From Blank Slate to Nighttime Harmony, Lighting Design That Complements Architecture and Plantings

Case Study: Amagansett Spec Home

Landscape Lighting Brightens Dark Corners and Brings Balance to a Newly Designed Estate

When the new owners purchased this 8,800-square-foot Amagansett spec home, they inherited a property with beautiful finishes but no exterior lighting. A credit from the builder for landscape lighting set the stage for a complete exterior transformation. Working alongside landscape designer TerraDesign and Home Technology Experts, Hamptons Landscape Lighting was tasked with designing a plan that would make the exterior as inviting and sophisticated as the interior.

The clients wanted the exterior of their summer home to be just as beautiful and functional as the interior. Their vision was a lighting design that would enhance TerraDesign’s new plantings, highlight architectural details, and provide safe passage along driveways and pathways. The design needed to strike a balance between artistry and practicality, creating a welcoming atmosphere for evenings outdoors while supporting everyday usability.

Challenges

The entire property was being relandscaped on a tight timeline, which meant infrastructure for lighting had to be installed in step with new plantings. Downlighting required heavy equipment to position fixtures high in mature trees, and all work needed to be completed before the clients’ spring move-in. Careful coordination between design, landscaping, and technology partners was essential to avoid delays and disruptions.

Solutions

Hamptons Landscape Lighting collaborated closely with TerraDesign and Home Technology Experts to integrate the lighting design into the larger property plan. Direct burial wire was run at the same time as planting, minimizing disturbance to the grounds. Dauer Lighting fixtures were strategically placed to illuminate key plantings, gathering areas, and architectural features while maintaining a natural look.

Downlighting was achieved by carefully placing fixtures up to 30 feet high in trees, creating depth and drama across the landscape. Pathways and the driveway were subtly lit to ensure safe movement through the property, while accent lighting highlighted garden compositions and framed outdoor entertaining spaces.

Outcome

Through precise coordination and thoughtful design, the exterior of the Amagansett home was transformed into a welcoming and harmonious environment. The final installation balanced artistry with functionality, enhancing the property’s evening character while making outdoor spaces safer and more inviting. The project was completed on time for the clients’ seasonal arrival, delivering both beauty and reliability.

"With this project, the key was creating harmony between the new plantings and the home itself. Lighting isn’t just about visibility; it’s about composition. The downlighting added depth, while path and driveway illumination guided movement through the space. By layering these elements, we turned the landscape into a nighttime portrait of the home, one that’s both functional and beautiful."

— Vanessa Kordich, Senior Lighting Designer