Decorating Elves, Author at Decorating Elves

04 Aug

Enter the “Best Yard in Tampa Bay” Contest and Win $100!

Unveiling Tampa Bay’s Finest Yards: Join the “Best Yard in Tampa Bay” Contest and Win Big!

Are you ready to witness the incredible beauty of Tampa Bay’s most breathtaking yards? Look no further! Outdoor Lighting by Decorating Elves proudly presents the “Best Yard in Tampa Bay” Contest, where local residents get a chance to showcase their creativity and win a fantastic prize of $100! Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a landscape design aficionado, or simply take pride in your outdoor space, this contest is the perfect opportunity to let your yard shine and be recognized as one of the best in the bay!

The Call to Gardeners and Homeowners:

Tampa Bay is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and stunning outdoor living areas. Now, we want to celebrate these extraordinary yards and the dedication of homeowners who transform their outdoor spaces into true havens. From beautiful flower beds to captivating lighting arrangements, from perfectly manicured lawns to charming patio setups, we are eager to witness the magic you’ve created right outside your home.

How to Participate:

Participating in the “Best Yard in Tampa Bay” Contest is simple and exciting. Follow these easy steps to showcase your masterpiece:

1. Capture the Magic: Take a high-resolution photograph of your beautifully decorated yard, highlighting its most remarkable features. Ensure the photo truly reflects the essence of your yard’s design and the effort you’ve put into making it special.

2. Like and Share: Visit Outdoor Lighting by Decorating Elves’s Facebook page and hit that “Like” button to show your support. Then, share the contest post with your friends, family, and neighbors, encouraging them to participate too. After all, the more, the merrier!

3. Visit the Outdoor Lighting by Decorating Elves Instagram profile and follow us to stay up to date on the contest and happenings! Feel free to share there too!

3. Submit Your Entry: Use this form to submit your info and photos (up to 3)!

The Judging Process:

Once the submission period ends on Aug. 31, our panel of expert judges at Outdoor Lighting by Decorating Elves will begin the tough but exhilarating task of reviewing each entry, then selecting the top 5. They’ll evaluate the entries based on creativity, originality, aesthetics, and how well the yard captures the essence of Tampa Bay’s natural beauty.

The Top 5 entries will be posted on Outdoor Lighting by Decorating Elves’s social media pages for popular vote from Sep. 1-7.

The Prize and Winner Announcement:

The winner of the “Best Yard in Tampa Bay” Contest will be announced Sep. 8 and receive a delightful reward of $100 in cash! What better way to celebrate your passion for gardening and decorating than with a little extra green to further enhance your outdoor oasis?

The announcement of the winner will be made on our social media pages and through direct contact with the lucky participant. Even if you don’t win, the recognition your yard receives through this contest will undoubtedly inspire others in the community to take up gardening and decorating, making Tampa Bay an even more beautiful place to live!

Spread the Joy:

Remember, this contest isn’t just about the prize—it’s about coming together as a community of gardeners and homeowners who share a love for beautiful yards and outdoor spaces. Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to participate, and let’s make this contest a resounding success!

Are you ready to showcase your creative flair and earn the title of having the “Best Yard in Tampa Bay”? Embrace this opportunity to display your hard work and passion for gardening and decorating. Let the world see how you’ve turned your yard into a magnificent work of art!

Don’t wait too long! The submission deadline is approaching, so grab your cameras and get ready to share the wonder of your yard with the world. Tampa Bay is eagerly waiting to witness the beauty you’ve crafted just beyond your doorstep!

*Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Please refer to the official contest rules and regulations provided by Outdoor Lighting by Decorating Elves for full details on how to participate and win the “Best Yard in Tampa Bay” Contest.*

01 Aug

Designing Outdoor Lighting: A Step-By-Step Guide

Here at Decorating Elves, your trusted partner in designing outdoor lighting, we are renowned for our work in Tampa Bay, Florida. Today we want to share our expertise with you on a topic we hold dear – how to plan showstopping outdoor lighting. In this post, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to map out a lighting design that turns heads all over your neighborhood.

Evaluate Your Space

Start by taking a good look at your outdoor area. What are its unique features? Do you have a pool, a garden, a deck, or maybe a beautiful old oak tree? Identify areas that could benefit from illumination for safety, usability, and aesthetics. Additionally, consider potential obstacles such as rocks, pathways, walls, and vegetation that might affect your lighting layout.

Define Your Lighting Goals

Every lighting project begins with a purpose. Are you looking to enhance safety and security, set a specific mood, highlight architectural features, or a combination of these? Your goals will dictate the type of lighting fixtures and their positioning.

Sketch Your Lighting Plan

Armed with your goals and space assessment, sketch a simple plan of your area. Mark the locations where you intend to place lights and note down the type of fixture you envision. Use this plan to ensure you’re covering all the necessary areas and not overcrowding others. Remember, the best outdoor lighting setup not only illuminates your property but also reflects your personality. It’s all about creativity and functionality working hand in hand.

Choose the Right Fixtures

There’s a myriad of outdoor lighting fixtures available in the market, from spotlights and floodlights to wall lanterns and path lights. The right fixture depends on its intended purpose. Spotlights are perfect for highlighting features, while path lights improve visibility along walkways. When you go with a professional outdoor lighting company like Decorating Elves, you don’t have to worry about choosing the wrong fixture for the space since we handle all of these details for you!

Select the Correct Lighting Techniques

Outdoor lighting techniques can create different effects. Uplighting can make a tree or statue more dramatic. Wall washing can highlight the texture of a wall or a sculpture. Downlighting or moonlighting can mimic natural light for a gentle, romantic effect. Use a combination of these techniques to achieve your desired outcome. The experts here at Decorating Elves know all the tricks and techniques to emphasize your landscape’s assets.

Consider Energy Efficiency and Maintenance

LED lights are energy-efficient and durable, making them perfect for outdoor usage. They may have a higher upfront cost, but their longevity and lower energy consumption mean savings in the long run. Also, consider fixtures that are easy to clean and replace to minimize maintenance time and costs. We offer a no-hassle preventative maintenance plan for all of our customers that includes routine inspections, cleaning, and repairs – just contact us for more details.

Test Your Lighting

Before you make a permanent installation, do a temporary setup to see how everything looks. This “nighttime demo” allows you to adjust the intensity and positioning of your lights to achieve the perfect look. This test will also show you if you have any faulty fixtures or poor placements.

Install Your Lights

Once you’re happy with your plan, proceed to install your lights. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider hiring a professional if the installation involves complex wiring. Some outdoor lighting must be wired directly into your home’s electric system, so it’s better to hire someone to handle this if you’re not familiar.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Outdoor lighting requires regular maintenance to keep it in prime condition. This includes cleaning fixtures, replacing burnt-out bulbs, and ensuring the timers and sensors work correctly. Regular maintenance ensures your lighting continues to enhance your space beautifully and safely. Once again, we offer a no-hassle maintenance plan that covers all these bases to keep your outdoor lighting setup looking great all year long!

Let Decorating Elves Help With Your Outdoor Lighting Setup

Designing your outdoor lighting can be an exciting and fulfilling project, but if you need help along the way, remember that we at Decorating Elves are always ready to assist. Contact us today at 727-474-2628 to schedule a free consultation, and let’s create a lighting masterpiece in your outdoor space together!

24 Jul

Outdoor Lighting can Deter Pesky Bugs this Summer!

When it comes to illuminating our outdoor spaces, we often seek a perfect balance between creating an inviting ambiance and deterring pesky insects from crashing the party. While the choice of lighting color might not seem like a significant factor, opting for warm LED lights can surprisingly make a substantial difference in attracting fewer bugs compared to cool colors. In this blog post, we will explore the science behind insect behavior and shed light on why warm LED lighting can be your go-to choice for bug-friendly outdoor illumination.

bugs flying around blue light

Understanding Insect Attraction:

Before delving into the specific advantages of warm LED lighting, let’s briefly understand why insects are attracted to light in the first place. Many insects, including mosquitoes, are naturally drawn towards sources of light. This phenomenon, known as phototaxis, is believed to be an evolutionary response to their navigational systems, which rely on celestial cues for orientation. Insects use the moon and stars as their primary reference points, and when they encounter artificial light sources, they can become disoriented and confused, often resulting in their untimely demise.

Cool vs. Warm LED Lighting:

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting has revolutionized the lighting industry with its energy efficiency, durability, and versatility. LEDs come in various color temperatures, typically categorized as cool (higher color temperature) or warm (lower color temperature) lighting. Cool lighting appears bluish-white, similar to daylight, while warm lighting emits a softer, yellowish glow, resembling the warm hues of sunset.

Bug-Friendly Warm LED Lighting:

Contrary to popular belief, warm LED lighting is considered more bug-friendly compared to cool lighting options. Here’s why:

1. Reduced Blue Spectrum: Insects are particularly attracted to the blue spectrum of light, as it simulates their natural navigational cues. Cool LED lights emit a higher proportion of blue light, making them more enticing to bugs. Warm LED lights, on the other hand, have a reduced blue spectrum, which makes them less appealing to insects.

2. Longer Wavelengths: Warm LED lights have longer wavelengths compared to cool lights. Insects have different visual systems than humans and are more sensitive to shorter wavelengths, especially in the blue and ultraviolet range. By opting for warm LED lights, you minimize the wavelengths that insects find most attractive, resulting in fewer bugs swarming around your outdoor areas.

3. Outdoor Illumination: Warm LED lights create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your outdoor spaces. The gentle, yellowish glow mimics natural sources of light, such as fireflies and moonlight. This type of illumination can be more enjoyable for humans while being less disruptive to the insect population.

Tips for Using Warm LED Lighting Outdoors:

To make the most of warm LED lighting while minimizing insect attraction, we often install fixtures with the following in mind:

1. Positioning: Place warm LED lights away from gathering areas to divert insect activity. Illuminating pathways and perimeters can help guide guests while keeping pesky bugs at bay.

2. Shielding: Opt for fixtures that direct the light downward and are shielded to minimize light spillage. This technique focuses the illumination where it is needed while reducing the chances of attracting insects.

3. Motion Sensor Controls: Incorporate motion sensors into your outdoor lighting system. This way, lights only activate when movement is detected, reducing the overall duration of illumination and attracting fewer insects in the process.

Choosing warm LED lighting for your outdoor spaces is not only a stylish and inviting option but also a strategic move in creating an insect-friendly environment. By selecting warm lights with reduced blue spectrum and longer wavelengths, you can enjoy the benefits of outdoor illumination while minimizing unwanted bug guests. Remember to consider proper positioning, shielded fixtures, and motion sensor controls to optimize your bug-friendly outdoor lighting setup. Embrace the warmth of LED lighting and create an outdoor atmosphere that both you and your guests can relish, pesky bug-free.

Happy outdoor entertaining with Outdoor Lighting by Decorating Elves!

19 Jul

How Lanai Lighting can Enhance Your Outdoor Space!

As the warm breeze caresses your face and the sun dips below the horizon, transforming the sky into a canvas of vibrant colors, there’s no denying the allure of outdoor living spaces. A well-designed lanai, with its fusion of nature and comfort, offers an oasis for relaxation, entertainment, and the creation of lasting memories. To truly maximize the potential of your lanai, consider the transformative power of landscape lighting. By strategically illuminating your outdoor space, you can create an enchanting ambiance that invites both entertainment and enjoyment. Let’s explore the world of lanai lighting and discover how it can elevate your outdoor experience.

Setting the Mood with Ambience:

Lanai lighting serves as the magical touch that brings your outdoor space to life after dusk. By using a combination of soft and warm lighting, you can establish a captivating ambience that enhances the overall mood. Consider installing dimmable lights or adding a variety of fixtures, such as string lights, lanterns, and sconces, to create layers of light. This layered approach allows you to customize the lighting levels according to different occasions and personal preferences.

Highlighting Key Features:

Just as a painter brings attention to focal points in a masterpiece, well-placed lanai lighting can accentuate the unique features of your outdoor space. Highlighting architectural elements, such as columns, arches, and pergolas, can add depth and drama to your lanai. Additionally, illuminating water features, like fountains or pools, can create mesmerizing reflections and a sense of tranquility. By strategically placing lighting fixtures, you can transform your lanai into a work of art.

Safety and Security:

While aesthetics and ambience are crucial, safety should always remain a top priority. Lanai lighting not only ensures the safety of your guests by illuminating potential trip hazards, but it also acts as a deterrent to unwanted visitors. Well-lit outdoor spaces are less attractive to intruders and provide a greater sense of security. Incorporating motion sensor lights along pathways and entry points can further enhance safety while conserving energy.

Extending Your Living Space:

Your lanai can serve as an extension of your indoor living area, offering a seamless transition between the two spaces. With carefully placed lanai lighting, you can create a cohesive atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
By integrating lighting fixtures along walls, under eaves, or within built-in furniture, you can extend the functionality of your lanai and enjoy it well into the evening hours.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability:

Modern advancements in lighting technology have paved the way for energy-efficient and sustainable lighting solutions. LED (Light Emitting Diode) fixtures are an excellent choice for lanai lighting. They consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs, reducing your carbon footprint and saving on electricity bills. Moreover, LED lights have an impressively long lifespan, ensuring you won’t have to constantly replace bulbs. Decorating Elves exclusively uses LED lighting for these reasons and more.

Lanai lighting has the power to transform your outdoor space into a captivating sanctuary, perfect for entertaining and relaxation. By carefully considering the ambience, accentuating key features, prioritizing safety, extending your living space, and embracing energy-efficient options, you can create an enchanting lanai that adds value to your home and enriches your outdoor experience. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, let lanai lighting illuminate your way to unforgettable moments. Call today to reserve your space on our designer’s calendar so we can create your custom home lighting stage.

11 Jul

Illuminating Water Features: Enhancing Outdoor Spaces

By illuminating water features, you can transform your garden or outdoor area into a mesmerizing oasis that comes alive at night. Creating a captivating and enchanting outdoor space goes beyond just selecting the right plants and furnishings. One often overlooked but incredibly effective way to enhance the beauty of your home’s landscape is through the thoughtful use of lighting design. Among the various elements that can be highlighted, water features hold a special place. In this blog, we will explore the art of illuminating water features with landscape lighting design, offering inspiration and practical tips to help you create a stunning ambiance.

Understanding the Power of Lighting

Lighting plays a vital role in transforming the aesthetics of any space. When it comes to water features, proper lighting can accentuate their beauty, create striking visual effects, and add a touch of drama. It can also provide functional illumination, ensuring safety and allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space even after sunset.

Highlighting Fountains and Waterfalls

Fountains and waterfalls are exquisite elements in any landscape design. By incorporating lighting, you can bring out their magnificence during the evening hours. Consider placing lights strategically to emphasize the movement and flow of water. Submerged lights or uplighting can be employed to cast shimmering reflections and create a magical effect.

landscape lighting pond

Underwater Lighting

For ponds, pools, or other water bodies, underwater lighting is an excellent choice. Submersible LED lights can be installed at the bottom of the water feature, providing a soft and ethereal glow. Experiment with different colors to achieve the desired ambiance. Cool blues and greens often evoke a tranquil and serene atmosphere, while warmer hues like oranges and yellows create a cozy and inviting feel.

Silhouette and Upward Lighting

Silhouette lighting involves placing lights behind or beside water features to create dramatic silhouettes against a dark backdrop. This technique can be particularly effective when accentuating statues, water spouts, or tall plants near the water. Upward lighting can also be used to cast soft illumination on surrounding trees or structures, lending a gentle glow to the water feature.

Pathway and Step Lighting

While highlighting the water feature itself is essential, it is equally important to consider the surrounding areas for safety and navigation purposes. By incorporating pathway and step lighting, you can create a well-lit route to the water feature, guiding visitors and preventing accidents. Low-voltage, energy-efficient LED lights are excellent options for this purpose, as they are both practical and visually appealing.

Smart Lighting Controls

To maximize the impact of your lighting design, consider investing in smart lighting controls. With these systems, you can program different lighting scenes, adjust brightness levels, and even synchronize the lighting with music or other atmospheric elements. This level of control allows you to create a truly immersive experience and adapt the lighting according to different occasions and moods.

Balancing Light and Darkness

Lastly, it is essential to strike a balance between light and darkness in your landscape. While illuminating water features can be captivating, remember to leave areas of shadow and mystery to enhance the overall aesthetic. Experiment with different lighting techniques and intensities until you achieve the desired effect.

Illuminating water features with landscape lighting design presents a fantastic opportunity to elevate the beauty of your outdoor space. By using a combination of techniques such as underwater lighting, silhouette lighting, and pathway lighting, you can create an enchanting ambiance that showcases the water feature’s elegance and brings your garden to life after sunset. Remember to consider the overall design, play with different lighting colors and intensities, and invest in smart lighting controls for added convenience. With the right lighting, you can transform your water features into captivating focal points, making your outdoor space a delightful sanctuary for relaxation and entertainment. Contact Decorating Elves’s design team today to create your dream oasis!

28 Jun

Enjoy Your Pool During the Summer Nights

Enjoy Your Pool During the Summer Nights with Outdoor Lighting

As the summer heat hits its peak, taking a refreshing dip is always a welcomed way to enjoy your pool. But why limit playtime in the pool to daylight hours? With the right outdoor lighting, you can transform your pool area into a captivating oasis that can be enjoyed well into the summer nights. At Decorating Elves, we specialize in residential outdoor lighting services that not only enhance the aesthetics of your property, but also provide added security and safety. In this post, we will explore the benefits of outdoor lighting around your pool and the various techniques we offer to create the perfect ambiance for your summer nights.

Extend Your Pool Time

Imagine lounging by your pool, sipping a cold drink, and gazing at the beautifully illuminated water. With our residential outdoor lighting solutions, you can extend the enjoyment of your pool beyond daylight hours. Whether you prefer a soft, romantic ambiance or a vibrant, energetic atmosphere, our expert designers will work closely with you to create a lighting plan that perfectly suits your preferences.

Enhance Safety and Security

Outdoor lighting not only adds charm to your pool area but also enhances safety and security. By eliminating dark hidden areas, well-placed lights can help prevent accidents and ensure that your family and guests can move around the pool safely. Additionally, a well-lit area deters criminal activity, providing you with peace of mind.

Types of Pool Lighting Techniques

At Decorating Elves, we offer a wide range of techniques to create stunning pool lighting effects, including:

Underwater Lighting: Illuminate your pool from within with underwater lights that create a captivating glow. These lights can be strategically placed to enhance the colors of the water, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.
Up Lighting: Install lights at the base of trees or architectural features surrounding your pool area to cast an upward beam of light, highlighting their beauty and creating a dramatic effect.
Pathway Lighting: Guide your way to the pool with elegantly placed pathway lights. These lights not only provide a safe path, but also add a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space.
Deck Lighting: Illuminate your pool deck with discreetly placed lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Deck lighting enhances the aesthetics of your pool area and ensures that your guests can move around comfortably.
Moon Lighting: Mimic is the soft glow of the moon with carefully positioned lights in trees or tall structures surrounding your pool area. This technique creates a magical, enchanting, and dare we say, romantic, atmosphere. Time to break out the champagne!

Enjoy Your Pool Day and Night This Summer

With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to enhance your pool experience with outdoor lighting. At Decorating Elves, our team of outdoor lighting designers will work closely with you to understand your vision for your pool area and bring it to life. Whether you desire a resort-style look or something a little more funky, we have the skills and expertise to create an outdoor lighting solution that blows you away. Contact Decorating Elves today at 727-474-2628 for a complimentary lighting consultation and let us illuminate your summertime swims!

19 Jun

Enhance Your Outdoor Kitchen with Stunning Landscape Lighting

Creating an inviting and functional outdoor kitchen is a popular trend that brings people together to enjoy delicious meals and the beauty of nature. This may be why grills and grilling accessories are some of the most popular Father’s Day gifts! While designing your outdoor kitchen, it’s important not to overlook the impact of landscape lighting. Properly designed and strategically placed lighting can transform your outdoor kitchen into a captivating and functional space that you can enjoy both during the day and well into the night. In this blog, we will explore the importance of landscape lighting for outdoor kitchens and share some creative ideas to illuminate your outdoor culinary haven.

Safety and Functionality

Effective landscape lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of your outdoor kitchen. Adequate illumination on pathways, steps, and cooking areas minimizes the risk of accidents, allowing you to move around freely and effortlessly. Consider installing task lighting above the grill, sink, and food preparation areas to ensure proper visibility during meal preparations, even after sunset. This way, you can cook with ease while keeping an eye on the food’s progress and ensuring everything is cooked to perfection.

Ambient Lighting for a Welcoming Atmosphere

Landscape lighting sets the mood and creates a warm, inviting ambiance in your outdoor kitchen. Choose lighting fixtures that complement the architectural style and design of your outdoor space. Soft and diffused lighting, such as string lights or lanterns, can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere for evening gatherings. Highlight your kitchen island or dining area with pendant lights or chandeliers to make them the focal points of your outdoor space. After 17 years in the business, Decorating Elves has designed lighting schemes for every look!

Accentuating the Landscape

Landscape lighting not only enhances the functionality of your outdoor kitchen but also allows you to showcase the surrounding landscape. Use well-placed lighting fixtures to illuminate trees, plants, and other natural elements, creating a visually appealing backdrop for your culinary adventures. Uplights can be strategically positioned to highlight beautiful shrubs or create dramatic shadows against walls. Path lights along garden beds or walkways can guide guests to your outdoor kitchen while adding a touch of elegance to the overall ambiance.

Color and Mood Lighting

For a unique and creative touch, consider incorporating color and mood lighting into your outdoor kitchen landscape design. LED lights are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they are energy-efficient and offer a wide range of color options. Decorating Elves specializes in low voltage LED lighting to save you money on energy consumption. Use color-changing LED strips or bulbs to transform the mood of your outdoor space with a simple adjustment of hues. You can match the lighting to the theme of your event or change it according to your mood, making your outdoor kitchen a versatile and dynamic entertainment area.

Smart Lighting Systems

Take your outdoor kitchen lighting to the next level by incorporating smart lighting systems. These systems allow you to control your lights remotely using your smartphone or voice commands. Adjust brightness levels, change colors, set timers, and create lighting schedules effortlessly. Additionally, some smart lighting systems can be integrated with other outdoor elements, such as music systems or security cameras, further enhancing your backyard experience.

Landscape lighting is an essential aspect of designing an outdoor kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. From ensuring safety and functionality to creating an inviting atmosphere, lighting can transform your outdoor space into a magical culinary haven. By inviting our expert over to design various lighting techniques and incorporate smart lighting systems, you can personalize your outdoor space and create an ambiance that matches your style and mood. So, illuminate your outdoor kitchen and enjoy delightful meals and unforgettable moments under the stars.

13 Jun

Flying the American Flag with Pride: Proper Etiquette and Lighting

The American flag is a symbol of unity, freedom, and patriotism, all traits we hold dear at Decorating Elves. Flying the flag with respect and ensuring it is properly illuminated are important practices that honor the values it represents. In this blog post, we will discuss the guidelines for flying the American flag and provide useful tips on lighting it to show your pride and respect.

Choosing the Right Flagpole:

When it comes to flying the American flag, selecting the appropriate flagpole is crucial. Consider the following factors:

a. Height: The flagpole should be tall enough to ensure the flag flies freely and is visible. A general guideline is to have a flagpole at least one-quarter to one-third the height of the flagpole’s location above ground level.

b. Material: Flagpoles are available in various materials such as aluminum, fiberglass, and steel. Choose a sturdy and durable material that suits your needs and budget.

c. Location: Ensure the flagpole is installed in an area that provides enough space for the flag to fly without obstructions. Also, make sure it adheres to local zoning and homeowner association regulations.

Flag Size and Construction:

The size of the flag you choose will depend on the height of your flagpole. The following guidelines can help you determine the appropriate flag size:

a. Residential Flagpoles: For residential flagpoles, a flag size of 3′ by 5′ is commonly used. However, smaller flags, like 2′ by 3′, can also be appropriate for shorter flagpoles.

b. Commercial and Public Spaces: Larger flag sizes, such as 4′ by 6′ or 5′ by 8’, are suitable for commercial buildings, government offices, schools, and other public areas.

When selecting a flag, opt for high-quality materials like nylon or polyester, as they are durable and better withstand outdoor conditions. Look for flags that are made in the USA.

Proper Flag Placement and Etiquette:

To display the American flag with proper respect and etiquette, adhere to the following guidelines:

a. Position: When hoisting the flag, it should always be positioned above other flags or decorations. If multiple flags are flown on separate flagpoles, the American flag should have the prominent position on the right (left from the viewer’s perspective).

b. Half-Staff: The flag should be flown at half-staff during times of national mourning or as directed by the President of the United States or your state’s governor. Ensure you raise it to the top of the pole first, then lower it to the halfway mark.

c. Nighttime Display: If you wish to display the flag 24 hours a day, it must be properly illuminated during darkness. This can be achieved through dedicated flagpole lighting or external lighting directed at the flag.

Lighting the Flag:

Proper illumination ensures that the flag remains visible during nighttime hours. Decorating Elves is able to guide you on which would be most appropriate for your particular flag and surrounding area. A couple of popular options are:

a. Flagpole Lighting: Attach a light fixture specifically designed for flag illumination at the top of the flagpole. These fixtures are typically LED-based, energy-efficient, and designed to shine directly onto the flag.

b. External Lighting: If a dedicated flagpole light is not available, you can use external lighting sources. Position spotlights or floodlights in a way that focuses on the flag and provides sufficient illumination without causing glare or spill.

Remember to test the lighting setup before leaving it unattended to ensure it effectively illuminates the flag throughout the night. We will also be sure to check it during your semi-annual preventative maintenance checks and service anything out of order.

Flying and lighting the American flag is an important symbol of patriotism and respect. By following the guidelines mentioned above, you can proudly display the flag while adhering to proper flag etiquette and ensuring it remains illuminated during nighttime hours. Let us help you display your pride and respect as an American on Flag Day. We look forward to hearing from you!

08 Jun

Summer Playtime Lighting Ideas for Your Family

The summer playtime season brings with it longer days and warmer weather, making it the perfect time for children to unleash their boundless energy and indulge in outdoor play. As the sun sets, extending playtime into the evening hours requires the right lighting setup to ensure safety and create a magical ambiance. In this blog post, we will explore creative lighting ideas to illuminate your backyard, transforming it into a captivating oasis for your kids’ summer adventures.

1. Fairy Lights Delight:

Fairy lights are a versatile and enchanting option for lighting up your backyard. String them across trees, along fences, or around pergolas to create a whimsical atmosphere. Opt for multicolored lights or stick to warm white hues for a soothing glow. These twinkling lights will add a touch of magic to your children’s playtime, making them feel like they’re in their very own wonderland.

2. Low Voltage LED Pathway Lights:

Illuminate pathways and walkways with Low Voltage LED lights. These eco-friendly and cost-effective options charge during the day and automatically turn on as dusk falls. Apart from providing safety and guidance, these lights also enhance the aesthetics of your backyard. Consider choosing pathway lights with fun shapes or colors to pique your kids’ interest.

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Accessories:

Incorporate glow-in-the-dark elements to add an element of surprise and excitement to your backyard play area. From glow-in-the-dark stepping stones to glowing orbs, there are numerous options available that will capture your children’s imagination. Charge these accessories under sunlight or artificial light, and watch them come to life when the sun goes down.

4. Colorful Spotlights:

Colorful spotlights can instantly transform your backyard into a vibrant playground. Install spotlights with adjustable colors and intensities to create different moods for various playtime activities. Set the lights to a soothing blue for a calming effect or opt for vibrant colors to spark your children’s creativity. The versatility of colorful spotlights allows you to adapt the lighting to suit different occasions and themes.

5. Campfire-inspired Glow:

Create the cozy ambiance of a campfire by installing flameless LED candles or lanterns. Arrange them around a seating area or play tent to give your kids a sense of adventure and make them feel like they’re on a camping trip. These safe alternatives to traditional candles provide a soft, flickering glow that adds warmth and charm to the setting.

Lighting up your backyard for your kids’ summer playtime allows them to extend their outdoor adventures well into the evening hours. By incorporating fairy lights, LED pathway lights, glow-in-the-dark accessories, colorful spotlights, and campfire-inspired glows, you can create a dreamy oasis that will ignite their imagination and make their playtime truly magical. With the right lighting setup, your backyard will become the go-to destination for endless summer fun!

Remember to prioritize safety by ensuring all electrical connections are weatherproof and that the lighting doesn’t pose any tripping hazards. Enjoy the warm summer nights as your children embark on countless adventures in their illuminated wonderland with a landscape lighting design by Decorating Elves.

01 Jun

Summer Storm Season: Safety and Surreal Beauty in Illumination

As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, summer storms bring a unique beauty and energy to our lives. However, with the arrival of storm season today, it’s crucial to ensure that our outdoor spaces are both safe and enchanting. In this post, we’ll explore the significance of landscape lighting during the summer storm season and how Decorating Elves can help by implementing appropriate lighting solutions. We can work with you to transform your outdoor spaces into captivating havens, no matter the weather.

1. Safety First, Lighting as a Protective Measure

When it comes to summer storms, safety should always be a top priority. Adequate lighting can help prevent accidents and ensure that your outdoor areas remain safe during inclement weather. Consider installing pathway lights to illuminate walkways, stairs, and potential hazards. Low-voltage LED lights (one of our specialities) are a cost-effective and energy-efficient choice, offering bright illumination while consuming less power. Additionally, motion-activated floodlights can provide added security by deterring unwanted intruders during the stormy nights.

2. Enhancing the Beauty of Your Landscape

Despite the occasional stormy weather, summer is a time when outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and relaxing evenings with loved ones become more frequent. Well-planned landscape lighting can enhance the beauty of your outdoor spaces and create a magical atmosphere even during stormy evenings.

a. Accentuating Key Features: Use uplights or spotlights to highlight unique elements of your landscape, such as tall trees, sculptures, or architectural details. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also draws attention away from potential storm-related imperfections.

b. Festive String Lights: String lights can transform any outdoor area into a whimsical wonderland. Hang them across patios, pergolas, or even in trees to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Opt for weatherproof and durable string lights to ensure they withstand the elements.

c. Silhouettes in the Rain: Rainy weather can create stunning visual effects when paired with proper lighting. Experiment with backlighting or silhouette effects by placing lights strategically behind rain-soaked objects or plant life. This creates a surreal and captivating atmosphere, bringing out the unique charm of summer storms.

3. Resilient Lighting Solutions

When selecting lighting fixtures for your outdoor spaces, we understand what is crucial to withstand the elements. Here are a few resilient lighting solutions ideal for the summer storm season:

a. Weatherproof Fixtures: We only invest in fixtures designed explicitly for outdoor use and those with high IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, indicating their resistance to water and dust. These fixtures will keep your landscape lighting functioning flawlessly even in heavy downpours.

b. Underground Lighting: Pathway lights or recessed fixtures that are installed below ground level are not only visually appealing but also less susceptible to damage from storms. They remain protected while providing illumination to guide you and your guests safely through your outdoor spaces.

c. Timer Controls and Smart Lighting: Consider installing timer controls or smart lighting systems that allow you to program your landscape lighting to turn on and off automatically. This feature ensures your lights operate efficiently, even if you’re away or caught off guard by an unexpected summer storm.

Summer storms bring a unique charm to our lives, especially here in Florida. With the right landscape lighting, you can fully embrace the enchanting atmosphere they create. By prioritizing safety, enhancing the beauty of your outdoor spaces, and selecting resilient lighting solutions, you can ensure that your landscape lighting stands strong during the storm season. Let your outdoor areas shine bright, rain or shine, and make the most of this captivating time of year. The design team at Decorating Elves is happy to meet with you to address any concerns you may have or improvements you’d like to make. We look forward to connecting with you.