Gardening and Landscaping Archives

19 Apr

Outdoor Lighting Upgrades for Summer Entertaining

As the temperature slowly creeps back up, Tampa Bay residents are pulling back the winter shades, dusting off the grills, and getting ready for long evenings with great friends. Here in Florida, the backyard is a gathering place for meals, celebrations, and casual hangouts all summer long, so it’s important for yours to look its very best! Upgrade your outdoor space this year with gorgeous outdoor lighting designed and installed by Tampa Bay’s premier outdoor lighting contractor – Decorating Elves. In this post, we’ll go over some of our favorite outdoor lighting upgrades to take your yard from boring to bombastic with outdoor lighting upgrades that will wow even the most discerning of house guests (in-laws included!).

LED Upgrades for Efficiency and Longevity

If you haven’t made the switch to LED outdoor lighting yet, this is your sign that it’s time. LED lighting is a popular choice for outdoor lighting solutions due to its energy efficiency and long life span. Slash your energy bills by transitioning to LED bulbs for all your outdoor lighting needs, from landscape lighting to accent lighting to security lighting. LED offers a full range of colors, allows you to adjust the brightness in a flash, and stays cool to limit fire hazards. If you only make one outdoor lighting upgrade this year, this is the one it should be!

Smart Outdoor Lighting Systems

Control your entire outdoor lighting setup from your phone, tablet, or even smart speaker with a fully-integrated smart outdoor lighting system. This amazing technology allows home and business owners more control than ever before, changing the mood and ambience with just a command. Dim the lights for an intimate home date night or bring the funk to your dance party with multicolor lights that flow with the music – it’s all at your fingertips with smart outdoor lighting systems from Decorating Elves!

Decorative Fixtures for Personality and Charm

Outdoor lighting fixtures have come a long way from the boring shield covers of the past. Make your outdoor lighting system as unique as your personality with a huge variety of decorative lighting fixtures now available for homes and businesses. String lights, lanterns, and candle fixtures are all popular choices for Tampa Bay residents, but the possibilities are really endless. Just a quick search online for decorative outdoor lighting fixtures will reveal the options available, giving your imagination plenty of room to run with a design idea that’s all your own.

Security Lighting for Peace of Mind

Another must-have upgrade for your outdoor lighting system is security lighting. Many home and business owners focus on just the aesthetics of their outdoor lighting design but forget to consider how they and their guests will comfortably navigate their property, leading to dark areas and unsafe passages. Don’t fall victim to this common oversight…prioritize adding adequate security lighting to all your entryways, pathways, and gathering spaces. This will give extra visibility to make you and your guests safer, more comfortable, and less vulnerable to crimes of opportunity.

Lighting + Audio: A Match Made in Heaven

Go for the gold this summer with an outdoor lighting and outdoor audio combo system that will have the neighbors vying to find out how you did it! Forget the portable Bluetooth speakers and instead go with a permanently installed, high-quality outdoor audio system that will add gorgeous music to your entertaining spaces without making space for a bulky, staticy speaker. Let our team help you expertly place your audio system for perfect acoustics, covering your yard in a blanket of sound that will make you want to stay outside all the time!

Upgrade to Tampa Bay’s Best Outdoor Lighting Contractor – Decorating Elves

Summer in Tampa Bay offers the perfect backdrop for outdoor entertaining. Upgrading your outdoor lighting not only enhances the beauty and functionality of your space but also extends the hours you can enjoy with friends and family under the stars. Upgrade to LEDs, transition to a smart system, add decorative fixtures for charm and personality, level up safety with security lighting, and add an outdoor audio system to round out the perfect outdoor experience. For more information on how Decorating Elves can turn your backyard into a little piece of paradise, or to schedule an estimate for your outdoor lighting upgrades, call us at 727-474-2628 or contact us online.

01 Apr

Join Decorating Elves at the WFLA Outdoors Expo & Boat Show

We’re thrilled to announce that Decorating Elves will be showcasing our stunning outdoor lighting designs at the WFLA Outdoors Expo & Boat Show, happening April 5th to 7th at the iconic Armature Works in Tampa. It’s the perfect setting to kick off spring with a splash of light and luxury!

Our team has been busy preparing a spectacular booth under the tent, where we’ll be showcasing our latest innovations in outdoor lighting design. Whether you’re looking to enhance the ambiance of your garden, illuminate your pool area, or add a touch of elegance to your outdoor spaces, we have the perfect solutions to bring your vision to life.

At Decorating Elves, we believe that the right lighting can transform any outdoor space into a magical setting. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing high-end, luxury lighting solutions that cater to the discerning tastes of our clients. Our expert designers will be on hand to discuss your ideas and help you find the perfect lighting to suit your style and needs.

But that’s not all! The WFLA Outdoors Expo & Boat Show is the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of exhibits, demonstrations, and activities for the whole family. From the latest in boating and fishing gear to outdoor living and adventure sports, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Outdoor Expo Info Graphic

So, mark your calendars and join us for a weekend of fun, inspiration, and breathtaking outdoor lighting designs. Our booth under the tent will be your go-to spot for all things related to luxury outdoor lighting. We can’t wait to see you there and help you illuminate your outdoor spaces like never before!

01 Dec

The Purpose of Garden Lighting

Gardens are not just daytime retreats; they can transform into enchanting nightscapes with the right lighting. At Decorating Elves, we believe that garden lighting is an essential aspect of premium outdoor living, especially for residents in the Tampa Bay area who like to be outdoors all year long. This post discusses the various purposes of yard lighting and how it can enhance your home or business’ outdoor experience.

back garden lighting on a 2 story home with palms

Enhancing Beauty and Aesthetics

The primary purpose of garden lighting is to highlight the natural beauty of your landscape. By strategically placing lights, you can accentuate the shapes and textures of trees, plants, and architectural features, creating a dynamic and visually appealing space. Subtle lighting can bring out the colors of flowers and leaves, while dramatic illumination can cast intriguing shadows and silhouettes.

Increasing Functionality

Garden lighting extends the usability of your outdoor space beyond sunset. It allows for evening gatherings, quiet moments of relaxation, and safe nighttime navigation through paths and walkways. Well-lit gardens are more inviting, making your outdoor areas functional and enjoyable at any hour.

Improving Safety and Security

A well-lit garden deters potential intruders by eliminating dark hiding spots. It also ensures safety for homeowners and guests by illuminating paths, steps, and uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of trips and falls. Effective garden lighting provides a sense of security, making your outdoor space safer at night.

Setting the Mood

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a garden. Soft, warm lights can create a cozy, tranquil atmosphere, while brighter, cooler lights can energize the space. With the right lighting, your garden can become a serene haven or a lively entertainment area, depending on your mood and occasion.

Highlighting Water Features

If your garden includes water features like fountains or ponds, lighting can enhance its appeal and create stunning visual effects. Illuminated water features become focal points, adding a sense of luxury and elegance to your garden.

water feature with garden lighting

Showcasing Art and Décor

Garden lighting can spotlight statues, sculptures, or other decorative elements, turning them into nighttime showpieces. This adds an artistic dimension to your garden, making it a gallery of your style and taste.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Modern lighting, especially LED options, is energy-efficient and sustainable. It minimizes electricity consumption and reduces the need for frequent bulb replacements. This is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.

The Decorating Elves Advantage

At Decorating Elves, we specialize in creating custom garden lighting designs that meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. Our team of experts ensures that every installation is both beautiful and functional, enhancing the safety, beauty, and enjoyment of your outdoor space.

We are just a call away for Tampa Bay property owners looking to transform their gardens into beautifully lit sanctuaries! Schedule an estimate for your garden lighting project today by calling 727-474-2628 or contacting us online.

19 Jun

Enhance Your Outdoor Kitchen with Stunning Landscape Lighting

Creating an inviting and functional outdoor kitchen is a popular trend that brings people together to enjoy delicious meals and the beauty of nature. This may be why grills and grilling accessories are some of the most popular Father’s Day gifts! While designing your outdoor kitchen, it’s important not to overlook the impact of landscape lighting. Properly designed and strategically placed lighting can transform your outdoor kitchen into a captivating and functional space that you can enjoy both during the day and well into the night. In this blog, we will explore the importance of landscape lighting for outdoor kitchens and share some creative ideas to illuminate your outdoor culinary haven.

Safety and Functionality

Effective landscape lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of your outdoor kitchen. Adequate illumination on pathways, steps, and cooking areas minimizes the risk of accidents, allowing you to move around freely and effortlessly. Consider installing task lighting above the grill, sink, and food preparation areas to ensure proper visibility during meal preparations, even after sunset. This way, you can cook with ease while keeping an eye on the food’s progress and ensuring everything is cooked to perfection.

Ambient Lighting for a Welcoming Atmosphere

Landscape lighting sets the mood and creates a warm, inviting ambiance in your outdoor kitchen. Choose lighting fixtures that complement the architectural style and design of your outdoor space. Soft and diffused lighting, such as string lights or lanterns, can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere for evening gatherings. Highlight your kitchen island or dining area with pendant lights or chandeliers to make them the focal points of your outdoor space. After 17 years in the business, Decorating Elves has designed lighting schemes for every look!

Accentuating the Landscape

Landscape lighting not only enhances the functionality of your outdoor kitchen but also allows you to showcase the surrounding landscape. Use well-placed lighting fixtures to illuminate trees, plants, and other natural elements, creating a visually appealing backdrop for your culinary adventures. Uplights can be strategically positioned to highlight beautiful shrubs or create dramatic shadows against walls. Path lights along garden beds or walkways can guide guests to your outdoor kitchen while adding a touch of elegance to the overall ambiance.

Color and Mood Lighting

For a unique and creative touch, consider incorporating color and mood lighting into your outdoor kitchen landscape design. LED lights are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they are energy-efficient and offer a wide range of color options. Decorating Elves specializes in low voltage LED lighting to save you money on energy consumption. Use color-changing LED strips or bulbs to transform the mood of your outdoor space with a simple adjustment of hues. You can match the lighting to the theme of your event or change it according to your mood, making your outdoor kitchen a versatile and dynamic entertainment area.

Smart Lighting Systems

Take your outdoor kitchen lighting to the next level by incorporating smart lighting systems. These systems allow you to control your lights remotely using your smartphone or voice commands. Adjust brightness levels, change colors, set timers, and create lighting schedules effortlessly. Additionally, some smart lighting systems can be integrated with other outdoor elements, such as music systems or security cameras, further enhancing your backyard experience.

Landscape lighting is an essential aspect of designing an outdoor kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. From ensuring safety and functionality to creating an inviting atmosphere, lighting can transform your outdoor space into a magical culinary haven. By inviting our expert over to design various lighting techniques and incorporate smart lighting systems, you can personalize your outdoor space and create an ambiance that matches your style and mood. So, illuminate your outdoor kitchen and enjoy delightful meals and unforgettable moments under the stars.

07 Jul

How to use Lighting to Create After-Dark Beauty in Your Garden

garden When thinking about landscaping gardens, most people will immediately turn their thoughts to beautiful foliage, trees, water features and arbors. Of course, these features are integral to creating a stunning garden area, but what home-owners often forget to think about is what their gardens will look like when the sun sets.

Living in a warm climate, most people in the St Petersburg area like to make the most of their outdoor space after dark. After all, few experiences are more relaxing than taking a drink out to the back yard after a hard day at work. However, if you don’t consider lighting in your garden, you’re missing out on the beauty of your garden at night. Read More →

Category Archives: Gardening and Landscaping