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Think Outdoor Lighting This Spring

Outdoor KitchenOutdoor lighting is just as important as choosing the right trees, shrubs and patio materials for your Naperville-area landscape.  Lighting designs have evolved so much in recent years that you may be surprised and a little overwhelmed at your choices.  It’s a good idea to take some time and decide what your goals are for your outdoor lighting design.  With that information, you can narrow down your choices and find outdoor lighting solutions to serve the needs of your home for years.

Is your first priority safety?  Pathway lights will safely guide your family and guests to your front door or backyard entertainment area.  Pathway lights may be low voltage or solar, and the styles range from modern to classic to whimsical.  Wall and hanging lanterns provide welcoming light from above to provide even more safety.  If placed strategically, these can also highlight architectural features of your home or landscape.

Do you want to light up your outdoor entertainment area?  Lanterns and free standing outdoor lamps help create a festive ambience for outdoor parties.  Shining spotlights on your grill area will keep the chef in the party and create a welcoming area for diners.  A growing trend is to string decorative lights above the seating area or around trees and fences.  The choices are seemingly endless for these fairy lights, and their effect can be magical.

Security lighting is an important consideration for many homeowners.   Well-placed spotlights and floodlights will help keep your home safe as they ward off trespassers.

The type of bulbs you choose will make a difference in energy use, brightness and lifetime of the bulb.  Solar lighting is the energy-saving choice.  New LED lights offer long life spans and high quality lighting, and are long-term energy efficient.  Halogen lights are a popular choice for quality lighting.  The best choice will be determined by how the lighting will be used and your budget.

Choosing the right fixtures for your outdoor lighting needs can be a delightful experience.  With so many color choices, styles and price points, you can make your lighting truly customized to your taste.

Our designers will meet with you to discuss your outdoor lighting needs as part of your outdoor landscape and hardscape design or as a separate project.  We carry outdoor lighting solutions to meet the needs of suburban homes of all types and sizes, including Kichler Lighting.  We will help you complete your outdoor living space with beautiful, quality lighting solutions.

O’Donovan Landscaping has been designing, installing and maintaining outdoor hardscapes and landscaping for over 45 years in the Naperville area.  Contact O’Donovan Landscaping at 630-355-3370 to schedule an appointment!

Outdoor Kitchens Ideal for Summer Celebrations

Father’s Day, graduations, family weekends, out-of-town guests are all wonderful summer occasions to get together and celebrate life’s special moments.  Here in Naperville you can make those celebrations even more memorable by holding them in your own outdoor space, with a landscape design custom-fit to your family’s style.

Start with three basic elements of a great outdoor space; cooking facilities, seating, and lighting.  Whether you are building on what you already have or are starting with a clean slate, you can create an outdoor kitchen and living area that will add value, enjoyment and living space to your home.

Cooking:  Outdoor cooking has become an art form, with Outdoor Kitchenmany choices to suit your taste, budget and space.  Design a cooking area with a grill, side burners and rotisserie, surrounded by a granite counter for prep work or for your guests to sit and chat.  Consider installing a wood-burning pizza oven to create endless varieties of crowd-pleasing breads, desserts and even meats.   Smokers are popular to create meat, chicken or fish dishes.  Choose your favorite cooking method, decide if you want privacy while you cook or if you want to be surrounded by admiring friends, and design your perfect cooking space.

Seating:  Picnic tables are nice, but to create comfortable seating where people want to linger and enjoy, consider dedicating an area for a table and cushioned chairs.  Some prefer the ambience created with outdoor sofas and chairs surrounding a low table.  Or, build a seating wall to encourage conversation, an island near the grill, and a separate spot reserved just for the kids.  Seating designs can be effective and comfortable whether you have a large, open property or an intimate courtyard.  

Lighting:  Today’s lighting products offer flexibility for seasonal use and add safety and security.  Solar lighting and low voltage pathway lights provide safety and create mood.  Overhead lighting will direct attention to specific areas, and provide a wide, well-lit area for cooking and conversation.  Of course, an outdoor fire pit will create light while providing warmth and encouraging conversation.

After considering these top three elements, it will be easier to add features to suit your style.  An outdoor fan will ward off pesky flying insects, and additions such as a refrigerator, wine cooler, ice maker, sink and even deep fryer will increase the usefulness and enjoyment of your outdoor kitchen, both for this summer’s celebrations and for years to come.

O’Donovan Landscaping has been designing, installing and maintaining outdoor kitchens, hardscapes and landscaping for over 45 years in the Naperville area.  We will design and install an outdoor space with your lifestyle in mind.  Contact O’Donovan Landscaping at 630-355-3370 to schedule an appointment!