Outdoor moods

The exterior of your home is just as important as inside, so make sure you get the lighting right here too. Light up pathways and bring entertaining zones and garden beds to life with uplights, bollards, spotlights, wall lights and sensor security lights – this will not only create a welcoming atmosphere, but will also provide an element of safety and security. There’s a wide range of both electric and solar-powered lighting options to choose from, but if you choose to install hard wired lights, make sure they have weatherproof fixtures, and remember to always call in a certified electrician to install them.

PAT H WAY S

Lead guests up the garden path with exterior bollard lights. There are LED options that provide soft lighting or you can opt for solar-powered bollards. These lights are great if you’re big entertainers, but they’re also a good nighttime safety feature.

GARDEN BEDS

Enjoy your garden at all hours with spotlights to light up your plants, trees and water features, creating a dramatic effect. Most solar spotlights come in easy-to-install kits with an outdoor weather resistant transformer included.

SECURITY FIRST

Gain peace of mind with security lighting, designed to detect and deter intruders. They can also help to light the way in dark areas outside your home and increase feelings of security. It’s important to get the positioning of security lighting right, so talk to an electrician before installation.

1. Brilliant 50cm Bayview Bollard, $94.90 each. 2. Arlec Stainless Steel Spotlight - pack of 4, $114; 3. Brilliant Coastal LED Sensor Light, $140

Just like the rooms in your home, think about layering your outdoor lighting as well. You will need both task and ambient lighting options.

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