Landscape Lighting That Brings Balance to a Newly Designed Estate
When the owners purchased their 8,800-square-foot Amagansett home, they were immediately drawn to its modern finishes and clean architectural lines. What the property didn’t offer, however, was exterior lighting. With a $50,000 credit from the builder earmarked for landscape lighting, the stage was set for a transformation that would make the exterior just as inviting after dark as it was during the day.
The clients wanted the property to feel balanced, welcoming, and safe in the evening hours. That meant more than just illuminating the driveway and walkways. They envisioned a layered lighting design that would highlight the new landscape by TerraDesign, frame gathering areas, and create a nighttime atmosphere that felt both artistic and functional.
Timing was everything. The entire property was being relandscaped, which meant all fixtures, wiring, and infrastructure had to be installed in sync with planting. Downlighting added another layer of complexity, as fixtures needed to be carefully placed high in trees with heavy equipment while preserving the new landscape design. And with a two-month window before the clients’ spring move-in, every detail had to align perfectly.
Hamptons Landscape Lighting worked hand in hand with TerraDesign and Home Technology Experts to ensure every element of the plan came together seamlessly. Wiring was run during planting to minimize disruption, and fixtures were placed to enhance the natural beauty of the property while supporting function. Downlights positioned up to 30 feet in mature trees created depth and shadow, while subtle path and driveway lighting guided movement through the space. Gathering areas such as the pool, patios, and firepit were softly illuminated to invite evening use without overwhelming the landscape.
The finished design balanced artistry and practicality, transforming the property into a welcoming retreat after sunset. By blending lighting with the new plantings and architecture, the home now carries the same sense of sophistication and comfort outdoors that it does inside.
“Lighting isn’t just about visibility; it’s about composition,” says HLL designer Vanessa Kordich. “The downlighting created depth, while path and driveway illumination guided movement through the property. By layering these elements, we turned the landscape into a nighttime portrait of the home—both functional and beautiful.”