Outdoor lights are often an afterthought when designing a landscape. But, the addition of well-placed outdoor lighting can dramatically enhance the exterior of any home. Not only can outdoor lighting be aesthetically pleasing, but it also serves an important functional purpose by providing safer walkways and highlighting areas of the home exterior. The general rule of thumb for outdoor lighting is to stick to the basics. An LED path light is perfect for adding ambiance in a walkway. Wall lights mounted on a porch illuminate an entrance, making for a safer descent up and down stairs. Spotlights, or up-lights can be used to draw more attention to a tree or other landscaping features. Outdoor lights can also be used to add an interesting nightscape. Landscape up-lighting is a popular way to create stunning effects. This type of lighting is designed to emphasize architecture and plants. Outdoor lighting can also add a pleasant brightness or sublime darkness to a backyard area. Accent the boundaries of an outdoor oasis or draw attention to a particular feature in the landscape. Overall, outdoor lighting provides a nighttime extension to the living space. The lights can be combined with other decorative elements – such as tall trees, low-voltage fence lights, or a stone wall – to create a scenario appropriate for outdoor entertaining, dining, or simple relaxation. Thanks to the convenience of modern technology, you can use dimmers, timers, and motion sensors to control your outdoor lighting, so your yard looks great and is safer too.