.


Don’t: Neglect the Impact of Light Placement on Everyday Activities


Consider how the lighting affects the space from various angles. Are the lights blinding when driving to your home or when you walk outside at night? Ensure there are no blinding spots along pathways and the primary viewpoints—from the family room, the pool, or the back patio—need to be considered. Position fixtures so you see the effects of the light rather than the bright lamps themselves, enhancing both safety and aesthetics.


Do: Use Top-Quality Wire Connectors


Avoid using standard pinch/squeeze type connectors, electrical crimp connectors, or standard wire nuts. Instead, invest in gel-filled wire nuts. The gel acts as a barrier against corrosion and prevents the frequent failures and repairs associated with lesser connectors. This small upgrade can significantly enhance the reliability of your lighting system.


Don’t: Allow the Light Source to Be the Main Attraction


Plan your system to focus on the illuminated objects rather than the luminaries themselves. Frequently rotate lighting shrouds to hide the light source from common areas. This ensures the illuminated area receives the attention, not the mechanism producing the light, thereby creating a more aesthetically pleasing and practical outdoor environment.


Is Your House Ready for Color Changing Landscape Lighting?


Ready to transform your outdoor space with stunning, efficient landscape lighting? Contact Entertainment Pros today to explore our innovative color-changing solutions and expert installation services. Enhance your home’s appeal and enjoy personalized lighting, which adapts to every occasion.


Don’t settle for ordinary—elevate your property with lighting which captivates and impresses. Call us, 727-804-2277, or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation and start your journey to a beautifully illuminated outdoor paradise.

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