Using Light as a Home Design Element for Your Boca Raton Property

Posted by Jean-Luc Andriot on Monday, November 28th, 2016 at 4:56pm.

Safety checklist for Luc Andriot blog 112816Learn how to use light to enhance your home with aesthetics and have a safer place to live.

In today’s architectural design, lighting is an essential element during the design-build phase. With today’s smart homes, you can operate many lighting features by your mobile device giving you freedom to run the lights both indoor and out. When living in a place like Boca Raton, you’ll not only want to create more curb appeal; you’ll also want to know your property is safe even when you’re not at home. In this week’s blog, we uncover some design elements and features you’ll want to know whether you’re buying or selling your house.
When driving through any one of Boca Raton’s country clubs like Woodfield Country Club or Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club you’ll quickly notice the incredible use of lighting lining the streets and landmarks. These street lamps not only help you see where you’re going, they complement plants, shrubbery and signage. Just imagine how driving down one of these private roads would seem if they were dark and without landscaping lamps.

There’s no mistake when it comes to lighting a home correctly. With most luxury design homes the builders or exterior designers will discuss the importance of lighting, and it’s many uses. From dusk till dawn your home needs to be protected lights serve both purposes. One, to guard your property and two, to make it unique by using harmonizing lights accentuating your exteriors best features. Another feature that lighting provides is that of securing your walkways and driveways. The obvious would be to only glance at lights as part of your home’s architectural structure. Regardless of its application, your home’s lights are more than just a flip of a switch.

To explain how your home’s lighting is more than turning a light switch, consider safety first. Security is one of the biggest reasons people select outdoor lighting. Whether it’s in the front or backyard, it’s important to see where you’re going. It’s also helpful to know if an uninvited stranger has entered your property. Sensor lighting is one of the best types of lights that can allow you to know when someone is present. Fortunately for the residents living in country clubs, there’s not a lot of dangerous lurking wildlife. However, if an alligator or a snake have wandered into your swimming pool, at least with lights, you’ll know they are there. Another issue is tripping on objects. A path well laminated and lit will help avoid injuries that will prevent insurance claims in some cases. Take the time to discuss with your designer the placement and type of safety lighting you should use. Another point to make is that well-lit areas help to deter thieves and break-ins. With today’s smart homes lighting can be installed and adjusted where you can see who’s on the premises and alert authorities if necessary.

During the holiday season, break-ins and other household crimes seem to be more prevalent than any other time of the year. In addition to thieves and robberies, with the difference in daylight times exterior lighting is necessary to turn on earlier to prevent injuries from tripping on objects. A well-illuminated home will most likely avoid these types of issues. Being safe is vital to both your health as well as upholding your properties integrity.

If you’re in the process of selling your house or condominium, keep in mind houses that have dramatic lighting can appear to have a higher value than if they didn’t. Your first impressions are lasting ones, and if a prospective buyer were to approach a poorly lit property, they might not be as apt to jump at the idea. Condominiums need to have proper lighting installed in places such as elevators and carports as well as the hallways leading up to the front door. By making sure all lights are working properly, you’ll be giving the best presentation possible that can help shed some light on the sale. Another point to make is homes that have adequate lighting, or dramatic lights show a sense of pride for the home. Buyers may view an estate differently that is dark and dingy. In this case, it may be best to request the advice from your realtor who can give you some direction toward your lighting needs along with consulting on how to make your home worth consideration. They may suggest replacing bad bulbs or removing broken fixtures altogether.

You can use lighting as part of the art and aesthetics. If you have a main focal point such as a garden or fountain, the type of lights you select can showcase those pieces. You can add spectacular accents to your exterior creating a scene that everyone can admire.

Next, think about comfort. Use a combination of lights to create atmosphere and allow dark areas to come alive. If you are extending your backyard patio area, make sure the lighting you choose is in the same perimeters for a comfortable setting.

Functionality is yet another big reason to use landscape lighting throughout your outdoor living spaces. A well-lit deck or patio area helps you entertain with ease. Walkways and other dark corners are more practical when nicely lit with lamps and other fixtures. If you have a swimming pool or in ground Jacuzzi, you’ll find lighting to be a priority.

In many of today’s luxury properties, the designs lean toward a more contemporary design along with simplicity. Homeowners find ways to light their pathways, sidewalks, boat docks and garages storing their collectible cars. As these are a few examples for the need for lights, many other people consider a home’s lights for its use of the function. In some higher end homes, things like theater lighting and mood lighting for places such as the bathroom or bedroom may take some precedence. Rather than being last on the list, these nuances involving lamps and sconces are becoming more noticeable each year.

Make your lighting a superior priority when it comes to selling your house or townhome. The more pleasing the room or exterior is, the better chance you’ll have of selling the home. Replace old bulbs, renovate outdated fixtures and always keep safety in the forefront and you’ll most likely see a big difference. Don’t be left in the dark when it comes to knowing how to use lights to make your vacation home more appealing and more likely to ward off unwanted intruders.

*If you are thinking about replacing things like floodlights on your house be sure to use well aimed light at 100 watts to ensure there’s no issue with glare. In some cases, LED’s have convinced health care providers that people lose sleep because of the unnatural behavior of the bulbs. You’ll want to research what would be best to fight off criminals without losing rest.

When working with designers for upgrades, be sure to seek professionals who specialize in this type of element including applications that are environmentally friendly. Companies such as Illumination Design Consultants can help you find solutions that are both functional as well as appealing.

By using some of these tips and suggestions, you’ll find better luck in selling you home quicker. Furthermore, you’ll increase your quality of life by having the ability to see clearer.

For a full consultation on selling your vacation or primary residence, contact our luxury specialists.

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