Polls – Residential XL

Our client of many years and many events finally wanted to upgrade their permanent lighting and get away from temporary lighting setups for events. We removed and replaced a rather underwhelming lighting system installed by the original landscape architect. The new system, comprised of 248 fixtures (including the repurposed existing lights) wraps around the entire home, creating several usable spaces, a front patio, and pool space that is safe and inviting. A new audio system with 3 zones of audio helps to bring the space to life for all their entertaining. We were able to convert the antique stove (from the client's grandparent's home) into a "functional" feature using flame LEDs in the amber fire glass, adding a dramatic and sentimental art light. Ingrade fixtures on pots, 4 different types of downlighting, several styles of pathlighting and a variety of other lighting techniques keep every corner of the yard interesting and dynamic while maintaining a common design thread running through the entire project.

The homeowner of this lovely property requested an understated resort feel to his home which is situated squarely inside a dark sky enforced community. This presented challenges by limiting the direction of light and where it could be mounted, namely- no uplighting. In the front of the home, we were presented with opportunities for illuminating massive boulders, steps and walkways from dense clusters of mature scotch pines. We used ring mounted downlights hung strategically from pine branches that gently illuminated these sculpted boulders at the edges of the roadway to help traffic navigate the entrance and driveway. Low intensity, horizontal wash lights were also employed to fill in some of the shadows underneath. Steps and pathways were gently illuminated in a consistent rhythm to promote safely and visual comfort for guests navigating from the remote parking area to the home some distance away. In the back yard, there are very few trees from which to mount downlights, so natural rust path lights were used to illuminate the steps amongst the native perennials. We also illuminated 150’ of waterfalls and streams that ran the whole depth of the back yard down to a pond and patio area. The entire design is Dark Sky compliant, understated and right at home in this natural setting.

The lighting design for the Deblis residence at 136 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ, focused on balancing the historical significance of this 1905 property with modern design needs. Known as Edgewood Terrace and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home, designed by architects Gorsvenor Atterbury & Walter Leslie, is perched on First Watchung Mountain. Our team aimed to bring new life to this historic gem while respecting its rich heritage.

The goal was to honor the property’s legacy while meeting the homeowner’s modern requirements. The design begins with two uplit pillars at the entrance, highlighting the textured brick and setting the tone for the home. The façade’s fine brickwork and Colonial architecture are accentuated with mini uplights drilled into the brick, which illuminate both the façade and the historic benches adorned with stonework. Downlights were installed above the façade, matching the white tones of the structure and casting light across the elaborate cornice. Wiring was concealed to maintain focus on the lighting effect. Near the main entrance, a circular garden aligned with the front door features uplights on a central sculpture, connecting the home with the landscape. A well light was carefully integrated into the stone hardscape, preserving its patchwork pattern. This design brings new visibility to this historic property, allowing the community to appreciate its beauty in a fresh light.

This custom built home was a real joy to get to work on. The property sits in a wooded area in rural area. We illuminated entire property. Downlights, Uplights, Core Drill, Well Lights.

This project is a Wedding Venue. There are 127 fixtures on the property, and 125 linear feet of strip lighting on the large deck.

I made several visits to the property to discuss the clients' needs and to review the estimate. A drone was used to capture an aerial photo, which we then used to create a visual layout, including fixture types, placements, wire runs, transformer locations, etc.

The client requested that all lights be set to operate from dusk to dawn, aiming to enhance ambiance and ensure safety when guests are on the property at night. Given that this is a wedding venue, some clients may want to incorporate additional lighting, as well as the ability to turn sections of the lighting on and off for photo opportunities or to enjoy the stars from the deck area. To accommodate this, we decided on four zones for the back of the property, with an easy push-button system to control them.

All lights around the home (front and back), as well as the pathways, will be controlled by two transformers equipped with surge protectors. These will be set with dusk-to-dawn GPS timers for simplicity, as the venue owner won't always be on site. In the event of a power failure, the timers will automatically reset and resume their dusk-to-dawn operation. Before finalizing everything, we will walk through the system with the venue owner and property manager to ensure they understand how to operate the transformers, timers, and reset the GFCI outlets. The property is 2.5 hours away.

With a beautiful sitting room in the rear of this home we wanted to make the outdoors part of the indoor environment. The pool area was lit to create a focal point of the home from the front entry to the rear of the house. The lighting also added functional lighting around the property for the older client to walk her dogs safely at night. A row of planted pots sit outside of the kitchen so we lit each pot with two miniature well lights on each pot and one light in each pot to illuminate the plant. The home was previously owned by a designer and had many beautiful details but the exterior lighting was lacking. When we were complete the client was excited to show the previous owner how we had improved her already beautiful home. A total of 166 fixtures were used on this property.

After a difficult start, we were blessed to work with homeowners who live in an understated home surrounded by beautiful, mature oak and pine trees. After meeting and discussing a design concept, the clients (in order to meet a timeline and save some money) chose a landscaping company to light their home. I was disappointed to not earn their trust, but stayed in touch. After the landscaper failed to impress, they apologized for their mistake and committed to work with us. We ripped out the brand new, substandard fixtures, and got to work creating our nighttime artwork. When we revealed the results in the front yard, we had earned clients for life and they gave us full artistic freedom to design the backyard lighting. There were many design and installation challenges with the property but our team was resilient and created one of our favorite projects yet.

There were very different design goals between the front and back yards of this property. The front yard has some beautiful, mature trees and a long driveway, but an almost forgettable architectural facade. Our goal was to illuminate the pathway to the home, making the drive up feel welcoming and inviting. We chose to celebrate the largest trees and create a border of light to define the boundaries of the property. We left most of the home dark, allowing the viewers eyes to be drawn to, and rest on the magnificent trees. The rear of the home almost feels like a completely different property. The young, social family thrives on entertaining and throws quarterly parties with several hundred of their closest friends. They have a large pool, hot tub, tennis courts, and a huge patio space. We chose to light the background in a way that celebrates the mature trees, but lit in the foreground to help guests feel safe and ready to party. There are several important staircases that act as transitions from the front of the house to the party zone, and it was important for the client that their guests to feel safe in this transition.

The scope for this private residence allowed for freedom of design throughout. The project was divided into two phases, Spring and Fall, utilizing a total of 113 fixtures. With numerous areas of interest and focal points, the lighting was strategically placed to be visible from all angles, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes. A variety of lighting techniques were employed in this project, including accent lighting on trees and structures, downlighting from trees and porches, silhouetting of vegetation against the barn, and reflections in the pool and pond. The expansive nature of this space provided the opportunity for multiple layers and the enhancement of depth through lighting. Photographs cannot truly capture the full beauty of this property from various perspectives. From the moment one drives up the driveway, greeted by the downlit silhouettes and mature trees, to lounging on the patio with views of the pool and vast yard adorned with antique machinery and tools. Or while seated on the dock, absorbing the reflective glow from the trees lining the pond's edge. This home is destined to shine for years to come.

As one of the first residences established in the exclusive Shady Canyon Golf Community, this family has witnessed the neighborhood grow and evolve around them over the past 20 years. Their home boasts a backyard with a breathtaking view that stretches across the valley to the ocean, providing a serene and picturesque setting. When the family planned to host their daughter’s wedding in their backyard, they recognized that the original lighting system, installed two decades ago, no longer met their needs. They desired an updated design that would not only accommodate the large number of evening guests but also elevate the beauty and functionality of their outdoor space. Our team designed and installed a comprehensive outdoor lighting system that seamlessly enhanced the natural elegance of the space. From strategically placed up lighting that illuminated the mature landscaping to soft, ambient lighting that highlighted architectural features and pathways, the new system transformed their backyard into a magical venue for the wedding celebration. Post-installation, the homeowners expressed amazement, remarking, “How did we live all these years without this?” The lighting not only created a memorable wedding ambiance but also provided a long-term upgrade that the family will enjoy for years to come. There’s one detail worth noting: the homeowner, despite owning this stunning property for two decades, has never personally used the beautiful hot tub that is now showcased.

This remarkable backyard is a true entertainer's paradise. Featuring a stunning waterfall slide cascading into a luxurious pool, a cozy fireplace lounge perfect for intimate gatherings, and even a dedicated platform stage ready to host live bands, it’s a space designed for unforgettable moments.

Incredibly, this captivating oasis once hosted large parties before the addition of its dazzling new lighting. It’s hard to imagine how guests could fully appreciate its beauty without the enchanting glow that now illuminates every corner of the space. Today, the lights bring the backyard to life, enhancing the ambiance and ensuring that every detail—from the shimmer of the waterfall to the warmth of the fireplace—is showcased long after the sun goes down.

The Entertainer’s Backyard isn’t just a space; it’s an experience—a testament to creativity and design that turns a home into a destination.