Not just for Christmas: How outdoor lighting can transform your space

Outdoor lights don’t have to be just a twinkling addition to festive decorations, if used well they can transform a space into something wholly more welcoming, writes Anya Cooklin-Lofting

Kings Gate roof terrace by Millier (Millier)

Twinkling lights across the UK, emanating from suburban gardens, city balconies and roof terraces need not be confined to the cooler airs of the festive season. Outdoor lighting in the summer can be just as beautiful and uplifting, transforming a dark and unwelcoming outside space into an enclave of flatteringly lit clam. Whether you’re looking for something temporary or more of a permanent lighting solution, read on for some top tips and suggestions from interior designers with exterior design in mind…

Speaking to interior designers, it quickly becomes apparent that one mustn’t light their garden for the sake of the light itself. Lighting must be purposeful, directional. Yes, the overall lighting scheme will light the garden to make it more usable as the sun sets on an evening spent in the garden, but it is about what you are lighting at a more detailed level, rather than lighting the garden itself. Alexandra Nord, the creative director at Millier, international interior design and architectural practice, believes that deciding exactly what you want to light is key to achieving a successful lighting scheme.

Nord says: “Sculptural, dramatic planting and textured surfaces can be highlighted with discrete floor uplights, spotlights, garden post lights and contemporary wall wash fittings.” Charu Gandhi, director and founder of London-based design studio, Elicyon, agrees, saying, “A dramatically lit outdoor sculpture or water feature has a strong impact in any garden space. I really enjoy commissioning outdoor artwork for projects and imagining how it will feel in the evening as a lit piece or installation. Beautifully lit flowing water is also effective.”

ARC 22 Curved Sofa & Stone Gas Fire Pit Coffee Table Combo, £3,495 (Moda Furnishings)

Nord adds that lighting sculpture or planters is not the only way for lighting to be directional. Exterior wall lights and even pendant light fittings for porches “should be chosen to complement the surrounding architecture”. Millier conducts lots of architectural research before planning an outdoor lighting scheme, often to source modern interpretations of lighting that may previously have been incorporated into the original design.

It is the history of outside living and lighting that interests Jonny Brierley, CEO of outdoor rattan furniture company, Moda Furnishings. He believes that the introduction of softer and more comfortable outdoor-use upholstery has reignited consumer interest in creating a liveable outdoor space. Brierley suggests that, “People are applying the same interest in the design of their homes to the design of their gardens. With this has come a spike in our sales of outdoor lighting including the very popular festoon lighting trend as well as fire pits.” He also believes that the Insta-popular indoor-outdoor aesthetic cinema setups have had a hand in the increase in sales of outdoor lighting.

And this fusion of indoors and outdoors is perfectly achievable with the current outdoor lighting solutions on the market. Visual Comfort’s collaboration with Andrew Martin, the international homewares brand, has bought 450 new styles to the homeware offering including many outside options. Martin Waller, Andrew Martin’s founder, believes that the same design principles that you may apply to your interiors should be applied to your outside space. “Layering lighting and using multiple light sources will create an atmospheric mood both indoors and outdoors. Good lighting with a variety of options including table and wall lighting is imperative in creating an ambient cove of intimacy.”