19 Apr

Outdoor Lighting Upgrades for Summer Entertaining

Lit up bamboo in pool area of high end residential home

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!). Read More

18 Mar

Three Common Outdoor Lighting Mistakes

Take a look around Tampa Bay and you’ll see many homes and businesses with gorgeous and elaborate outdoor lighting setups. Seeing all that beauty may leave you itching to set something similar up at your own home, and we don’t blame you! Outdoor lighting is not only aesthetically pleasing but it also increases your property’s safety and security. However, setting up a well-designed outdoor lighting display isn’t as easy as it may seem. We’ve seen lots of different DIY setups over the years, some good and some very, very bad. In this post, we’ll go over the three most common outdoor lighting mistakes we see people make, along with ways you can avoid doing the same. Read More

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. Read More

24 Nov

Rebranding Brilliance: Permanent Outdoor Lighting ≠ Year-Round Outdoor Lighting

Welcome to the rebranding of outdoor illumination! At Decorating Elves, we’re all about clear communication with our customers, and today, we’re making a case for a terminology makeover. Say goodbye to the misleading and embrace the clarity – let’s explore why “Permanent Outdoor Lighting” is truly “Year-Round Outdoor Lighting”, and should be thought of as such. Read More

15 Aug

20 Years of Outdoor Lighting Magic with Decorating Elves!

When it comes to enhancing the beauty and ambiance of our outdoor spaces, lighting plays a pivotal role. For the past two decades, Decorating Elves has been at the forefront of creating mesmerizing outdoor lighting displays using energy-efficient LED lights. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of LED lights and how Decorating Elves has been transforming outdoor spaces into captivating wonderlands for the past 20 years.

This means we are perfectly positioned as seasoned experts in the wake of the phasing out of incandescent lights. The recent ban is leading to homeowners and commercial properties alike switching to LEDs. This article by Architectural Digest details the new law and what it means for you. Read on below for all the info on LED lights!

The Evolution of LED Lights

LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology has come a long way since its inception. Initially, it was limited to indicator lights and small displays. However, with significant advancements, LED lights have revolutionized the lighting industry, finding applications in various fields due to their exceptional energy efficiency and longevity.

Energy Efficiency: The Green Lighting Solution

One of the most remarkable benefits of LED lights is their energy efficiency. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, LED lights consume significantly less power while producing the same or even brighter illumination. This energy efficiency not only reduces electricity bills but also contributes to a greener environment by minimizing carbon emissions.

Decorating Elves recognized the potential of LED lights early on and has been using them extensively to create awe-inspiring outdoor lighting displays while reducing their clients’ environmental footprint.

Longevity: Lights That Stand the Test of Time

When it comes to outdoor lighting, longevity is a crucial factor. Traditional bulbs have a limited lifespan and require frequent replacements, which can be a costly and time-consuming affair. In contrast, LED lights have an impressive lifespan, lasting up to 20 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

By incorporating LED lights into their designs, Decorating Elves ensures that their clients enjoy long-lasting, low-maintenance outdoor lighting solutions that continue to shine brightly for years to come.

Versatility in Design

LED lights offer immense flexibility in terms of design possibilities. Decorating Elves has harnessed this versatility to create stunning outdoor lighting displays that cater to various aesthetics and themes. Whether it’s a subtle and romantic ambiance or a vibrant and festive atmosphere, LED lights allow for an endless array of creative options.

From string lights delicately weaving through tree branches to smartly arranged path lights illuminating garden walkways, Decorating Elves crafts outdoor lighting arrangements that enhance the beauty and functionality of any outdoor space.

Safety and Security

Outdoor lighting serves more than just aesthetic purposes; it also plays a significant role in ensuring safety and security. Adequately illuminated outdoor spaces reduce the risk of accidents, deterring potential intruders, and enhancing visibility during nighttime activities.

Decorating Elves’ expert lighting designs prioritize safety while adding a touch of elegance to outdoor areas, allowing clients to enjoy their outdoor spaces confidently at any time of day or night.

Energy Cost Savings

LED lights not only last longer but also save a substantial amount of energy, translating into significant cost savings in the long run. By utilizing LED lights in their outdoor lighting projects, Decorating Elves has not only been able to create stunning displays but also helped their clients save on energy bills, making the investment in LED lighting a financially wise choice.

Over the past 20 years in outdoor lighting, Decorating Elves has been synonymous with transforming outdoor spaces into enchanting realms with the magic of LED lights. Their commitment to using energy-efficient and long-lasting LED lights has not only contributed to the beauty of their creations but also to the well-being of the environment.

As we move towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious future, Decorating Elves continues to lead the way by proving that outdoor lighting can be both mesmerizing and environmentally responsible. With their expertise and dedication, we can expect to witness many more decades of outdoor lighting brilliance, making the world a brighter and more beautiful place, one LED light at a time.

08 Jun

Summer Playtime Lighting Ideas for Your Family

Well lit children's play house and landscaping

The summer playtime season brings with it longer days and warmer weather, making it the perfect time for children to unleash their boundless energy and indulge in outdoor play. As the sun sets, extending playtime into the evening hours requires the right lighting setup to ensure safety and create a magical ambiance. In this blog post, we will explore creative lighting ideas to illuminate your backyard, transforming it into a captivating oasis for your kids’ summer adventures.

3 kids playing in sandbox

1. Fairy Lights Delight:

Fairy lights are a versatile and enchanting option for lighting up your backyard. String them across trees, along fences, or around pergolas to create a whimsical atmosphere. Opt for multicolored lights or stick to warm white hues for a soothing glow. These twinkling lights will add a touch of magic to your children’s playtime, making them feel like they’re in their very own wonderland.

2. Low Voltage LED Pathway Lights:

Illuminate pathways and walkways with Low Voltage LED lights. These eco-friendly and cost-effective options charge during the day and automatically turn on as dusk falls. Apart from providing safety and guidance, these lights also enhance the aesthetics of your backyard. Consider choosing pathway lights with fun shapes or colors to pique your kids’ interest.

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Accessories:

Incorporate glow-in-the-dark elements to add an element of surprise and excitement to your backyard play area. From glow-in-the-dark stepping stones to glowing orbs, there are numerous options available that will capture your children’s imagination. Charge these accessories under sunlight or artificial light, and watch them come to life when the sun goes down.

4. Colorful Spotlights:

Colorful spotlights can instantly transform your backyard into a vibrant playground. Install spotlights with adjustable colors and intensities to create different moods for various playtime activities. Set the lights to a soothing blue for a calming effect or opt for vibrant colors to spark your children’s creativity. The versatility of colorful spotlights allows you to adapt the lighting to suit different occasions and themes.

5. Campfire-inspired Glow:

Create the cozy ambiance of a campfire by installing flameless LED candles or lanterns. Arrange them around a seating area or play tent to give your kids a sense of adventure and make them feel like they’re on a camping trip. These safe alternatives to traditional candles provide a soft, flickering glow that adds warmth and charm to the setting.

Lighting up your backyard for your kids’ summer playtime allows them to extend their outdoor adventures well into the evening hours. By incorporating fairy lights, LED pathway lights, glow-in-the-dark accessories, colorful spotlights, and campfire-inspired glows, you can create a dreamy oasis that will ignite their imagination and make their playtime truly magical. With the right lighting setup, your backyard will become the go-to destination for endless summer fun!

Remember to prioritize safety by ensuring all electrical connections are weatherproof and that the lighting doesn’t pose any tripping hazards. Enjoy the warm summer nights as your children embark on countless adventures in their illuminated wonderland with a landscape lighting design by Decorating Elves.

Well lit children's play house and landscaping

 

11 Feb

5 Benefits of Low-Voltage Lights

Low-voltage outdoor and landscape lights have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the numerous benefits they offer. Nick Schriver, the owner of Decorating Elves, is Tampa Bay’s only Certified Low-Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT). This designation, given by the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP), means Nick uses best practices and has access to the most current information on low-voltage outdoor lighting design and installation. Experience and knowledge are important when installing any outdoor lighting system, and the team at Decorating Elves has both! Read More

20 Dec

Why Choose LED Landscape Lighting?

When it comes to outdoor landscape lighting, LEDs (LED stands for the light emitting diode) has become the gold standard, and with good reasons. LED is simply superior to traditional lighting types, such as incandescent or CFLs, in almost every way. If you want a gorgeous outdoor lighting installation using high-quality LED bulbs, Decorating Elves should be your next call at 727-474-2628. Our expert team of lighting designers will work with you to create a stunning LED landscape lighting design that keeps heads turning all year long.  Read More

10 Jan

Benefits Of Outdoor LED Lighting

Just take a quick drive around Tampa Bay at night and you’ll quickly realize the impact outdoor LED lighting can have on any property! From residential to commercial, and sometimes even industrial properties, outdoor LED lights are popping up everywhere. But, are these lights just a pretty face or something more?

Appearance

One of the biggest benefits of outdoor LED lighting is its upscale visage. With the addition of some strategically placed yard lights, you can take your home’s aesthetic up a notch and become the envy of your entire neighborhood! And, you can upgrade to the pathway or entryway lights for an even more luxurious look. Read More

15 Dec

The Best Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting Trends

Are you looking at installing some outdoor lighting on your property? Whether you have some dark paths that pose a tripping hazard or you want to light up an outdoor entertainment area, there are some great energy efficient options available. Here are the most energy efficient outdoor lighting trends we’re seeing for the coming year.

Retro LED bulbs

Want the retro look of a halogen bulb with the energy efficiency of long-lasting LED bulbs? You no longer have to choose between the two! LED bulbs are available in a wide variety of styles, including many retro looks. Read More