Will installing outside tree lights harm my trees?
Not if you have it done by a professional who is trained in special techniques and who uses the right specification grade fixtures. Outside tree lights must be sized in scale to the tree in both fixture size and wattage.
What benefits do these lights add to landscaping?
Trees add a third dimension to your landscape that creates a sense of comfort, mystique, and spaciousness when illuminated with outdoor tree lights. Guests will enjoy being outside in such as space much more than they would if only the ground itself were lit with a single layer of light. By creating multiple layers of light, you bring the landscape up toward the stars and elevate both visibility and emotion in the process.
What types of outside tree lights do we need to create this layered lighting effect?
There are only two main categories of outside tree lights: up lights and down lights. Within these categories are a wide range of sizes and wattages intended to match the fixture to the tree and the area around the tree that needs to be lit.
Uplights are box flood lights installed at the base of the trunk. They shine their light up the side of the tree into the leaves above, illuminating it with a light that sweeps the eye upward.
Down lights have a practical application in that the shine light down on the ground that makes it easier for people to see. However, down lights are also used for decorative effect. Mercury vapor outside tree emit a bluish-green light that is remarkably similar to moonlight. When concealed in branches, mercury vapor outside tree lights emit an ambient aura from within the canopy that cascades down to the ground just like moonlight does when the sky is clear and the moon is full. This works exceptionally well if you have very large oak trees in your yard that are not only tall but also have a wide canopy formed by branches that fan outward.
We recommend that you do not attempt to select these fixtures yourself or attempt installation of outside tree lights on your own. A landscaping designer can do all the outdoor light planning for you and provide you with superior, specification grade fixtures as one of many components in an overall landscape lighting plan.
Can outside tree lights be used with very small trees?
Yes. One of the best ways to do this is to plant a flower bed around a small or moderately-sized tree and hide 100 watt box floods within the vegetation. This conceals the fixture and shines the light up the trunk onto the bottom of the trees branches and leaves. Many times, this can actually make a tree look taller than it really is, helping add a sense of depth and history to a home in a relatively new neighborhood. Many such affects can be created throughout a landscape and house plans if you are working with an expert such as the ones on staff at ILD.
Illuminations Lighting Design is the only “One Stop” destination for lighting design, engineering, landscape lighting services and installation in the state of Texas, and remains unrivaled by any lighting firm in the United States for lighting that is art. As homes grow larger and needs become more complex, having a single resource provides home owners with peace of mind. This translates into a smoother process, reduced costs and a better product. Contact us at 713-863-1133 or toll free outside Houston at 800-863-1184.
We are located in Houston Texas but provide lighting and house lighting plans in Austin TX, El Paso Texas, San Antonio TX, College Station Texas, Beaumont TX, Dallas Texas, Midland Tx and points beyond.
Labels: Mercury Vapor Tree Lighting Houston, Moonlighting, Outdoor Tree Lighting Experts, Outdoor Tree Lighting Plans
A typical Illuminations lighting design is one where every painting, armoire, wall sconce, chandelier, recessed light and landscape light works in harmony to create a pleasant, functional and stimulating environment. Flexible enough to adapt to your daily needs, yet sensitive enough to set the most delicate mood.
The passion for perfection has become a mainstay of the Illuminations name. Light by light, wire by wire, houses throughout the country are being hand-fitted with quality lighting fixtures, lighting control systems, home automation systems and landscape lighting equipment by skilled craftsmen from Illuminations Lighting Design. Just as the dimmer switch taught us that there is more to light than simply ON or OFF, Illuminations has shown the world the endless variation, the enchanting spectrums, the infinite gradations of light that can be painted across the wide canvas that stretches between night and day.
Read what satisfied customers of Illuminations Lighting Design are saying:
I just wanted to thank you for helping us with our Vantage lighting control system that was damaged during a lightning storm. We had no power, no lighting and extensive damage as a result of the hit. Your AV technician was very helpful, and solved the problem lighting by installing and programming a new Vantage processor. The outdoor lighting crew was equally as responsive in repairing the landscape lighting system! Neal Meyers
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your help on our outdoor garden lighting at our home. We just had a party last weekend and folks were going on and on about the landscape lighting - You guys do a great job!
Christopher Sims
I wanted to take a moment to thank your staff for the hard work and extra effort repairing our home electrical generator during our lengthy power outage caused by Hurricane Ike. The commitment and diligence of Rick Luberger is exceptional and the support which we received from your lead electricians Cesar and Gonzalo were extraordinary. You have truly put a great team together at Illuminations Lighting.
Marvin Perez
Your lighting team came by this morning and fixed the outdoor tree light in the Pecan that went out last week. Thanks for the fast remedy and for honoring the warranty period. They were professional and courteous. I will continue to recommend your company for landscape lighting as well as interior lighting.
Robert O'Neal
Illuminations Lighting Design is a full service design build firm specializing in residential and commercial indoor lighting and outdoor lighting, electrical service and maintenance as well as home automation, home theaters, emergency generators, surge protection systems, phone systems and lighting control systems.
We are located in Houston Texas but provide lighting and house lighting plans in Austin TX, El Paso Texas, San Antonio TX, College Station Texas, Beaumont TX, Dallas Texas, Midland Tx and points beyond. Our toll free number is 800-863-1184 and our local number is 713-863-1133 to request a consultation or service.
Not really ready to schedule the work yet? Would you like to first have someone come out and meet with you to discuss your project? No problem, try using our online CONTACT US FORM or REQUEST ASSISTANCE DIRECTORY. These handy online tools allow you to tell us more about your project, attach files or identify an individual responsible for processing your specific request! Labels: Electrical Lighting Work, House Lighting Plans, Houston Electrical Contractor, Independant Residential Electrical Contractor, Planning Landscape Lighting
Is it really necessary to plan residential lighting? Why can’t we just buy new lights?
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of working with a professional who can help you develop your residential lighting plan. It will be much better to get the help of a professional lighting designer and prove well worth the investment in the long run. Working with someone trained in architecture, interior design, and landscaping basics can help you plan a lighting layout that compliments the physical aspects of your home and the personal elements of your living experience. You will feel so much more compliment and truly “yourself” in your home after they have taken the time to work with one of our home lighting design consultants.
Do you recommend decorative fixtures as a key element to the design?
In many cases we do. This, of course, depends on the type of interior decorations you have in your house. Many people like to emphasize certain historical periods in their interior design. Others prefer a specific motif, such as the Arts and Crafts décor, while still others like an ultra modern look. Picking out home decorative lighting to match your decorations can be difficult without a professional’s guidance. We can help you with this, and we can supply you with better lighting equipment than you would find on retail shelves. Pendants, chandeliers, and wall sconces are a few examples of lights that residential lighting planners that are used during electrical remodeling or new home custom homes.
How much specialty lighting do we need in a residential design plan?
That depends again on the nature and contents of your home’s décor. Residential interior lighting must have a blend of accent and general lighting to be effective. This requires “layering” light throughout the home in such a way as to compliment interior architecture and room content. Artwork requires it own type of lighting fixtures to be illuminated. At other times, however, decorative fixtures actually function as important elements of interior design.
Do you recommend lighting control?
Yes, wallbox lighting controls or lighting control systems are how you set light levels. The larger the home, and the more sophisticated individual specialty rooms like kitchens become, the more they require user-friendly means of regulating both the level of light and the type of light they create. This makes your actual light fixtures more flexible, because they can be used to create any number of lighting layers and effects when connected to dimmers, hand-held remotes, wall box control, and automated home lighting control programs. An added benefit to this is improved energy efficiency, because regulated lighting means power-saving lighting in today’s world.
Call Illuminations Lighting Design now at 800-863-1184 toll free or locally at 713-863-1133 for an appointment. Let’s talk about how the very best quality interior lighting maintenance can bring a whole new level of personal experience both within and around your home today. You may also visit our extensive lighting blog for helpful and informative information.
We are located in Houston Texas but provide lighting and design services in Austin TX, El Paso Texas, San Antonio TX, College Station Texas, Beaumont TX, Dallas Texas, Midland Tx and points beyond. Labels: Architectural Lighting Houston, Custom Home Lighting Designs, House Lighting Plans, Lighting Consultants Texas, Residential Lighting Plans
A lighting floor plan can take any shape or size.
It may be formal and organized, free form, or pose unique lighting challenges. When you look at the variations in your ceiling height, daylight, and construction materials, you see a three-dimensional framework around your floor plan. You must be careful not to choose fixtures that are excessively large for their surroundings. Lighting fixtures that are too big can often overpower the room’s aesthetic. The best way to design a superior lighting floor plan is to install low-profile functional lights and decorative accent lights at unique angles of incidence. This creates that enhance decorative appeal and provide satisfactory lighting levels.
The size of your floor plan determines the number of lighting fixtures that a particular room will need.
Everything from the height of your ceiling, the amount of natural light that comes in through windows, and the square footage of your room influence the wattage and fixtures you will need for general lighting. To overcome shadows in large rooms and hallways, you may be tempted to overdo the lighting and try to have the brightest lights as possible installed. This type of house lighting plan can work against your homes aesthetic, however, because excessive light creates both direct and indirect glare that shines into the eyes. It also tends to “flattened” three dimensional objects. For a better effect, try a more and selective blending of general and accent lighting. Floor plans illuminated in this fashion with multiple layers of lighting will magnify design elements that reflect your personal taste and lifestyle without overwhelming the senses.
Accent lighting is determined by the number of targets to illuminate such as art, sculpture or furnishings.
In floor plans that center around combination rooms such as kitchen-breakfast-family areas, lighting can help visually divide the individual spaces. This is accomplished with decorative fixtures, general down lights, accent art lights and table lamps. Accent lighting is also very effective in places like floating stairways where it can be used to fill in dark areas with an ambiance that is both practical and charming.
Decorative lighting and use of chandeliers depends on the interior designer's look and feel of the home.
Chandelier lifts are becoming more prevalent in today's floor plan lighting during new home wiring and electrical remodeling projects. They add great value to any project, and magnify the elements of traditional-style interior decor superbly. They are useful during the installation of the fixture, for lamp changing and for cleaning purposes. If you are planning to install a chandelier as a component in your lighting floor plan, it really needs to be done by a professional who can also install a lift. This will allow you to do simple indoor lighting maintenance on your own and avoid the expense of service calls. Such a professional can also help you with the many other elements of floor plan lighting for maximum energy efficiency, functional light, and decorative effect.
Where should I begin my search for a lighting designer?
For over 30 years now, ILD has worked with home construction companies and home remodeling firms to help the custom homeowner enjoy the most technologically sound and aesthetically pleasing home lighting control systems possible. Our staff has been cross trained in landscaping, art theory, interior design, and basic principles of architecture and is intended to function hand in glove with the general contract invoice any Houston home construction firm.
Call us at 800-863-1184 today to talk about your next project. Illuminations Lighting Design is a full service design build firm specializing in residential and commercial indoor lighting and outdoor lighting, electrical service and maintenance as well as home automation, home theaters, emergency generators, surge protection systems, phone systems and lighting control systems.
We are located in Houston Texas but provide lighting and design services in Austin TX, El Paso Texas, San Antonio TX, College Station Texas, Beaumont TX, Dallas Texas, Midland Tx and points beyond. Labels: Home Lighting Plans, House Lighting Plans, Light Design Plans, Lighting Designer Floor Plans, Professional Lighting Designers Houston
Kitchen lighting plans are typically designed for functionality and use of space.
Food preparation requires better than average visibility and color rendering. The condition of food itself is indicated by its firmness and its color, so it is always best to have your kitchen lighting plan designed with specification grade fixtures capable of differentiating both colors and shades of colors. The popular retail fluorescent lights that save energy so will probably not light your tomatoes quiet as effectively as other lamping options available through professional lighting design services like ILD. Getting assistance from a lighting consulting firm with experience in architectural theory can help you develop a better general lighting plan for your kitchen that involves alternatives to the panel overhead lights found in many homes. Energy saving recessed lights can be installed in configurations that pool the light around areas like the sink where people spend a great deal of time.
Special kitchen features like islands often present challenging spaces for the homeowner to light.
This may sound odd at face value. You think of an island as a simple surface that simply needs a bright to illuminate its surface. In actuality, this creates two problems in planning home lighting. If the surface of the island contains any shiny material, reflective glare will result. Light that is not directed at just the right angle will also cast unattractive shadows on the floor. To more effectively light such a structure, you may need special lower level pendant lights suspended at just the right height above the island surface. Custom home lighting planners with companies like ILD can help you choose from literally thousands of fixture styles ranging from traditional to highly contemporary. This way, a fixture that stands out prominently still blends into the general plan and decorum of your kitchen.
We also recommend that you have Lutron dimmer controls installed with your kitchen lighting as well. This will allow you to manipulate these various fixtures to create different layers of light and vary kitchen lighting levels for different plans and events. Dimmers are also a great energy saving tool and should always be considered as a better, more effective alternative to generic fluorescent lights in Houston home construction.
Undercabinet lights are routinely used to illuminate countertops for both accent and task lighting.
Undercabinet lighting is much more than a decorative element for a kitchen lighting floor plan. A large number of homes today tend to feature very ornate counter tops made from marble and granite. Fluorescent kitchen lights and pucks do not always work so well with these surfaces. Some fluorescents cannot be dimmed, so they do not work well with kitchen lighting plans configured with lighting control systems. Puck lights have their drawbacks too, chief of which tends to be the tendency to cast “white spots” on the surface below them. Houston Texas lighting planners will often advise you to replace these kitchen lights with dimmable linear strip lights made with built-in glare shields. This eliminates unattractive elements from your cabinet area, and it improves cost efficiency with a more controllable, low-key light source.
Contact us locally at 713-863-1133 or toll free at 800-863-1184 today to talk about your next project. Illuminations Lighting Design is a full service design build firm specializing in residential and commercial indoor lighting and outdoor lighting, electrical service and maintenance as well as home automation, home theaters, emergency generators, surge protection systems, phone systems and lighting control systems.
We are located in Houston Texas but provide photometric lighting design services in Austin TX, El Paso Texas, San Antonio TX, College Station Texas, Beaumont TX, Dallas Texas, Midland Tx and points beyond. Labels: Austin Texas Lighting, Beaumont Texas Lighting, Kitchen Lighting Plans, Planning Home Lighting Designs, Residential Lighting Houston Texas
