Outdoor Lighting Perspectives explores the good, the bad, and the ugly of outdoor lighting.

We have all witnessed it first hand. Driving through a neighborhood in the evening, maybe even yours, and the home that is beautiful by day is ruined under the veil of night with, you guessed it, bad outdoor lighting. In the realm of outdoor lighting there is a pyramid that represents the best and worst in outdoor lighting design. The good outdoor lighting designs are located at the top of the pyramid, with all others falling below. In our many years of experience bad can fall into many categories. This includes poorly executed designs, haphazard placement, inappropriate fixtures and the use of too many lights. Some residences may include one, or all, of the above. In our line of business we have seen it all, fixed it all and nothing really surprises us anymore when it comes to outdoor lighting. Here is a rundown of some of the bad and ugly lighting designs we have met over the years:

Can you spot the solar light still burning at 2:00 am?

Solar Stake Lights — These are the fixtures you often see in “big box” home improvement stores for cheap. They promise a “green” alternative to conventional outdoor lighting because they use solar energy ( light from the sun) to power the implement within and provide light during the evening hours. We are not implying that ALL solar fixtures are bad but due to the poor quality of this type of solar fixture, they rarely last past a season. In addition, the light is inconsistent and by midnight it is not uncommon to see many of the lights have already stopped burning. There is also a tendency to use a large quantity of these lights because the fixtures emit little to no “light spread” — used to line driveways, along sidewalks and paths, these lights resemble a small airport runway! Not the kind of design most upscale homeowners are looking to achieve.

Still scratching our heads about this one…

Improper Placement of Fixtures – Sometimes even the best made plans and intentions can go awry. Much is the case with inexperienced installers who try to promote outdoor lighting with no background or knowledge of proper design, or those that use it as a sideline business. The elements of good outdoor lighting include adding depth and texture to the space being illuminated; work top to bottom to accentuate your homes dimensions, and especially it’s height; side to side to accentuate your home’s width; illuminate your home’s side facade open to the street; light the path to the front door and never place fixtures where they will shine into windows! It also crucial to remember professional outdoor lighting promotes the “effect” not the fixture. Just like your pappy probably told you about children being seen and not heard, outdoor lighting fixtures should not become the center of attention either.

The quality of our fixtures is apparent at first glance!

Cheap fixtures– We cannot begin to stress the importance of using quality outdoor lighting fixtures. When you invest in professional outdoor lighting for your home and landscape it is crucial to have it installed right the first time. Our experience, knowledge and talent enable us to design your one-of-a-kind installation. However, we also stand behind our tried and true exclusive line of fixtures made with copper, brass and other quality materials that are built for longevity to provide years of enjoyment!

Stressing the importance of having a professional lighting designer/installer cannot be stressed enough when it comes to appointing good outdoor lighting. That image in your head can be achieved when you have a lighting professional do the job. From the customer service, the design, the fixtures, follow-up and maintenance to the breathtaking end result.

Don’t fall victim to the trifecta of bad outdoor lighting! Contact Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington today to schedule a free consultation today at your Cape Fear home or business – you will be glad you did.

910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington answers the top 5 most asked questions about outdoor lighting:

Being the Wilmington area’s premier outdoor lighting company since 1998 has enabled us to meet many wonderful homeowners, business owners and those who call Cape Fear their home away from home. While we recently participated and presented in the Home Expo and remodeling show held at the Schwartz Center in downtown Wilmington, we were reminded of some of the most frequently asked questions by those considering the addition of outdoor lighting. While we perceive all questions to be important when helping to make the decision to add outdoor lighting at your home or business, there are five questions in particular that we feel are the most commonly inquired:

#1) How do you know where to put the lights?

This question comes up probably the most often. Indeed it seems simple, but it takes the knowledge and experience of an outdoor lighting professional to truly answer. Part of our design process includes what is called a “property survey evaluation”. This involves a visit to your home or place of business by one of our outdoor lighting designers. During the evaluation, we discuss your needs, desires and “vision” of how you want your property to perform ( and look) in the evening. We then walk the property along with the homeowner, or business owner, taking into consideration any defining architectural elements, landscape elements, special outdoor living areas or areas where evening safety is a concern. From there, we can schedule a nighttime demonstration allowing you to “see” the outdoor lighting in its truest form in order to make a more informed decision in regards to moving ahead with your design.

#2) Can you give me a price over the phone?

No. Here at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington we don’t believe in pricing out over the phone on a fixture quantity basis. We are here to deliver the effect of outdoor lighting, not to sell fixtures. It is very difficult to quote a price over the phone without first seeing the property, and discussing your personalized preferences, needs and desires. Our high quality fixtures out perform the competition in terms of beauty and light spread — case in point, what other companies will need 4 lights to illuminate our fixtures can most likely get the job done with one or two. We want to provide you with an outdoor lighting installation that will bring enjoyment for many years to come — our designs are timeless, with that in mind, we want to take our time and have your project perfected the first time around.

#3) Which is better, halogen or LED?

Homeowner preference is really a matter of choice. However, LED is more energy-efficient, durable, long-lasting and eco-friendly than traditional outdoor lighting systems. Advances in recent years also prove that the color quality of today’s LED is just as warm and inviting as halogen. Can you tell the difference?

LED is still more costly upon install but will pay for itself over time with the savings you recoup from lowered energy costs.

#4) Will YOU take care of our system once it is installed?

Yes. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington offers annual care and maintenance packages that will keep your system running at optimal performance year-round.

No other company has more experience than Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. So when we design, install and maintain your system, you can be confident you’ll love the result for years to come!

#5) What is your warranty & what happens after the warranty?

Let’s face it: stuff happens. Over time, even the best electronic equipment can wear out or malfunction. When that happens, it’s good to know you have no-nonsense outdoor lighting warranty coverage to fix it or replace it at no cost. It’s also good to know you’ve got a national company with corporate support to take care of you. With this in mind, our outdoor lighting warranty coverage is as complete as it gets.

Lifetime warranty on transformer and copper and brass fixtures

2-year warranty on LED bulbs and electronics
2-year warranty on Lighting Control Automation (LCA)
1-year warranty on halogen bulbs, digital timers, lens covers and commercial fixtures
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington can extend your 2-year LED warranty to 10 years with an annual maintenance contract.
We offer a lifetime warranty on fixtures and transformers.

It doesn’t get any better than that — Outdoor Lighting Perspectives deliver the gold standard within our industry!

Confidence: It’s built into every outdoor lighting system we install.

More questions? Contact Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington today to learn more about lighting that transforms your property and our superior service. Trust your outdoor lighting to outdoor lighting professionals. The results will be well worth it.

William Koon, Owner
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington
910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

For your outdoor lighting consideration; what you need to know about LED conversions

Your home can look great inside and out with LED lighting.

Many Wilmington homeowners are operating traditional outdoor lighting systems. When we say “traditional” we are referring to halogen systems. With all the emphasis on LED outdoor lighting you may feel as if you have “missed the boat”, so to speak, because you chose a halogen system rather than an LED for your new installation. Alas, all is not lost — because it is very possible to convert your existing system over to an LED system rather than starting over from square one! This will save you more money in upfront costs and allow you to begin experiencing the benefits of LED sooner, and more easily, than you probably imagined.

That’s right.Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington can inspect your existing system to ensure it is a candidate for an LED conversion! In most cases, your traditional halogen, or even incandescent, system can easily be converted to LED and allow you to experience first hand the endless benefits of LED.

Did you know?

LED outdoor lighting systems consume up to 90% less energy than traditional outdoor lighting systems. This lower energy consumption will be evident each and every month when you pay your power bill!

LED outdoor lighting systems are designed with longevity in mind which is evident through longer lasting bulbs which require less frequent replacement. Food for thought: a typical halogen bulb will burn for approximately 2,000 to 4,000 hours, whereas an LED will last a whopping 50,000+ operating hours–wow!

LED is easier on the environment because its green burning technology leaves less of a carbon footprint and LED’s are responsible for less greenhouse gases by reduced carbon dioxide emissions. LED’s also contain no harmful chemical such as mercury that makes handling and disposal dangerous.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington uses only Cree LED’s. These are UV free which means no ultraviolet rays which are prone to attract insects. If you use LED in your landscape, deck and patio lighting you will get the peace of mind in knowing there will be less insects around to invade your outdoor living enjoyment.

LED’s are more durable and resilient than ordinary lighting systems. They are shock resistant, and also react better to changes in temperature, weather conditions and repeated cycling. LED’s will better withstand the demands needed by a bulb placed in outdoor situations.

Over the last few years LED has become more accessible in terms of affordability and availability. It is true LED costs a little more up-front than a typical lighting system but the money you save on energy usage and bulb replacement will allow you to recoup those initial costs quickly.

If you are ready to make a change for the better, an LED conversion may be the perfect fit for your outdoor lighting needs. So what are you waiting for? Call us today for a free consultation to learn more about adding a custom Wilmington LED lighting system to your home, or converting your existing system.

William Koon, Owner

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington

910-342-0040

Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Come join us at the Home EXPO and Remodeling show January 24th & 25th!

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington would like to cordially invite you to attend the Home EXPO and Remodeling show Saturday, 1/24 & Sunday, 1/25. The show is being held at the Schwartz Center at the Cape Fear community college in historic downtown Wilmington!

Flowers brought to life at night with garden lighting.

Spring is closer than you think, and now is the time to begin planning your interior and exterior home improvements. Whether you are looking to add function and beauty to your home and landscape, or add that special finishing touch to your anticipated spring landscaping project — our outdoor lighting designs deliver! What better way to gain inspiration and ideas than attending the area’s largest home shows! Our talented outdoor lighting design team will be on hand to answer any questions and we will be working in conjunction with Archadeck of Cape Fear on a stunning display to help you visualize the potential of adding light to your outdoor living spaces. In addition, you can enter our giveaway to win a 4-light outdoor lighting package to be announced at the end of the event.

Show hours are as follows:

Saturday, Jan. 24th from 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, Jan. 25th from 12 pm – 4 pm

Admission and parking is free, and the event will be filled with informative free seminars throughout the weekend. Our own Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington’s Randy Fowler will be holding a seminar on outdoor lighting at 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington has improved many of the areas landscapes, pool areas, gardens, walkways, patios, decks and more with professional outdoor lighting designs. Stop by to see some photos of areas that have been lit with outdoor lighting. We’ll also have our energy-efficient LEDs on display. LED is the biggest trend in outdoor lighting these days because of its energy efficiencies, long-lasting bulbs, environment sustainability and even its insect deterrent ability.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives at the Coastal Living Show

Stop by booth #157 to see the best in outdoor lighting

We will be located in booth#157, please stop by and say hello! We’d be happy to discuss how we can enhance your property so you can enjoy it more night after night, season after season.

William Koon, Owner, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington

Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

2014 Outdoor Lighting that Enhanced the Wilmington Area

We design, install and remove all of your holiday outdoor lighting.

As we finish up the last of our holiday lighting jobs and start to reflect on the accomplishments of 2014, we want to take this time to thank each of our clients and those we met along the way for such a spectacular year. Not only have we made new acquaintances, we had a very exciting year with sales up over 40% and twice as many holiday lighting clients this year. While most of the holiday outdoor lighting jobs were residential installs, we’ve also had the opportunity to complete several substantial commercial outdoor lighting jobs this year.

One of the Burgwin-Wright garden areas.

The first of our historic homes in Wilmington was the Burgwin-Wright house. Historical homes prove to take a little more time to design just right because of the architectural features and property themselves. The Burgwin-Wright House, which was built on the foundation of a former city jail, is now operated as a museum with gorgeous Georgian architecture surrounded by lush, terraced gardens outside. We added architectural lighting on the front of the home and on the stairs but most of the lighting was designed for the lush gardens outside highlighting the landscape, ornamental details, pathways and our favorite feature, the dipping pool.

Soon after the Burgwin-Wright house was completed we got a call from the Bellamy House to upgrade their outdoor lighting. Although we didn’t install as many additions here, it was still exciting to see the finished product with the older fixtures working again and the addition of the landscape lighting we designed.

Outdoor lighting around the memorial, on the trees and flag poles shine all night long.

A job close to our hearts was the illumination of the Wilmington fire department memorial. We were asked to illuminate the fallen firefighters memorial area, highlighting the bronzed firefighter in the center of the paved area. The piece of steel being held up by the fireman in this sculpture is an actual piece from the World Trade Center in New York City. Around the perimeter are stations of bronze firefighter helmets and boots along with the names of those fallen firefighters we honor. Be sure you visit the area, now fully illuminated, to thank those unsung heroes for their bravery and unrecognized contributions.

Stone memorial wall of past members.

We then went over to the oldest, private country club in North Carolina. The Cape Fear Country Club was looking for was a way to honor its past members who were no longer here. This private club, immersed in Southern traditions and strong member culture, wanted to honor the extraordinary people who helped build the club into what it is today by lighting their name plaques on the memorial wall that stands just off the first tee. The lighting we installed not only brightened the plaques but also showcased the texture and dimensions of the beautiful rock wall.

A different type of project enhanced the community entrances at River Sea Plantation. As one of Wilmington premiere gated communities, the neighborhood was looking for a way to project the elegance and luxury their common areas had to offer; highlighting their beautiful Palm’s, Crepe Myrtles and Holly trees, to welcome their residents home after a long hard day.

River Sea Plantation’s main entrance was rewired and upgraded.

We re-wired several existing fixtures, added our high-quality copper fixtures and upgraded all of the lighting to our energy-efficient LED outdoor lighting. Now the three entrances to River Sea Plantation are brilliantly lit with a total of 71 LED outdoor lighting fixtures. The entrances not only look more beautiful, the LED efficiencies will save River Sea Plantation on their energy consumption and maintenance costs.

At the last minute, literally, we were able to help the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County kick off their first ever 2014 Designer Showhouse by lighting the outdoor entertaining area with our temporary event lighting that is not only beautiful but also as functional as our traditional outdoor lighting fixtures. Our battery-powered LED path lights, well lights and spotlights were used to create a lighting effect just as decorative as the

Battery powered temporary lighting looks beautiful and lasts throughout your event.

individual rooms within the Designer Showhouse. We were able to create safer pathways and driveway with our battery powered copper path lighting, highlight the textures and dimensions of the majestic trees with our battery-powered well lights as well as enrich the architectural features of the stately Georgian style home with our temporary spotlights.

As we say goodbye to another great year and ring in 2015, we wish each and every client and potential clients a happy and prosperous new year. We are ready and eager to keep making Wilmington look even more beautiful at night with outdoor lighting. If you want to be able to enjoy your outdoor living spaces more in the New Year and beyond, give us a call. We’ll be happy to demonstrate how the beauty of your Wilmington yard can be enhanced at night with outdoor lighting.

William Koon, Owner
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington
910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Wilmington Outdoor Lighting is the Gift That Keeps Giving All Year Long

Outdoor lighting is the gift that keeps on giving.

The best gifts are the ones that you use everyday. They make your life easier or evoke lots of positive feelings. Ideally, they don’t take up lots of space in your home and are a good value. Wilmington outdoor lighting is a perfect match on all counts and should be at the top of most homeowner holiday wish lists.

Wilmington outdoor lighting is going to be there for you and your family every day. Whether you choose to put your lights on a timer, remote control or wall switches, that lighting system is going to greet you warmly when you come home at night. Rather than fumble for keys in the dark, you will enjoy returning to a home that is welcoming,safe, and easy to navigate. Wilmington architectural lighting also dramatically increases the security of your property when you can’t be there.

Our best memories tend to be of shared experiences. Often these happen happen with friends and family at home. Wilmington backyard lighting will increase the fun and ease of spending time in the yard or on the deck or patio. You will be thrilled at the difference handcrafted lighting fixtures from Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington will make to your outdoor relaxation and entertaining.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives ~ Wing Haven Garden

You’ll love the way your home looks night after night.

An investment in high quality brass and copper lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED bulbs is a tremendous value for you and your home. Maintenance and electricity costs are very low, especially when compared with systems that were standard in the industry just a few years ago. Both the fixtures and the bulbs are long-lasting and easy to care for. You’ll love having the lights at your home now and it will be an outstanding selling point when you are ready to move to your next property.

Another great feature of outdoor lighting as a gift? We will make sure it is the right size for you. Call us for a free consultation and we can demonstrate some of the other benefits of adding a custom Wilmington outdoor lighting system to your home.

William Koon, Owner

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington

910-342-0040

Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Why You Should Choose an Outdoor Lighting Professional

The knowledge and experience of a professional make a big difference in the look of outdoor lighting.

The weather is chilly and gloomy here in Wilmington, and most people aren’t thinking about flowers and lush lawns at the moment. But your landscaper knows that beautiful lawns are made during the fall. It’s time to fertilize and reseed, plant new shrubs and trees, and prune trees, vines, and shrubs. While holiday lights are getting all the attention, there’s still a lot to do to the landscaping. Since you’re probably, doing maintenance on your landscaping, now is the perfect time to consider adding landscape lighting, and you may be tempted to just ask your landscaper to install some. Before you do, know that there is a big difference in outdoor lighting that is designed, installed, and maintained by an outdoor lighting professional and the lighting that is installed by a landscaper or general contractor.

Knowledge & Experience
The big difference between an outdoor lighting professional and a landscaper performing this work is their knowledge of outdoor lighting techniques and system components. While a landscaper is probably the best person to choose a fertilizer for your lawn and prune your trees, outdoor lighting is not his/her first priority. The health of your plants is. Their illumination will be, at best, a secondary concern. Outdoor lighting professionals devote their time to learning the techniques needed illuminate your property in the most striking ways. We know our products inside out and can offer options based on your property’s needs. Our knowledge helps us identify the components of your landscaping that are best to showcase and create a lighting design that highlights and transforms these elements. Because we are outdoor lighting professionals, we have installed more outdoor lighting than your landscaper. This experience is a difference you can see with just a quick browse through our portfolio.

High quality components will last for many years.

Products
Outdoor lighting installed by your landscaper will likely be comprised of mid/low end fixtures and components that can be acquired at your local home improvement store. An outdoor lighting system installed by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington consists of the highest quality products available on the market, and no, you can’t get them at the local store. Our fixtures are made here in the USA from high quality copper, brass, and PVC. These materials are resistant to wear from the elements and corrosion, which is especially important on the Carolina coast. The quality of our products extends to components, such as wiring and transformer, as well. By using quality products, we increase the durability of your system, so your beautiful lighting will last for many years.

Maintenance
Once your landscaper installs your outdoor lights, you will likely be on your own, but by choosing Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington, you always have someone to call on for routine maintenance of your system and should any problem arise. Maintenance will help your system last for years to come and helps protect your investment in your property.

If you want the most beautiful outdoor lighting, the kind that transforms your property, call Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington. You trust your landscape to landscaping professionals. Trust your outdoor lighting to outdoor lighting professionals. The results will be well worth it.

William Koon, Owner
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington
910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Wilmington Outdoor Lighting Brings Warmth to Your Home

Get your outdoor lighting system looking its best for the holidays

The best and most satisfying holiday events are those that are shared at home with family and friends in a warm, loving atmosphere. You can set the tone for a party, family dinner or other festive gathering even before your guests arrive at your door with professionally designed Wilmington outdoor lighting.

What is the feeling you get when you arrive home now? As early as 5pm, it’s probably getting dark. Most of the leaves are off the trees and the plantings in the yard have died back. There is a chill in the air that prompts people to try to get where they are going as quickly as possible. Wilmington landscape lighting can dramatically change both the look and feel of your home in late fall and winter.

With our array of fixtures and lights, any area of your home can be professionally lit before the holidays.

With the addition of Wilmington architectural lighting, your guests will be warmly welcomed to your home even before they park the car. The lights seem to call out, “We’ve been waiting for you. We are so glad that you are here.” Your home is an ambassador of your hospitality, greeting your visitors when they arrive. You’ll be amazed at how the design specialists at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington create a mood that makes your home feel warmer on the coldest days; it’s the magic of the human response to light.

A thoughtful, quality outdoor lighting plan will not only help your guests arrive safely and feel appreciated, it will make your holiday decorating a snap. When your home is well lit, you have dozens of options for adding seasonal decorations like Christmas wreaths without having to install holiday lights that you may only want around for a month or so. Great outdoor lighting makes your home look terrific all year long, not just for November and December.

It’s not too late to get your home lighting installed for Christmas. Give us a call for a free in-home consultation. We’d love to give you a preview of how warm and cozy your home can look for the rest of the holiday season.

William Koon, Owner
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington
910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Outdoor Lighting Brings Warm Holiday Wonder to Wilmington Home All Year

Beautiful lighting create the magic of the holidays.

Remember back when you were a kid. You eagerly awaited the toy catalogue’s arrival in September/October, circled items, and made lists. After Halloween, you were already looking forward to the holidays, even though Thanksgiving hadn’t even arrived yet. You could barely contain your excitement when you started seeing Christmas decorations popping up in the mall or on the lawns of eager neighbors. It was a magical time. Hopefully, as an adult, you’ve managed to hold on to some of that wonder, but it’s easy to get bogged down by life’s cares. Wouldn’t you like to feel that magic any day , regardless of the season? It’s possible with outdoor lighting.

Take advantage of light’s transformative properties all year long.

Much of the excitement and magic associated with the holiday is created with lighting. String lighting accents our hallways, wreaths, and mantles. Outdoors festive lighting accents our homes, trees, and shrubs. Perhaps you even have/will have 3D light sculptures on your lawn. Shining and twinkling against the dark cold night, they inspire feelings of warmth, joy, and holiday wonder. Outdoor lighting can create these effects all year long. Path lights splash pools of warm light along your walkways. Beautiful architectural lighting highlights your eaves, gables, columns, or dormers. Dramatic uplighting showcases the gnarled branches of your trees, and dock lighting shines warm clear light all the way out to the water. You can be relaxed, thrilled, or inspired by the ambiance created by your outdoor lighting – just like you can be by holiday lighting.

Dock lighting enhances the atmosphere in the area.

To experience this wonder every night of the year, contact Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington. With years of experience under our belts, we can create the perfect outdoor lighting design to highlight the very best of your home. We use the highest quality components and brass or copper fixtures, so your outdoor lighting system will last for years to come, even in our salty Coastal Carolina air. Our LED outdoor lighting option can give you exquisite lighting while conserving energy and keeping more money in your wallet month-to-month. No matter how large or small your property may be, quality outdoor lighting can make it shine night after night.

You would be surprised to see just what a difference a few strategically placed outdoor lighting fixtures can make to the overall atmosphere of your Wilmington property. Don’t let warm holiday feelings fade after January 1^st. Contact Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington today. We can help you capture the magic and wonder of the holidays all year long.

William Koon, Owner
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington
910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Six Savvy Reasons You Need High Quality Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Your home can look great inside and out with LED lighting.

As with any other home improvement project, you can approach Wilmington outdoor lighting design from many different perspectives and a wide variety of budgets. After reading this list, we think you will be persuaded that investing in high quality fixtures is the way to go with your landscape lighting.

#1 Outdoor lighting fixtures will be outside year round. All of them will be exposed to the elements and many of them will be near the ground where moisture and critters can shorten their lifespan. Odds are that you won’t want to be doing this project again in a couple of years so you will need lights that have endurance.

#2 Poor quality lighting usually means low level lighting. Solar-powered lights are especially susceptible to this problem. Instead of a bright light that allows you to see your home, walkway or landscaping clearly, you get the “glowworm” effect from lights that aren’t architectural grade.

#3 Inexpensive landscape lighting fixtures can be a safety hazard. Lights and wiring that aren’t built to last will be prone to corrosion and easily disconnected. Electrical shorts aren’t something that you want in your yard or anywhere near your home and family.

Copper fixtures don’t corrode and will blend in with your landscaping

#4 Using the right light for the job. The lights that are available at Big Box stores and online are frequently ones that are the cheapest to produce and easiest to sell. That doesn’t mean that they are well suited to your home. For instance, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington typically uses well lights instead of floods because they are safer, more efficient and do a superior job of showcasing your home and yard.

#5 Brass and copper are so much better looking than green plastic. If you request a free home consultation from Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington, we will show you examples of the beautifully handcrafted metal fixtures that we use. There is no comparison.

#6 Copper fixtures and LED lights are an eco-friendly home run. The LED low wattage bulbs are incredibly energy efficient and are even more so when you put them on a timer. Copper, because of its purity and worth is easily recycled, but it rarely has to be. Why? Because of its exceptionally long lifespan. In the time you would use 15 or more plastic or other low-quality fixtures, you will have one copper fixture that still has plenty of good years left and has a gorgeous patina.

If these reasons have persuaded you to see what Wilmington outdoor lighting can do for you, give us a call. Our consultation is always free and we’ll show you how beautiful your home and landscaping can look.

William Koon, Owner
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington
910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Don’t Let the End of Daylight Savings Time Affect Your Wilmington Outdoor Lighting System

Setting the timer on your outdoor lighting system is a quick adjustment.

Have you gotten used to the shorter days with daylight savings time ending? It takes a little time to reset your internal clocks with darkness coming so early in the evening. It may also take a little time to remember those last few clocks around your house that you don’t see everyday. While you’re turning back the time on the last few, don’t forget about your outdoor lighting system as well.

Your Wilmington outdoor lighting system does more than just make your home and landscaping look great. It also gives a warm welcome home at night. It helps you easily navigate your way to your front door and get your key in the lock quicker. But if your outdoor lighting system isn’t turning on in time for your arrival, all of those benefits can become issues. A quick adjustment to your outdoor lighting timer is all you need. We’ve been getting lots of calls about timers the past week or so and we’re happy to help with yours as well.

Let your WIlmington outdoor lighting system welcome you home at night.

When we installed your Wilmington outdoor lighting system, we included a timer to turn your lights on and off everyday. Depending on how old your system is, you may have to reset that timer with the changes that come along with the start and end of daylight savings time. The newer timers we use have a photocell to determine sunrise and sunset and can be set to run for a predetermined number of hours. After that time, your outdoor lighting system is turned off. We also have an astronomical timer that uses the GPS coordinates of your home to adjust to the changing time daily. This ensures your Wilmington outdoor lighting system turns on and off and the precise time of sunset every night of the year. There are no additional adjustments that need to be made to either of these timers.

If you are still coming home in the dark, give Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington a call. We can help get your outdoor lighting system timer adjusted correctly or upgrade you to the photocell or astronomical timer so adjustments will be a thing of the past. While we’re at your home, we can do any type of service work you may need on your system including replacing bulbs, straightening fixtures, re-burying wires or even add-on to your system.

Get your outdoor lighting system working its best to help welcome you home after a long day. You’ll love the difference it will make to your home and landscaping as well.

William Koon, Owner
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington
910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington’s Holiday Safety Checklist

Make your home safe and welcoming with outdoor lighting.

Now that Wilmington has had a taste of cold weather, you are probably looking toward the holidays. Good food, time with family, presents, decorations, lights, music, and sweets – all of these come together to make a beautiful season. It’s a time that you anticipate all year, and you work hard to be sure everyone is happy. But nothing can ruin your celebrations quicker than an accident. From fires to falls, holiday accidents come in many shapes and sizes and send folks to the emergency room every year. So when you are doing your holiday planning, it’s always a good idea to give safety some thought. At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington, we see the perils of inadequate lighting day in and out. Since the time shift this past weekend, night will be arriving much sooner, and any evening gathering will need outdoor illumination for safety.

Please do a careful assessment of the following areas around your home before the holidays arrive, using the following checklist.

A beautifully illuminated driveway helps prevent holiday accidents.

___ The Driveway – Your driveway is the first place your guests will need to navigate. They will be arriving with gifts and/or food, so they’ll likely be distracted as well. Good visibility will make their trek to the front door easier and quicker. They’ll be less likely to trip on uneven pavement, and their car will be less likely to end up in the drainage ditch.

__ Is the entry/exit point of your drive clearly visible from the road?

__ Are there any densely shadowed areas of your drive?

__ Is your drive free of obstructions?

__ If obstructions cannot be moved, are they clearly visible?

Minimize trips and falls with pathway lighting.

___ Pathways – Your driveway may not lead directly to your entryway. If this is the case, you probably have a path to your front entrance. Like the driveway, this area can contain trip hazards while your guests’ visual abilities may be hampered by the things they are carrying. Deep shadows along unfamiliar paths only make them more difficult and dangerous to traverse.

__ Is the path itself easy to locate at night?

__ Can your guests clearly see stepping stones, edges, and/or irregularities?

__ Is the path easy to follow all the way to your entrance?

Create an entryway that is welcoming and easy to navigate.

___ The Entryway – Your entryway is where you will greet your guests and assist them with what they have brought. Entryways often contain steps, and those that don’t, typically contain joints between the walkway and the patio or landing. As a result, they are filled with trip hazards. You entryway will likely be decorated as well.

__ Are your steps and/or walkway joints illuminated?

__ Is there ample light within the entryway to help guests avoid collisions with others?

__ Is there enough available light to do justice to your décor?

If you have done your walk-through and all is well, you are ready for a fun, safe holiday season. If you find that some of these areas are lacking, don’t fret. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington is this region’s premier outdoor lighting company, we excel at what we do, and we can remedy the lighting deficiencies your property may have with ease and speed. There is still time before the holidays arrive, so contact us today and be sure your gatherings are merry and bright.

William Koon, Owner
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington
910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Your Wilmington Home Improvements for the Holidays

This is the week that begins our fall and winter holidays. As soon as the candy is put away, we all begin preparing for Thanksgiving. You have probably started seeing the commercials from the furniture companies and the carpet cleaners all in an effort to help you get your home ready for the pending company that is coming. While you are making your list of home improvements, don’t forget about your Wilmington outdoor lighting system. Making sure it looks its best for the holidays and your guests is as easy as calling Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington.

Get your outdoor lighting system looking its best for the holidays

As company arrives at your home for the holiday season, the first thing they will see is your outdoor lighting system. Give it as much attention as you do the décor inside. By doing so, you create that warm, inviting atmosphere from the very beginning. Here are three simple solutions to get the most out of your Wilmington landscape lighting:

Replace the bulbs

With Daylight Savings time ending this weekend, you may start noticing your outdoor lighting system more as you return home in the dark. Does it look unbalanced? It could be because of burnt out bulbs or overgrown shrubbery. Halogen bulbs even begin to dim before they reach the end of their life cycle, which can cause an uneven effect. If they are burnt out completely, you will have dark areas. Or if your shrubbery has grown this summer, it may be blocking the light beam from shining where it needs to be. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington can replace all your halogen bulbs so they are illuminating correctly. We’ll even trim your shrubbery to keep the lighting where it needs to be.

With our array of fixtures and lights, any area of your home can be professionally lit befor the holidays.

Adding On

It may have been some time since your original Wilmington outdoor lighting system was installed. If so, you may be ready to add on to your system. Many people start with landscape lighting for the front of their home and add on down the road. If that is the case, or if you would simply like to have your outdoor lighting system redesigned, the professionals at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington can help you. Since all of our systems are custom designed for each particular client and their homes, we can take your ideas and expertise to create or redesign a system perfect for your space.

Retrofitting

Along the same lines as adding on, you may want the addition to include Wilmington LED outdoor lighting fixtures. LED has come a long way in the landscape lighting arena and our technologically advanced LEDs are as beautiful as their halogen counterparts with additional benefits. LEDs are much more energy efficient and their “bulbs” last up to 50,000 hours so you won’t be changing them every year or so as with halogen. Plus, LEDs use less wattage so they are easy to add on to an existing system with your current transformer and almost all systems can be retrofitted to LED, even if we didn’t initially install it.

In the midst of your holiday home improvements, don’t forget to take a good look at your outdoor lighting system. It is the first thing your guests will see and the last memory of a great holiday spent with family and friends. Call Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington today to get your system in the best shape for the upcoming holidays.

William Koon, Owner
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington
910-342-0040
Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

October is National Outdoor Lighting Month!

Just as the leaves begin to turn and that crisp nip returns to the air, National Outdoor Lighting Month reminds us that fall doesn’t have to be dark and gloomy. Though days are getting shorter, nights are getting longer, and the Day Light Savings’ “fall back” is less than a month away, outdoor lighting can bring warmth and cheer to your property that will make this fall season a comforting one. National Outdoor Lighting month was founded to bring awareness to the benefits of outdoor lighting and its transformational effects. Outdoor lighting can make your property safer, it can increase security, and it can even boost your curb appeal, adding value to your home. However, outdoor light’s most prominent contribution to your property is how it changes the atmosphere.

Create welcome by lighting up your home this fall.

Outdoor lighting creates an inviting appearance all around the exterior of your home – from your entryway and drive in the front to your patio and fire pit in the back. Using a variety of outdoor lighting techniques and fixtures, professional outdoor lighting designers, like Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington, use areas of light and shadow to turn heads and make you, your family, and your guests comfortable in all of your outdoor living spaces. The temperature of the air may be colder, but the appearance of your home doesn’t have to be. So what’s the best way to benefit from National Outdoor Lighting Month? Take a walk around your property, and ask yourself if it is looking its best after dark. Maybe you have already installed outdoor lighting and your home looks great. If that’s the case, just soak it in. If you don’t have outdoor lighting, imagine what a difference it would make.

Let us create a beautiful holiday look for you this season.

Speaking of inviting looks, National Outdoor Lighting Month reminds us just how important a welcoming property is just in time for the holidays. Year after year, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington creates some of the area’s most beautiful outdoor holiday lighting designs. Using products of the highest quality, we approach holiday lighting in much the same way we do any other outdoor lighting project. Client input is paramount, and we create designs that are unique to each property. Simply tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll create and install perfect lighting that fits your holiday style. When the holidays are over, we will even remove and store it for you, so you don’t have to lift a finger to have a beautiful home exterior.

Whether you need outdoor holiday lighting or entryway lighting to ease the trek from your car to the front door, call Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington today. Because the days are getting shorter and shorter, fall is the perfect time to light your home. You will notice the difference immediately, and the warmth outdoor lighting provides will only become more valuable to you as nights get longer. Contact us today!

William Koon, Owner

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington

910-342-0040

Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

Let Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington Get Your Boat Flotilla Ready

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington makes your home look great for the holidays. Now let us help with your Flotilla entry.

Parades have been part of holiday tradition here in the USA for many years. From Thanksgiving Day parades to Christmas parades to the ones on New Year’s Day, parades are happy events, even if you are only tuning in on TV. But of course, here in the Port City area, we do things just a little differently, as is evidenced by one of our most popular parades – the NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach. This year’s Flotilla is be November 28^th-29^th, with the boat parade occurring on the 29^th. Holiday cheer, festive music, and beautiful lights galore all on the water, the Flotilla is one of our most beloved holiday traditions. Wilmington area residents have about two months to wait, and if you are participating, you have only that time to get ready!

Style and theme possibilities are endless.

Here at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington, we especially love the Flotilla because of all the beautiful holiday lighting that decorates participating boats. It’s right up our alley! It’s the same type of decorating we do each year, creating some of Wilmington’s most stunning outdoor holiday lighting. Not only do we make our clients’ properties stand out from the rest, the whole process is easy for them since we design, install, remove and store the lighting for them. So they don’t have to fret with light strings, extension cords, and ladders. We also use high quality products that give clients numerous design options.

Get ready for the holidays in good Wilmington style.

Our reputation for creating beautiful holiday lighting precedes us, so why not enlist Outdoor Lighting Perspective of Wilmington to help you with your Flotilla entry? Just let us know what theme you have in mind. We would be happy to work with you to create a stunning entry that will be sure to turn heads. With our knowledge of design and light, we can help you create your most phenomenal Flotilla entry yet, and while we could never guarantee a win, our experience is sure to increase your odds.

The holidays are just around the corner, so get ready to celebrate in good Wilmington style. Whether you need holiday outdoor lighting for your home or business or you would like us to work with you on your Flotilla design, call us today. Other residents are already booking times, so don’t wait until our schedule is full. Call Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington today and make this holiday season and the 31^st Annual NC Holiday Flotilla one you’ll never forget.

William Koon, Owner

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Wilmington

910-342-0040

Email: wilmington@outdoorlights.com

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