As outdoor lighting designers, we know how overwhelming it can be when you’re trying to figure out how to plan a landscape lighting project. There are fixtures to choose, layouts to consider, wiring to navigate, and aesthetic decisions that can make or break the overall look. That’s exactly why we created this guide—to help you move from inspiration to installation with clarity and confidence. And if at any point you’d rather hand the entire project to experienced professionals, we’re here for you. Call Tilson Outdoors at 336-757-0371 and we’ll walk your property together.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Outdoor Space
The first step in any lighting plan is truly seeing your landscape—both during the day and at night. When we walk a property, we look for natural focal points, dark or unsafe areas, and opportunities to enhance beauty and visibility. This is also where we start brainstorming landscape lighting layout ideas that suit the home’s architecture and the family’s lifestyle.
We ask questions like:
- Which pathways need increased visibility?
- What trees, gardens, or structural features deserve emphasis?
- Where do you entertain or relax after dark?
This evaluation ensures the project has a practical foundation before we move on to lighting design.
Step 2: Define Your Lighting Goals
Before choosing fixtures or mapping out wiring, it’s important to define exactly what you want your lighting to accomplish. Some homeowners focus on safety first; others are dreaming of warm ambiance or improved curb appeal. Your goals will determine your approach and shape the overall design.
Common goals include:
- Lighting pathways for safety
- Highlighting trees, stonework, or architectural details
- Creating relaxing, atmospheric outdoor rooms
- Enhancing front-yard curb appeal
Clear goals also help refine accent and pathway lighting ideas tailored to your yard.
Step 3: Choose the Right Lighting Fixtures
Fixture selection plays a huge role in both the look and function of your outdoor lighting. We help homeowners choose materials and styles that align with their goals while complementing the property.
You might incorporate:
- Path lights for walkways
- Spotlights or uplights for trees and façade accents
- Downlights for soft overhead illumination
- Hardscape or deck lights for integrated lighting on walls, steps, and railings
- Floodlights for selective high-visibility areas
This part of the process naturally revolves around how to choose outdoor lighting fixtures, ensuring each element supports your goals and lighting design plan.
Step 4: Select the Best Lighting Technology
Today’s outdoor lighting gives homeowners a variety of options—from solar to low-voltage systems to advanced LEDs. We most often recommend LED fixtures for their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and versatility.
When it comes to low-voltage landscape lighting planning, homeowners appreciate that these systems offer reliable brightness and professional-grade durability. Solar lights can be useful in specific areas but often lack the consistency required for a fully illuminated landscape.
This is also where we walk you through transformer sizing, voltage distribution, and the benefits of choosing a system built to last.
Step 5: Create a Layered Lighting Design
One of our favorite steps in the process involves layering different types of lighting to bring depth, dimension, and balance to your outdoor environment. Layering includes:
- Ambient lighting for general visibility
- Task lighting for specific functions, like walking or grilling
- Accent lighting to highlight your home’s best features
We offer personalized landscape lighting design tips during this stage to ensure your lighting feels intentional—not random or overpowering. Proper layering prevents glare, reduces dark spots, and creates a visually appealing nighttime atmosphere.
Step 6: Understand Wiring and Installation Basics
Even though we handle installation for our clients, we believe homeowners deserve to understand the basics. Wiring methods, transformer placement, voltage drop, waterproof connections, and fixture spacing all influence the final result.
This portion of planning helps you determine whether you want a DIY approach or a professional installation. Most homeowners choose to work with us because our experience ensures safety, long-term reliability, and a polished final appearance.
Step 7: Test and Adjust Your Lighting Design
Testing your lighting at night is a crucial step. We review every fixture placement, angle, and intensity to make sure the design looks just as good after sunset as it does in our initial plan.
During this stage, we also advise homeowners on long-term upkeep—an important part of any outdoor lighting installation guide. Outdoor conditions change, plants grow, and fixtures may shift over time, so periodic maintenance keeps your lighting looking brand new.
Top 7 Reasons Why Tilson Outdoors Stands Out
When you’re investing in your landscape lighting, choosing the right team makes all the difference. Here are the top seven reasons homeowners trust Tilson Outdoors:
1. Custom Lighting Designs for Every Home
We never rely on cookie-cutter layouts. Every lighting plan is unique and tailored to your property.
2. Premium, Professional-Grade Fixtures
We select durable materials built to withstand weather and time.
3. Expert Low-Voltage Wiring and Installation
Our team ensures safe, reliable, and efficient performance for years to come.
4. An Artistic Eye for Visual Impact
Lighting is both functional and aesthetic—we excel at blending both.
5. Energy-Efficient LED Solutions
We help homeowners choose sustainable, long-lasting lighting options.
6. Ongoing Maintenance and Support
We provide adjustments, troubleshooting, and upgrades whenever you need them.
7. Trusted Local Professionals
We take pride in our reputation and the long-term relationships we build with our clients.
How to Plan a Landscape Lighting Project: Bringing Your Vision to Life
Now that you know how to plan a landscape lighting project, you can see how thoughtful design, the right fixtures, and strategic placement come together to transform your outdoor space. Whether you want to elevate curb appeal, improve safety, or extend your outdoor living into the evening hours, the right lighting makes all the difference.
If you’re ready to create a landscape lighting design you’ll love for years to come, call Tilson Outdoors at 336-757-0371 and let’s bring your vision to life.
