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Outdoor Craft: 4 Ways to Make Outdoor Accessories from Recycled Items
Friday, November 20, 2020
With the ever-increasing sweltering heat serving as a reminder that accelerated climate change is a real thing, and in view of the prolific rate at which we throw things away, we thought it prudent to take stock of the things some creative homeowners have been doing with recycled materials to furnish outdoor spaces in vintage style without breaking the bank.
Planters A commonly seen use of recycled materials occurs in planter boxes. Rubber tires, glass bottles, tea tins, old furniture, discarded cookware, and even bathroom fixtures can be easily used to shore up the sides of planters, or to individually hold soil and plants within themselves.
Without any modification, this clawfoot tub is simply transported outside to serve as a planter box. Image Source
Lighting Discarded glassware is also ideal for use in homemade lighting fixtures thanks to their translucence. Glass containers keep candles that have been placed inside them lit, and can be used to keep exposed bulbs of lighting fixtures dry. Bottles with narrow necks can be repurposed as candle holders, while mason jars with wider mouths can be used to shield a flame from wind or to fully enclose a lightbulb.
Jars can be used as candle holders to prevent the wind from blowing out the flames. Image Source
Furnishing Furnishing outdoor spaces does not necessarily entail significant expenditure, especially when one considers making their own furniture out of reclaimed wood. Old railway sleepers, warehouse pallets, or even those immense cable spools can be modified and cobbled together to make for some truly bespoke furnishings capable of enduring years of sun and rain. As an added bonus, screw on some caster wheels to make your furniture arrangements more versatile.
This rustic outdoor seating is formed from stacks of pallets, with the advantage of mobility provided by the caster wheels. Image Source
Perhaps the most ubiquitous example of using recycled materials is the archetypal tire swing, prevalently used in rural settings since that bygone era when children had no choice other than to go outdoors for entertainment. The tire swing can be achieved by simply combining a discarded car tire with a length of rope thrown over a sturdy branch.
The archetypal tire swing. Image Source
Barbeque Pits Recycling metallic items is inherently problematic as most industrial applications require metals of the highest purities, but discarded metal objects often make for unique barbeque sets espcially when composed of stainless or carbon-coated steel. The homemade barbeque set is typically just an industrial-grade steel drum which has been cut open, but with a dose of creativity almost any metal object can be converted into a container for hot coals. Take the road less travelled by considering the use of an old car wheel as a fire pit by welding a perforated steel plate to the bottom and placing a grill over the top.
Almost any metallic object can be converted into a homemade barbeque grill. Image Source
Pool Cool: 5 Poolside Styling Ideas to Inspire You
Friday, November 20, 2020
You could just opt for a simplistic set of stackable plastic outdoor furniture for the sake of cost and convenience - but if you’re aiming for a resort-calibre poolside environment, or if you’ve read our pointers regarding swimming pool design, you may also be interested in reading our tips on embellishing your poolside to match the aesthetics of the world’s most scenic holiday villas.
Minimal Appeal
Image Credit: Les Asia
The narrow profiles and lightweight compositions of minimalist furnishings provide the practical functions of seating and table surfaces without interrupting a picturesque backdrop. In the pictured poolside decorated by Les Asia, the scenic panorama of the lush greenery and far-flung blue-green slopes is preserved through the white plastic cane webbing of the Vera lounge chair from the Chiaramonte–Marin design studio.
Light & Bright
Image Credit: Bridgman
White furnishings tend to provide a layer of elegance to classically-inspired outdoor environments composed of manicured gardens, brick-lined water bodies, and antique fountains. With contemporary frames and semi-transparent elements, the pictured patio furniture bridges the thematic gap between the classical garden background and the countryside aesthetics evoked by the expanse of wood deck flooring in the foreground.
Streamline Style
Image Credit: Bridgman
While white furniture may complement a classical décor, or may be intentionally used to provide seating arrangements with greater emphasis, the predominance of greys in modern architectural finishes often lead to the creation of potentially disconcerting monochromatic contrasts. The previously pictured furniture set is presented in an optional finish of grey to complement the preferred present-day combination of stone, steel, and glass.
Neutral Nuances
Image Credit: Les Asia
The pictured left and right-handed Brafta sectional ends, from the Skyline brand of designer outdoor furniture, are combined to assemble a lounger fit for two on this poolside. The cane weaved backs of these loungers are of a height similar to the planter boxes in the background, creating the impression of upholstery nestled into a rocky nook.
Serene Waves
Image Credit: Ethimo
A display of contrasted forms provides a brief respite from spaces designed in strict adherence to the modern aesthetic. The pictured poolside is composed with an abundance of straight lines and right angles serving as implied borders around the circular furniture.
Outdoor Craft: 4 Ways to Make Outdoor Accessories from Recycled Items
Friday, November 20, 2020
With the ever-increasing sweltering heat serving as a reminder that accelerated climate change is a real thing, and in view of the prolific rate at which we throw things away, we thought it prudent to take stock of the things some creative homeowners have been doing with recycled materials to furnish outdoor spaces in vintage style without breaking the bank.
Planters A commonly seen use of recycled materials occurs in planter boxes. Rubber tires, glass bottles, tea tins, old furniture, discarded cookware, and even bathroom fixtures can be easily used to shore up the sides of planters, or to individually hold soil and plants within themselves.
Without any modification, this clawfoot tub is simply transported outside to serve as a planter box. Image Source
Lighting Discarded glassware is also ideal for use in homemade lighting fixtures thanks to their translucence. Glass containers keep candles that have been placed inside them lit, and can be used to keep exposed bulbs of lighting fixtures dry. Bottles with narrow necks can be repurposed as candle holders, while mason jars with wider mouths can be used to shield a flame from wind or to fully enclose a lightbulb.
Jars can be used as candle holders to prevent the wind from blowing out the flames. Image Source
Furnishing Furnishing outdoor spaces does not necessarily entail significant expenditure, especially when one considers making their own furniture out of reclaimed wood. Old railway sleepers, warehouse pallets, or even those immense cable spools can be modified and cobbled together to make for some truly bespoke furnishings capable of enduring years of sun and rain. As an added bonus, screw on some caster wheels to make your furniture arrangements more versatile.
This rustic outdoor seating is formed from stacks of pallets, with the advantage of mobility provided by the caster wheels. Image Source
Perhaps the most ubiquitous example of using recycled materials is the archetypal tire swing, prevalently used in rural settings since that bygone era when children had no choice other than to go outdoors for entertainment. The tire swing can be achieved by simply combining a discarded car tire with a length of rope thrown over a sturdy branch.
The archetypal tire swing. Image Source
Barbeque Pits Recycling metallic items is inherently problematic as most industrial applications require metals of the highest purities, but discarded metal objects often make for unique barbeque sets espcially when composed of stainless or carbon-coated steel. The homemade barbeque set is typically just an industrial-grade steel drum which has been cut open, but with a dose of creativity almost any metal object can be converted into a container for hot coals. Take the road less travelled by considering the use of an old car wheel as a fire pit by welding a perforated steel plate to the bottom and placing a grill over the top.
Almost any metallic object can be converted into a homemade barbeque grill. Image Source
Garden Variety: How to Enhance Your Outdoor Spaces
Friday, November 20, 2020
If you’ve come across our guide on the many ways of furnishing outdoor spaces, or our ideas for urban gardens, you may be interested in seeing some of those ideas in practice - so we listed some of the ideal examples of outdoor spaces we have seen to provide you with inspiration.
Tropical Diversion
Design by: Homlux Interior Furnishing
Modern and tropical influences converge in this outdoor space for a warm result: the wood deck of this side yard is appointed with furnishings of rustic design, while the simplistic wood blocks and reinforcing steel bars painted black stand in direct contrast to the distinctly modern character of the architecture.
Expressions in Stone
Design by: Gusto Design & Build
A grassy mesa is painted in miniature, with grey pebble-wash plinths and a swathe of white river pebbles enclosing a patch of lawn. The adjacent raised wood deck hosts an intimate assembly of wicker furniture to facilitate a meditative view of the yard.
Expansive Vista
Design by: Jashen Interior Design
Keeping in mind that an expanse of stone may be overwhelmingly cold, Jashen Interior Design selects floor tiles that bear the shades and grains of wood to create the impression of a deck made from lumber in this section of the patio. Potted plants are used sparingly to line the edge of the hardscape and serve as the points of transition to the grassy plain and the inviting water feature.
Transported Greenery
Design by: DMZ Consultancy
Instead of opting for the default architectural finishes that came with this patio, DMZ Consultancy installs a layer of artificial grass and lines the diamond mesh railings with planters to bring the lushness of the outdoors even closer to the extents of the home.
Enigmatic Lighting
Design by: Regal Violet
The otherwise dark corners of this side yard are illuminated by glowing orbs and lit ripples of water at night. The motion of water falling over the ridged stone panels creates a hypnotic dance of light and shadow over the neatly contained greenery nearby to evoke imagery of the nocturnal jungle.
Pool Cool: 5 Poolside Styling Ideas to Inspire You
Friday, November 20, 2020
You could just opt for a simplistic set of stackable plastic outdoor furniture for the sake of cost and convenience - but if you’re aiming for a resort-calibre poolside environment, or if you’ve read our pointers regarding swimming pool design, you may also be interested in reading our tips on embellishing your poolside to match the aesthetics of the world’s most scenic holiday villas.
Minimal Appeal
Image Credit: Les Asia
The narrow profiles and lightweight compositions of minimalist furnishings provide the practical functions of seating and table surfaces without interrupting a picturesque backdrop. In the pictured poolside decorated by Les Asia, the scenic panorama of the lush greenery and far-flung blue-green slopes is preserved through the white plastic cane webbing of the Vera lounge chair from the Chiaramonte–Marin design studio.
Light & Bright
Image Credit: Bridgman
White furnishings tend to provide a layer of elegance to classically-inspired outdoor environments composed of manicured gardens, brick-lined water bodies, and antique fountains. With contemporary frames and semi-transparent elements, the pictured patio furniture bridges the thematic gap between the classical garden background and the countryside aesthetics evoked by the expanse of wood deck flooring in the foreground.
Streamline Style
Image Credit: Bridgman
While white furniture may complement a classical décor, or may be intentionally used to provide seating arrangements with greater emphasis, the predominance of greys in modern architectural finishes often lead to the creation of potentially disconcerting monochromatic contrasts. The previously pictured furniture set is presented in an optional finish of grey to complement the preferred present-day combination of stone, steel, and glass.
Neutral Nuances
Image Credit: Les Asia
The pictured left and right-handed Brafta sectional ends, from the Skyline brand of designer outdoor furniture, are combined to assemble a lounger fit for two on this poolside. The cane weaved backs of these loungers are of a height similar to the planter boxes in the background, creating the impression of upholstery nestled into a rocky nook.
Serene Waves
Image Credit: Ethimo
A display of contrasted forms provides a brief respite from spaces designed in strict adherence to the modern aesthetic. The pictured poolside is composed with an abundance of straight lines and right angles serving as implied borders around the circular furniture.
Stylish Outdoor Concepts for a Lush Ambience
Friday, November 20, 2020
Increase your exterior appeal with lush green outdoor spaces. Check out these Mother Nature-approved garden ideas.
Outdoor spaces like patios, yards, gardens or al fresco are wonderful additions to homes. Consider yourself lucky if you have these spaces. To make good use of them, a well-designed area with a lush and cosy ambience is priority. These can be done using outdoor furniture as well as accents and accessories that are inspired by nature.
Wood is a wonderful material for the outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mix it up with synthetic textures. Additionally, lighting and water features help to create that back-to-nature feeling without overwhelming the space. If you like entertaining outdoors, there are plenty of ways to turn that poolside or al fresco into a party space as well.
Rattan Revival
Woven rattan furniture is a versatile, weather-friendly choice for outdoor spaces. Combined with chic accessories, rattan can offer a very contemporary look that’s immediately pleasing. Make sure they are well-maintained and always keep them out of direct sunlight.
Image Credit: Cuckooland
The al fresco of this home has a touch of modern rustic style to it that's warm and welcoming but sophisticated as well. The use of rattan furniture for both the outdoor area and the semi-outdoor patio opens up the space with a bright and interesting touch.
Delicate Details
[gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="57839,57841,57843,57842"]Small details may seem like trivial elements for your outdoor space, but they actually help to enhance the atmosphere without drawing attention away from your key features. You may want a space surrounded by greenery; this works to a certain extent, as too many plants may make the space feel claustrophobic. Here's where things like a water feature or outdoor lighting can bring balance to the overall theme. In this example, fairy lights are placed around the pergola to blend in with the overgrown plants. A wooden piece of outdoor furniture set beautifully anchors the space while lamps and other decorative features help to create a composition with a variety of textures.
Image Credit: Lights4Fun
Outdoor Cookout
Image Credit: Chaplins Furniture
For those who love entertaining outdoors, it's possible to bring the cooking experience outside - thanks to chef stations complete with all the cooking tools you need as well as a kitchen sink. You can go for a movable kitchen unit or a built-in one; but as the latter require plumbing and electric, you would need help from a professional. Material choices are important as the kitchen will be exposed to the elements.
Image Credit: Chaplins Furniture
For this outdoor kitchen unit by the poolside, the designer has chosen an L-shape model with a BBQ grill at the side. A kitchen sink is also included for convenience. Made from aluminium, this model is hardy against sun and rain. Stainless steel or ceramic appliances also work great for all weather conditions, are very durable, and require low maintenance.
Garden Variety
Consider yourself fortunate if you have a sizeable garden. So take full advantage of it to increase the appeal of your exterior spaces. Look at the theme, style and types of material used for your home's facade when you plan your garden. Make sure the material choices complement the outlook of your house's exterior.
Design by: One Roof Design
In this excellent example, the garden employs the use of many raw materials to blend in with the bungalow's sleek and contemporary facade. For example, cement and stone slab pavements. However, there are plenty of natural features incorporated too - the water feature by the wall and the stretch of lush green grass on the side balance the outdoor design beautifully.
Wood Works
Design by: A Piece of Art
For semi-outdoor spaces, consider using a wood-dominant palette. This creates a sense of tropical aesthetics that reflect our Malaysian landscape. Complement the theme with plenty of plants to infuse a fresh and welcoming ambience. Also add on small details and exotic features to bring out the look and feel of the space. In this outdoor room, timber dominates the space. Hardwood is used for the flooring, furniture and beautiful ornaments accompanied by handcrafted elements to bring out a unique look. This results in a distinctive tropical rainforest feel, lending an exotic yet earthy appeal to the space.
Design by: A Piece of Art
Article by: Lily Wong
8 Lighting Ideas for Your Gardens and Patios
Friday, November 20, 2020
Beyond merely a consideration of safety or comfort, lighting fixtures in your garden can have truly inexplicable and magical effects on your outdoor spaces.
Appointing your outdoor spaces with lighting is more than just an affordable way of extending living areas or increasing the sense of security and comfort around the home - intriguing lighting fixtures may become the central component of the décor, serve to distribute attention away from a central feature, or intangibly frame a space for more subtle effects. If you find yourself spoilt for choice with the wide selection of various lighting fixtures available, take a look at the following eight inspiring ways of using lighting in outdoor spaces for some ideas.
Minimal Demarcation
Design by: GDY Design & Construction
Applied more for decoration, the matching orbs of light pictured here are used to mark out the edges of the seating area without imposing on the view or the simplicity of the arrangement. As the sun disappears over the horizon, the radiating fields of illumination will accentuate the white fabrics of the seating to create an inviting mood that would have been otherwise overwhelmed by an abundance of lighting.
Design by: GDY Design & Construction
Illuminated Background
Design by: Latitude Design
A wash of light is applied to render this contemporary poolside scene in a monochromatic palette: with a background dominated by an expanse of pale architectural finishes and lined with the dark frames of wood. The simple contrast in shade is complemented by a beach resort ambiance, created with the deliberate placement of lighting to focus attention on the pool and the tropical-style gazebo.
Central Focus
Design by: Deseo Creativo
The modern gazebo occupies the central position of this outdoor space - indicated by an array of hanging pendant lights, while a border of downward-facing lamps illuminate the footpath around it. As the light emitted from the foot lamps rarely comes into direct contact with the eye, these lamps serve to subtly illuminate the background while the pendant lights narrow focus to the seating furniture.
Design by: Deseo Creativo
Indirect Lighting
Design by: ID Industries
The poolside of this tropical home is dotted with lighting fixtures that are intended to frame decorative features rather than putting them in the spotlight. The decorative plaster plaques along the pool’s long edge are framed by modern fixtures that cast the light downward, while the shaded lamps hanging from the poolside canopy add to the serene mood.
Reflected Light
Design by: Regal Violet
Few fixtures - if any, can reproduce the mystifying effects of light given motion by way of ripples in water. This enigmatic effect is best served with waterproof lights submerged in or around water features, with relatively plain architectural finishes acting as a backdrop to receive the reflected light.
Luminous Frame
Design by: Space In Design
Lighting fixtures arranged into a regular shape rarely produce a result that fits cohesively with a natural landscape - unless that polygon is used to frame a water feature, in which case the result is an enhanced body of water that invites a closer look. While light applied with deliberate geometry may appear out of place in tropical-themed gardens, the effects of lit right-angles complement the manicured gardens of modern urban homes.
Cold Fire
Design by: Living Space Design
While warm white light is commonly understood as being the most appropriate quality of light for inducing relaxation, the occasional streak of cool white light provides a measure of stark emphasis for dramatic effect. When used in conjunction with a body of water, cool white light creates magical impressions of bluish flames that ripple with the motion of water.
Resort Ambiance
Design by: IDS Interior
You don’t necessarily have to spend any time lingering on a beachside resort to get some ideas on how to create a resort-like ambiance at home. Having been repeated countless times around the world, the formula for applying lighting to affect a resort-like outdoor space is fairly established: spotlights directed upwards at foliage, vertically-oriented cones of light along walls, and ethereal underwater lights along the edges of a water feature.
Garden Variety: How to Enhance Your Outdoor Spaces
Friday, November 20, 2020
If you’ve come across our guide on the many ways of furnishing outdoor spaces, or our ideas for urban gardens, you may be interested in seeing some of those ideas in practice - so we listed some of the ideal examples of outdoor spaces we have seen to provide you with inspiration.
Tropical Diversion
Design by: Homlux Interior Furnishing
Modern and tropical influences converge in this outdoor space for a warm result: the wood deck of this side yard is appointed with furnishings of rustic design, while the simplistic wood blocks and reinforcing steel bars painted black stand in direct contrast to the distinctly modern character of the architecture.
Expressions in Stone
Design by: Gusto Design & Build
A grassy mesa is painted in miniature, with grey pebble-wash plinths and a swathe of white river pebbles enclosing a patch of lawn. The adjacent raised wood deck hosts an intimate assembly of wicker furniture to facilitate a meditative view of the yard.
Expansive Vista
Design by: Jashen Interior Design
Keeping in mind that an expanse of stone may be overwhelmingly cold, Jashen Interior Design selects floor tiles that bear the shades and grains of wood to create the impression of a deck made from lumber in this section of the patio. Potted plants are used sparingly to line the edge of the hardscape and serve as the points of transition to the grassy plain and the inviting water feature.
Transported Greenery
Design by: DMZ Consultancy
Instead of opting for the default architectural finishes that came with this patio, DMZ Consultancy installs a layer of artificial grass and lines the diamond mesh railings with planters to bring the lushness of the outdoors even closer to the extents of the home.
Enigmatic Lighting
Design by: Regal Violet
The otherwise dark corners of this side yard are illuminated by glowing orbs and lit ripples of water at night. The motion of water falling over the ridged stone panels creates a hypnotic dance of light and shadow over the neatly contained greenery nearby to evoke imagery of the nocturnal jungle.
Stylish Outdoor Concepts for a Lush Ambience
Friday, November 20, 2020
Increase your exterior appeal with lush green outdoor spaces. Check out these Mother Nature-approved garden ideas.
Outdoor spaces like patios, yards, gardens or al fresco are wonderful additions to homes. Consider yourself lucky if you have these spaces. To make good use of them, a well-designed area with a lush and cosy ambience is priority. These can be done using outdoor furniture as well as accents and accessories that are inspired by nature.
Wood is a wonderful material for the outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mix it up with synthetic textures. Additionally, lighting and water features help to create that back-to-nature feeling without overwhelming the space. If you like entertaining outdoors, there are plenty of ways to turn that poolside or al fresco into a party space as well.
Rattan Revival
Woven rattan furniture is a versatile, weather-friendly choice for outdoor spaces. Combined with chic accessories, rattan can offer a very contemporary look that’s immediately pleasing. Make sure they are well-maintained and always keep them out of direct sunlight.
Image Credit: Cuckooland
The al fresco of this home has a touch of modern rustic style to it that's warm and welcoming but sophisticated as well. The use of rattan furniture for both the outdoor area and the semi-outdoor patio opens up the space with a bright and interesting touch.
Delicate Details
[gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="57839,57841,57843,57842"]Small details may seem like trivial elements for your outdoor space, but they actually help to enhance the atmosphere without drawing attention away from your key features. You may want a space surrounded by greenery; this works to a certain extent, as too many plants may make the space feel claustrophobic. Here's where things like a water feature or outdoor lighting can bring balance to the overall theme. In this example, fairy lights are placed around the pergola to blend in with the overgrown plants. A wooden piece of outdoor furniture set beautifully anchors the space while lamps and other decorative features help to create a composition with a variety of textures.
Image Credit: Lights4Fun
Outdoor Cookout
Image Credit: Chaplins Furniture
For those who love entertaining outdoors, it's possible to bring the cooking experience outside - thanks to chef stations complete with all the cooking tools you need as well as a kitchen sink. You can go for a movable kitchen unit or a built-in one; but as the latter require plumbing and electric, you would need help from a professional. Material choices are important as the kitchen will be exposed to the elements.
Image Credit: Chaplins Furniture
For this outdoor kitchen unit by the poolside, the designer has chosen an L-shape model with a BBQ grill at the side. A kitchen sink is also included for convenience. Made from aluminium, this model is hardy against sun and rain. Stainless steel or ceramic appliances also work great for all weather conditions, are very durable, and require low maintenance.
Garden Variety
Consider yourself fortunate if you have a sizeable garden. So take full advantage of it to increase the appeal of your exterior spaces. Look at the theme, style and types of material used for your home's facade when you plan your garden. Make sure the material choices complement the outlook of your house's exterior.
Design by: One Roof Design
In this excellent example, the garden employs the use of many raw materials to blend in with the bungalow's sleek and contemporary facade. For example, cement and stone slab pavements. However, there are plenty of natural features incorporated too - the water feature by the wall and the stretch of lush green grass on the side balance the outdoor design beautifully.
Wood Works
Design by: A Piece of Art
For semi-outdoor spaces, consider using a wood-dominant palette. This creates a sense of tropical aesthetics that reflect our Malaysian landscape. Complement the theme with plenty of plants to infuse a fresh and welcoming ambience. Also add on small details and exotic features to bring out the look and feel of the space. In this outdoor room, timber dominates the space. Hardwood is used for the flooring, furniture and beautiful ornaments accompanied by handcrafted elements to bring out a unique look. This results in a distinctive tropical rainforest feel, lending an exotic yet earthy appeal to the space.
Design by: A Piece of Art
Article by: Lily Wong
8 Lighting Ideas for Your Gardens and Patios
Friday, November 20, 2020
Beyond merely a consideration of safety or comfort, lighting fixtures in your garden can have truly inexplicable and magical effects on your outdoor spaces.
Appointing your outdoor spaces with lighting is more than just an affordable way of extending living areas or increasing the sense of security and comfort around the home - intriguing lighting fixtures may become the central component of the décor, serve to distribute attention away from a central feature, or intangibly frame a space for more subtle effects. If you find yourself spoilt for choice with the wide selection of various lighting fixtures available, take a look at the following eight inspiring ways of using lighting in outdoor spaces for some ideas.
Minimal Demarcation
Design by: GDY Design & Construction
Applied more for decoration, the matching orbs of light pictured here are used to mark out the edges of the seating area without imposing on the view or the simplicity of the arrangement. As the sun disappears over the horizon, the radiating fields of illumination will accentuate the white fabrics of the seating to create an inviting mood that would have been otherwise overwhelmed by an abundance of lighting.
Design by: GDY Design & Construction
Illuminated Background
Design by: Latitude Design
A wash of light is applied to render this contemporary poolside scene in a monochromatic palette: with a background dominated by an expanse of pale architectural finishes and lined with the dark frames of wood. The simple contrast in shade is complemented by a beach resort ambiance, created with the deliberate placement of lighting to focus attention on the pool and the tropical-style gazebo.
Central Focus
Design by: Deseo Creativo
The modern gazebo occupies the central position of this outdoor space - indicated by an array of hanging pendant lights, while a border of downward-facing lamps illuminate the footpath around it. As the light emitted from the foot lamps rarely comes into direct contact with the eye, these lamps serve to subtly illuminate the background while the pendant lights narrow focus to the seating furniture.
Design by: Deseo Creativo
Indirect Lighting
Design by: ID Industries
The poolside of this tropical home is dotted with lighting fixtures that are intended to frame decorative features rather than putting them in the spotlight. The decorative plaster plaques along the pool’s long edge are framed by modern fixtures that cast the light downward, while the shaded lamps hanging from the poolside canopy add to the serene mood.
Reflected Light
Design by: Regal Violet
Few fixtures - if any, can reproduce the mystifying effects of light given motion by way of ripples in water. This enigmatic effect is best served with waterproof lights submerged in or around water features, with relatively plain architectural finishes acting as a backdrop to receive the reflected light.
Luminous Frame
Design by: Space In Design
Lighting fixtures arranged into a regular shape rarely produce a result that fits cohesively with a natural landscape - unless that polygon is used to frame a water feature, in which case the result is an enhanced body of water that invites a closer look. While light applied with deliberate geometry may appear out of place in tropical-themed gardens, the effects of lit right-angles complement the manicured gardens of modern urban homes.
Cold Fire
Design by: Living Space Design
While warm white light is commonly understood as being the most appropriate quality of light for inducing relaxation, the occasional streak of cool white light provides a measure of stark emphasis for dramatic effect. When used in conjunction with a body of water, cool white light creates magical impressions of bluish flames that ripple with the motion of water.
Resort Ambiance
Design by: IDS Interior
You don’t necessarily have to spend any time lingering on a beachside resort to get some ideas on how to create a resort-like ambiance at home. Having been repeated countless times around the world, the formula for applying lighting to affect a resort-like outdoor space is fairly established: spotlights directed upwards at foliage, vertically-oriented cones of light along walls, and ethereal underwater lights along the edges of a water feature.