Author Archives: Decorating Elves

10 May

Why You Should Hire a Professional to Hang Bistro Lighting

Bistro lighting is all the rage right now in both residential and commercial settings. While restaurants have been using this lighting technique for years to enhance their outdoor spaces, it has just recently become popular in backyards. The rise in popularity of LED lighting, combined with its low cost and energy efficiency, has made more and more lighting techniques available to the everyday homeowner, including bistro lights. Read More →

18 Mar

Great Ways to Add Outdoor Lighting This Spring

Now that winter is finally fading away, get ready to be outside again with beautiful outdoor lighting for your home and business! 

Why add outdoor lights to your home and business?

  • Outdoor lighting is a great way to extend your day during early spring and late fall when temperatures are pleasant but the sun sets early. Whether it’s to extend your business hours or just enjoy your home’s patio later into the night, outdoor lighting helps you maximize the use of your property.
  • Outdoor lighting adds an extra layer of security to your property’s existing crime-prevention plan. Keep your friends, family, visitors, and customers safe by illuminating walkways and entryways while also limiting your liability if there is an accident.
  • Outdoor lighting adds value to any property by boosting its curb appeal and helping you stand out amongst the competition. The attention to detail and design will not go unnoticed by potential buyers and will be reflected in your final sale price.

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10 Mar

Accent Lighting: Wall Grazing vs. Wall Washing

Wall grazing and wall washing are accent lighting techniques that highlight an often overlooked element—the walls. When you’ve spent extra time, effort, and money on your home or business’ walls, you want to show them off!

Wall grazing and wall washing are both great ways to enhance the look and feel of your home or business, but they yield different results. You should be careful when choosing which technique to use and base your choice on your specific situation and ideal outcome. Read on for an explanation of these two techniques and how to use them to invoke the atmosphere you want in all your indoor and outdoor spaces. Read More →

20 Feb

Staying Safe is a Top Priority at Decorating Elves

When you’re planning to add outdoor or holiday lighting to your property, you want to be sure that the contractor you choose is experienced, reputable, and safe. The last thing you want is an accident on your property due to poor safety measures by an inexperienced contractor. Not only will this add time and cost to your outdoor lighting project, but it can also lead to serious financial implications if the contractor is not properly licensed or insured! Read More →

10 Feb

How Shadowing Can Create Dramatic Landscape Lighting Effects

Outdoor lighting is an art form, and any artist will tell you that good art incorporates both bright and dark. That’s why the experts here at Decorating Elves in Clearwater will design your landscape lighting with special attention to the effects of shadows. There are many outdoor lighting techniques that create dynamic shadow effects, but none are quite as dramatic as the technique known as shadowing.

What is Shadowing?

Shadowing involves casting the shadow of a prominent feature in your yard onto a background. The background can be large or small, but we always recommend shadowing on a larger background for maximum effect.  Read More →

20 Jan

New Year’s Resolutions for Outdoor Living

Here in Florida, we have the perfect climate for outdoor life, from playing sports on the beach to relaxing in your own backyard. Make a New Year’s resolution to take control of your outdoor space with an intentional plan for improvement in 2022!

Create Comfort Outside

Your lawn may be green and lush, but unless you have somewhere to sit out there, how can you enjoy it? Make a plan for an outdoor living space that brings comfort and joy together for your family. Go simple with a covered patio and bench seating, or go all out with a screened patio enclosure complete with seating, a fire pit, and maybe even a hot tub! Think about what activities will bring more happiness to your life, and then build your outdoor space around that. Did someone say outdoor kitchen? Read More →

10 Jan

Benefits Of Outdoor LED Lighting

Just take a quick drive around Tampa Bay at night and you’ll quickly realize the impact outdoor LED lighting can have on any property! From residential to commercial, and sometimes even industrial properties, outdoor LED lights are popping up everywhere. But, are these lights just a pretty face or something more?

Appearance

One of the biggest benefits of outdoor LED lighting is its upscale visage. With the addition of some strategically placed yard lights, you can take your home’s aesthetic up a notch and become the envy of your entire neighborhood! And, you can upgrade to the pathway or entryway lights for an even more luxurious look. Read More →

10 Dec

How Decorating Elves Gives Back to the Community

Tampa Bay has given so much to Nick Schriver since 2003, it’s no wonder he prioritizes giving back to the community. Without the residents here on the central Gulf coast, who knows where he and his team at Decorating Elves would be today!

The Team Comes First

To Nick, the most important part of giving back to the community is treating his own employees well. That’s why, along with competitive pay and benefits, all Decorating Elves employees enjoy bonus financial incentives for excellent performance. Employees also earn chances to win awesome prizes at our Annual Christmas Breakfast. In the past, our employees have scored kayaks, event tickets, and even cold hard cash! Adding a little joy to the lives of our employees and their families around the holidays is something we take pride in. Read More →