Hello, I am looking for some ideas on the best fixtures and bulbs to illuminate my house. I was thinking to use two 38 degree bulbs on the left side of the house (this is the master...would it allow too much light inside the window?) and three on the right side with the two windows. Also I was thinking about focusing on the two posts in the middle. A couple of issues I have found is the outdoor outlet is to the left of the door and I don’t know how to run the wire to the other side due to the path. Another issue is the plants are touching the wall on the right with the two windows and I am unsure how to place the fixtures without giving a shadow of the plants. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Kelsy
Hi, Kelsy. I'll try to address your questions in order. I think 38° beam spreads for any of those areas next to and between your windows should work fine. You'll almost certainly get some light trespass into that second level window on the right side (though not as much as you would if that window was on the first floor). If that's a concern, you could mitigate that by using room darkening shutters, curtains or blinds there. If you don't have concerns about light trespass in that middle section of your house, I would consider lighting that middle gable also. I can't see detail clearly enough in your photo to recommend exactly how you'd light those two posts but if you have room in the beds below, you could use spotlights in the garden area in front of the porch. If the shrubs are in the way, you could always use risers. If you go that route, you'll likely want to add anti-glare filters to those spotlights. An alternative is to install some mini spotlights or puck lights above the posts. That is, if you have a way to mount them discreetly. If you or someone you know are handy with tools, you can use an auger bit to drill a narrow channel from one side of the walk to the other. But before you consider that option, examine your walkway expansion grooves (or look for a crack that spans the width of your walkway) that's deep and wide enough to safely route your landscape cable. Alternatively, if you have it in your budget, you could simply have an electrician install a second outdoor outlet on that side of the house and use a separate transformer for each side of the house. Granted, that's probably the most labor intensive approach but between the lighting and the new outlet, you will have added both curb appeal and value to your house. If I were you, I'd transplant the barberry shrubs a foot or so away from the wall. You'll solve multiple problems. One, you'll literally give those shrubs some breathing room. Having them farther away from the wall will increase air circulation and decrease the likelihood you'll encounter moisture related issues (like disease and pests)as the shrubs continue to grow. Once the shrubs are moved away from the wall, you can tuck your light fixtures behind them. If you don't want to move the shrubs, you could use risers here as well (to raise the fixtures above the foliage. Finally, any of the spotlights should work for your project. I think All Stars, Top Dogs, or the budget conscious Fatboys would work fine. Hope this helps.
