Shorter Days Ahead: Here’s the Smartest (Luxury) Lighting Upgrade You Can Make this Fall

As daylight dwindles and evenings arrive earlier, there’s no better time to reimagine how your home shines after dark. Whether you’re aiming to boost curb appeal, light a walkway or create a warm seasonal glow, professionally designed outdoor lighting checks all the right boxes.  

Sure, you could string a few icicle lights along your porch, add a few low lights to your walkway, and call it a day. But the difference between DIY and professionally designed is night and day… literally. A lighting expert knows how to balance what you want with what your space needs. They understand how light interacts with architecture and landscape. They know how to layer it for both beauty and function. The result? A set up that looks more polished and lasts longer. 

That’s why we spoke to the team at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. Their certified technicians and designers understand the nuances–from permanent roofline lighting that outlines a home’s silhouette to vibrant color-changing lights that adapt to any holiday (or gameday).  

Plus, their app-controlled systems let you adjust colors, brightness, and schedules with just a tap. 

“Anywhere outside you can put a light we can put it on your phone on an app,” says George Council, owner of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives.  

One of the biggest advantages, for both style and safety, is the ability to fine-tune your lighting in real time.  

“You control the color, anywhere you can think of–in the cement [walkway], in your deck, in your garage,” Council adds.   

But outdoor lighting goes far beyond festive flair. Thoughtfully placed fixtures highlight architectural details, add warmth to landscaping, and light the way to your favorite spaces. Strategic illumination can also enhance security by brightening dark corners and entry points.  

“We know both the artistic side of it, and we know the technical side of it,” says Council. “We have the technicians [and designers] that know how to apply both.” 

That blend of creativity and precision makes all the difference. After all, outdoor lighting isn’t just about adding brightness–it’s about creating balance.  

The team at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, understands how to use layers of light to highlight your home, emphasize landscaping and reduce glare. A well-designed plan makes your entire property feel polished, inviting and thoughtfully lit. 

“In lighting, everyone is going to have a different preference,” says Michael Graeff, senior lighting designer at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. “My goal is to go out there and figure out what you like and what’s going to be best [for your home]… then, our team works together to make sure the clients are getting what’s in their best interest.” 

Since no two homes, or homeowners, are exactly alike, a professional team calls on designers like Graeff walk through your property with you to understand how you use each space.  

For instance, where you entertain may call for silhouetting to create dramatic ambiance, where you walk may need downlighting for better visibility, and where large gardens or hedges span wide spaces may benefit from cross-lighting to eliminate unwanted shadows.   

These subtle details are exactly what professionals consider when crafting a custom lighting plan that reflects both your lifestyle and your home’s unique character. 

And while the final result may look effortless, installing outdoor lighting (especially property-wide) isn’t just a plug-and-go type of project. Proper wiring, voltage, waterproofing, and fixture placement are essential for a safe, long-lasting system. That’s why Outdoor Lighting Perspectives’ technicians are certified with the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals, a national organization that sets the standard for excellence, safety, and technical expertise in the field.  

With a trusted service team, high-quality fixtures, and after-installation maintenance and support, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives gives you full confidence that your system will perform beautifully season after season.  

Impress the neighbors all year long. Find your local expert and start planning your custom outdoor lighting design.  

This is a paid partnership between Outdoor Lighting Perspectives and Philadelphia Magazine