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How To Delight Your Neighbors


Ah, Summertime. I love this time of year as we just naturally slow down and look for ways to be outside. After grilling out a wonderful meal, it is blissful to sit back and listen to the crickets chirping and the neighborhood kids playing flashlight tag.

As your neighbors take an evening stroll, how would you like to treat them with your decorating style? You can easily draw their attention with beautiful Nightscaping. Nightscaping is simply using light to create visual interest throughout your yard. Realtors report the perceived value of your home increases when you have luminously enhanced it.


Resources






Accent Lighting


Focus an intense light on an object to make it stand out from the dark. A spotlight pointed at your front door will draw attention to a beautiful wreath or the beauty of the door itself.


UpLighting


Place the light in front or below the item to which you want to draw attention. A fountain or interesting planter would be a great way to apply this technique.


DownLighting


Short lights that are directed downward are perfect for lining sidewalks. They look great and are a safety feature.


Silhouetting


Trees that are spotlighted add beauty and texture to a yard. Pick one or two that have a majestic or interesting shape and light it with an in ground fixture.


Two More Ideas


Another part to a well nightscaped yard is to create a moongarden. This simply means filling areas of your yard with white flowers that will stand out as the sun goes down. Fragrant flowers such as gardenias and jasmine will bring added pleasure to your night time retreat.

Don't forget to add a string of lights to your back porch just for fun. Twinkling Christmas lights or motif lights that look like stars or lanterns will add a touch of whimsy to the area.

My neighbor has a silk tree on her front porch that is decorated with small white lights. It makes me happy just to look at it as I take a night time walk.

What is it about decorative lighting that is so enchanting? It must be that it exudes warmth and welcome, life and luxury. Enjoy your home & help your neighbors enjoy it as well.


To Delightful Decorating,


   - Melisa


Additional Resources




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Melisa J. Verch 


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Decorate My Home.net