Creating a Scene with Outdoor Lighting

How thoughtful lighting design can transform your home's exterior into a work of art.

Some homes stop you in your tracks—and sometimes, it’s not just the architecture that steals your attention, but the way it’s illuminated. In this project, Vanessa Kordich, Hamptons Landscape Lighting Lead Designer, turned a quiet nighttime street view into a layered, dramatic scene that feels like something out of a painting.

Shot from the street to capture the full façade and surrounding trees, the photograph tells a story of light, depth, and deliberate design. What makes this scene so compelling isn’t just the glow—it’s the way each element is lit to create distinct visual layers that draw the viewer in and guide the eye naturally through the landscape.

Let’s break down how Vanessa used her background in architecture and fine art to compose this stunning scene:

The first layer begins with pathway lighting, subtly guiding your eye toward the home. Soft uplighting on the smaller trees closest to the front entry adds structure and contrast, creating a warm welcome and clear focal point.

The second layer comes from the dramatic canopy glow on the left. These lights are actually illuminating mature trees located on the side of the property—but what we see from this angle is just the lacy canopy, beautifully highlighted to extend the visual width of the scene and draw the eye upward.

And finally, the third layer: the ethereal lighting on the tree canopies above the home These trees are in the backyard. What’s remarkable is that the light used to illuminate them comes from behind the house, yet it creates a final, breathtaking silhouette that anchors the entire composition.

This isn’t just lighting—it’s spatial storytelling. Every angle, every fixture, and every glow was placed with intention to create rhythm, depth, and drama. Vanessa’s thoughtful placement of each fixture shapes how the home is experienced from the outside. Her ability to blend form, function, and feeling is what transforms simple landscapes into stunning nighttime environments.

Yes, this lighting enhances security and safety for the homeowner. But it also brings unparalleled curb appeal, and more importantly, creates a space the homeowners will want to enjoy every evening. It’s proof that with the right lighting design, your home can be both functional and completely unforgettable.

Ready to bring your home to life after dark?

Let our award-winning lighting designer craft custom lighting scenes for your property— scenes that will be as functional as they are unforgettable. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discover what’s possible with Hamptons Landscape Lighting.