Informal landscape designs are especially popular among homeowners who want relaxed, comfortable, and natural-looking outdoor spaces. An informal landscape incorporates curves, plenty of textures, and puts emphasis on organic flow. For informal landscape designs, outdoor landscape lighting should be able to enhance the natural look without overwhelming it or being too harsh.
This week’s blog post will break down the key features of informal landscapes and how you can effectively use outdoor landscape lighting to transform these landscapes into beautiful nighttime venues.
Key Features of Informal Landscape Design
Understanding the key features of informal landscape designs will enable you to create a stunning outdoor landscape lighting system for your clients that will leave them speechless. Features of informal landscape designs include:
● Curved and winding walkways: Informal landscape designs emphasize nature and a go-with-the-flow type of vibe. Therefore, lighting should follow that same fluidity instead of rigid straight runs.
● Asymmetry: The beauty of informal landscape designs lies in the carefully thought-out randomness of its elements.
● Plant variety: To add visual depth and movement to the space, informal landscape designs use mixed shrubs, grasses, and perennials.
● Natural materials: Stone, wood, and mulch are favored materials to use in informal landscape designs.
● Organic mood: Informal landscape designs evoke feelings of calm and freedom. Elements in an informal landscape design are not restrictive nor rigid.
These features give informal landscapes their charm and attractiveness. You can help enhance them with the right outdoor landscape lighting.
Smart Lighting Approaches for Informal Landscape Designs
There are a variety of ways and lighting techniques that will enhance informal landscape designs. Try out the techniques below in your next project:
1. Use Warm, Subtle Lighting
For an informal landscape design that is meant to be relaxing and calm, choose warm white LED lamps that have a color temperature of 2700K. They offer a soft and natural glow that’s perfect for informal landscape designs. Lights that have lower lumen levels will also be great, as they won’t be overpowering and will add to the relaxed mood.
2. Staggered Path Lighting
When installing path lights, go for a staggered pattern rather than uniform spacing between the path lights. This will avoid a straight runway look and can more easily blend into the curved pathways. Low-profile path lights better blend in with the informal landscape.
3. Tree-Mounted Downlighting
Downlights mounted in trees cast a realistic moonlight effect. This results in natural-looking shadows in the space, such as on pathways or gardens below. This type of outdoor landscape lighting helps create depth and drama without harsh lighting.
4. Accent Natural Features
From boulders to trees and water features, uplights can draw attention to them in a stunning way. You can try placing them off-center to avoid a symmetrical look.
5. Layer Lighting for Texture
Flood lights, up lights, and wash lights can be used in combination to show off different plant layers. You can use them to create interesting shadows, which can be appealing to the eye.
In informal landscape designs, you can experiment with different landscape lighting techniques to find the ones that best accentuate the existing elements.
Pro Tips & Product Considerations
An outdoor landscape lighting system should bring out the best of an informal landscape design. The tips and considerations below will help you create an outdoor landscape lighting system that will illuminate your clients’ informal landscapes.
● Use adjustable fixtures. They will account for the future usability of the lights as the plants or situations around them change.
● Light fixtures made from brass or other corrosion-resistant materials will blend in with stone and last longer.
● Dimmable LEDs are great for energy efficiency and light control.
● By offering clients maintenance packages or seasonal adjustments, you can help them keep the design fresh.
● A good outdoor landscape lighting system includes path lights, uplights, and downlights that will ensure all your needs are covered.
With these tips and considerations, you are sure to create a unique and stunning outdoor landscape lighting system that is perfect for your clients.
LightCh8in is your one-stop source for Informal Landscape Lighting
Outdoor landscape lighting for an informal landscape design means that natural beauty should come first. With the right tools and techniques, you can add lighting that will increase functionality, safety, and ambiance to any informal landscape design. Your clients are sure to love the relaxed and natural look.
Check out LightCh8in for all of your outdoor landscape lighting needs. Log in or register for a free LightC8in account to shop everything from brass outdoor landscape lighting fixtures, high-quality direct burial cable, LED lamps, and more lighting accessories. With LightCh8in as your partner, you’ll help all your clients’ outdoor spaces shine bright.