Highlighting Salem’s Architecture After Dark
Salem, MA, is known for its deep history. You are going to walk past historic homes with original siding and brick. As evening comes on, the details that make these homes special are going to disappear. Brick homes lose their texture after dark, so lighting helps them stand out. If you have a clapboard house closer to the harbor, it might be subject to more wear and tear, so durable fixtures will be an added bonus. That’s usually when homeowners start thinking about landscape lighting in Salem, MA.
Older homes here weren’t built with exterior lighting in mind, so there aren't always convenient places to tuck wires or mount fixtures. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives has over 20 years of experience working on historic homes on the North Shore. We know how to position fixtures so they don't distract from the architecture. In most cases, less light works better. Even a single uplight near the base of a brick façade or a fixture near a doorway can be defined without washing out.
In Salem neighborhoods where houses sit close together, we have to be very careful not to overlight. Too bright and your home distracts from its own historic value and your neighbors.
Turning Decks and Patios into Outdoor Rooms
Salem homeowners know Spring is a quick stop between snow and coastal summer. As soon as warm weather comes, decks and patios become gathering spaces for dinners and hanging out with friends. Adding patio lighting in Salem, MA, extends your living room outside so you can actually enjoy it longer.
No one wants bright lights in their face when trying to relax. We can integrate step lights, under-rail illumination, and downlights to light your deck without being too much. Lighting is built into the structure, so no attention is taken away from the overall look of your house. Reviewing your deck and patio lighting options before the season begins ensures your space is ready when you are. Instead of dragging out portable lamps or relying on a single porch light, your outdoor area feels ready for company.
Lighting Brick Walkways and Garden Beds
A lot of Salem homes have brick or stone walkways that shift over time. Between settling and normal wear, it can't become a safety concern if you can't see well. During the day, it's unique to look at, but at night, it can be risky. With professional landscape lighting design, you can see where the edge of the walkway ends. Path lighting doesn’t need to be dramatic. Something as simple as a fixture near a bend in the walkway can make a bigger difference than one bright light near the door. The same goes for trees and foundation plantings.
We usually layer a few types of fixtures together to get the most usability out of your space. Every one of our outdoor lighting installations in Salem, MA ends up a little different because no two properties are laid out the same.
Modern LEDs Working with Historic Settings
LED fixtures today aren't what they were ten years ago. Older halogen systems burned hotter and needed regular bulb changes. With LEDs, you are looking at fewer bulb replacements and lights that use less electricity.
We stick with brass and copper fixtures for a reason. They age well, developing an antique patina, as they hold up through New England winters. OLP likes these fixtures for more than their durability; they complement historic homes very well.
If you want the option to switch colors for holidays, that’s possible too. Permanent roofline lighting can also be mounted discreetly under trim, tracing architectural lines without visible cords or clips.
Ready to Start Warm Weather Entertaining?
Most people wait until spring to start thinking about lighting. By then, schedules fill up quickly. Transform your Salem property with expertly designed landscape lighting from Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of North Shore. Call us at (978) 634-5864 or complete our contact form to schedule your complimentary outdoor lighting consultation. You can also request your free consultation online to begin designing a system tailored to your home and lifestyle.