May 13th, 2013
Do you have a pool? Does it need light? Is it for show, for security, for enjoyment? All of the above? Here we explain some of the challenges and we take you through some simple steps you can follow to best achieve your goal (and enjoy your pool!).
Outdoor pools are always fun to illuminate. Each is different and this creates some challenges. The situation, the size, the shape, the environment, the surrounding landscape, each brings a set of questions and solutions.
If your pool is set in a wide and open area, we favor direct lighting with path lights around the perimeter, associated with some well or bullet lights up-lighting on the taller trees in the background to create dimension and volume.
If your pool is surrounded with rockeries, we may choose indirect lighting on the rocks that create reflective light in the pool and on the beaches (kids are running, aren’t they?). This is a very effective way to light a rather large area without showing the fixtures. One or two lights may be set on the cascade plunging into the hot tub if there is one. 
This widens the size of the pool whether you or your kids and your guests use it to play or to relax.
If there are tall trees around the pool (i.e. cypresses, oaks, spruces) we can down light the entire bathing area creating a moonlighting effect that allows you to keep an eye on the perimeter while enjoying a soft and subtle ambiance.
If you have retaining walls (rocks, bricks, or a combination of both), we can use this feature to install deck lights (wires are run from the back through the wall so you do not see them).
Any light around a pool must be installed strategically to shine without blinding when you are in the water or when negotiating often fairly uneven stairs (best to let a professional guide you through this step).
Consider how and how often you use your pool. When do you use it? Are your kids safe when they run around or when they are in the water? Do you use the pool to entertain, to relax?
Look at the grounds. Do you have a set of rocks surrounding the area? Are there tall trees that may permit down-lighting? Did your landscaper include bushes that will give volume or will shine through?
Don’t be afraid… This is a fun project and starting early will let you enjoy the pool longer. You’re now ready! Call us! We are specialists, a dedicated outdoor lighting company and we will complete the design and do the work!
Posted in Architectural Lighting, Bergen County, Deck lights, Eco-friendly, Essex County, Garden Design, Green Design, Hunterdon County, LED Lighting, Lighting fixtures, Low Voltage Lighting, Morris County, New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living, Path lights, Path lights, Rock lights, Somerset County, Spot lights, Uplighting, Well lights, Yard lights | No Comments »
April 15th, 2013
LED technology is fairly recent. But today’s buzz is all about being green and reducing one’s carbon footprint. So this new technology makes a lot of sense. But, what are the facts?
Being “green” has become a hot topic. We cannot (and wouldn’t!) speak about green technologies that do not apply to outdoor lighting, but, yes, we can and will speak about LED lighting as it applies to what we so dearly love: creating beautiful, unique, and customized outdoor lighting décors.
We can achieve this soft lighting with either LED or Halogen technology
LED stands for Light Emitting Diodes. This technology has been in use for many years. By example the On/Off light of your cell phone or laptop is an LED light, among so many other applications. Unlike a traditional halogen bulb, the LED bulb does not produce light by heating up a filament, thus it has a much longer lifespan: 50 to 100 times longer! An LED bulb can last up to 50,000 hours vs. 3,000 on average for a halogen one.
Our LED well lights include a heavy duty glass cover
Because they last longer, they do not fill our landfills as rapidly as other type of bulbs, and because their energy consumption is so much lower, they can be run with a much-reduced impact on the environment. Running an outdoor lighting system is never very expensive; however, an all LED system could reduce your cost by about 80%!
This is a relatively new technology: the bulbs and the fixtures are more expensive than their halogen equivalent. But, because it costs a lot less to run and because you do not need to worry about changing the bulbs every year, we determined that the additional cost of installing an LED system is amortized in 3 to 5 years depending on the number of lamps installed (the more lamps, the faster it is amortized).
The questions on everybody’s mind are about color and quality of the lighting. One of the main concerns being that LED is always very bright and that LED lighting has a different color tone – bluish and cold. Not so long ago this was absolutely true. But today, the technology has progressed so much that you need an experienced eye to “see” the difference. The Color Rendition Index (CRI) is very close to matching the CRI of an halogen bulb and the warmth has been dropped to an average of 2,700 to 3,000 degree Kelvin bringing it within range of the halogen technology.
Our lighting designs will enhance the property and make it safer to navigate
We have access to new fixtures specifically designed to accommodate LED bulbs, and the ever growing diversity of the beams, intensity, and styles available allows us to be as precise and inventive (we wouldn’t have compromised this aspect of our work; the artistry is still there!). We can also completely retrofit existing halogen systems with LED bulbs cutting your running costs by 80% in average.
If you want to see for yourself, request a FREE nighttime demonstration. Call us at 973.486.0819 or email: northernNJ@outdoorlights.com to learn more about LED outdoor lighting technology and to see if it may be the right fit for you.
Tags: architectural lighting, Bergen County, copper fixtures, eco-friendly, free nighttime demo
Posted in Architectural Lighting, Bergen County, Deck lights, Driveway lights, Eco-friendly, Essex County, Garden Design, Green Design, Hunterdon County, Lamp post, LED Lighting, Lighting fixtures, Low Voltage Lighting, Morris County, New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living, Path lights, Path lights, Pier lights, Rock lights, Somerset County, Spot lights, Uplighting, Well lights, Yard lights | No Comments »
March 22nd, 2013
How do I get ready for a new Outdoor Lighting installation? What do I need to plan for? Here are a few simple tips to ensure you get the most beautiful result.
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is a dedicated outdoor lighting company. Outdoor lighting is our specialty. From design to installation to service and maintenance, you will find a highly trained and responsive team (we service all systems, even those we didn’t install ourselves!)
Let’s consider the technique.
We need power. We use low-voltage, running a 120V line through a transformer able to drop that power to 12V. Low-voltage is more economical (it consumes a lot less electricity); thus it is “greener.” It is also easier to install and to maintain (none of these destructive deep trenches are needed to run the wires). It is best to place an outlet at all future transformer location (we help you with this); at least one in the front and one in the back to limit the amount of wiring and therefore reduce the risk of having a wire cut inadvertently. If we install 2 transformers, we will have 2 timers and this gives us greater flexibility if we want to dissociate the On/Off times (the lights in the front are usually on all year long, but the lights in the back can be turned on solely when the pool is in use). These outlets should be placed in discreet locations: behind shrubbery or near utilities (i.e. A/C units or pool equipment).
These transformers are hidden behind bushes and are easily accessible to our technicians
Garage or basement also work but having the transformers outside allows access to the system without having to enter your home for future service.
These outlets must be GFCI protected; they need to be hooked to 120V and 20A-dedicated lines (when no other device is using the dedicated outdoor lighting circuit, the risk of breaker tripping or GFCI going bad is reduced considerably).
A GFCI outlet with its cover
In case you are planning for new construction: if there is a concrete or stone walkway, or a driveway where you feel future lighting will be necessary, install a 2” PVC conduit at marked locations
If the conduit is underground, a marker will show the exact location
A clearly marked PVC conduit
so we can run the wires without the risk of damaging the look of your finished driveway (these conduits can also be used for stereo speakers or irrigation).
You are ready! Call Outdoor Lighting Perspectives at 973.486.0819 if you have any other questions or if your property presents any specific challenge. We stand by to create a design that will bring your dreams to light.
Posted in Architectural Lighting, Bergen County, Deck lights, Driveway lights, Eco-friendly, Essex County, Garden Design, Green Design, Hunterdon County, LED Lighting, Lighting fixtures, Low Voltage Lighting, Morris County, New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living, Path lights, Path lights, Pier lights, Rock lights, Somerset County, Spot lights, Uplighting, Well lights, Yard lights | No Comments »
March 12th, 2013
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Known as “a show FOR garden lovers produced BY garden lovers”, the 2013
Springfest Flower and Garden Show will take place this week, Thursday Mar. 14 - Sunday Mar. 17, 2013, h
ours are 10am to 5pm daily at the Sussex County Fairgrounds,
37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ.
SpringFest is a different kind of home show, who’s main purpose is inspiring and educating gardeners. Perhaps a preview of beautiful flowers and garden displays, or an interesting lecture by a Master Gardener will inspire your outdoor living plans for this year.
The Springfest Garden Show is housed in 35,000 square feet of indoor spaces and features full Garden displays, Pond and Waterfall displays as well as shopping and horticultural services, a Kids Plant Zone, Container Competition, Educational Lectures and Workshops and more. Outside you will find designer Sheds and outdoor furnishings and sculpture. A delightfully decorated Garden Cafe is available for delicious snacks or full meals.
The show takes place at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd., Augusta, NJ 07822. Hours are Thursday through Sunday, March 14-17, 10am to 5pm daily. We have our new display for this show, and you can meet us and discuss any landscape lighting projects you may have in mind. We will extend a 10% discount on new installations for customers we meet at SpringFest.
If you cannot make it to the show, please be sure to call us at 973-486-0819, or visit our website: www.NJOutdoorlighting.com. |
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Posted in Architectural Lighting, Bergen County, Driveway lights, Eco-friendly, Essex County, Garden Design, Green Design, Home Shows, Hunterdon County, LED Lighting, Low Voltage Lighting, Morris County, New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living, Path lights, Path lights, Somerset County, Spot lights, Uplighting, Yard lights | No Comments »
February 28th, 2013
Mulching, Landscaping, Planting – Are there any steps to follow to get ready for the warmer months?
Here are a few simple tips. Of course Outdoor Lighting Perspectives stands ready to answer any additional question you may have.
Spring is (finally!) around the corner after the long winter. Most certainly your landscaper already called to schedule mulching and plant care.
Just a friendly reminder: be extra careful with your outdoor lights. Do not let them be covered with mulch or other landscaping material: dirt, leaves, pine needles, etc. (Snow is not an issue: the heat produced by the bulb melts the snow away.)
The heat generated by the Halogen bulbs melts the snow
Mulch and debris are detrimental to the lighting effect (the light cannot shine through) and they may create a hazard as the fixtures accumulate heat and may be permanently damaged. Any dirty lens will decrease the amount of light diffused.
Light cannot get through this dirty glass cover and mulch has piled up on top of the fixture
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives uses heavy-duty glass covers on its well lights thus reducing this type of hazard. Nevertheless, any dirt accumulation creates a potential damage.
If possible, guide your landscaper through your lighting system, showing him where the fixtures are located so he can avoid covering or knocking them, causing breakage and long-term damage. When he digs holes to plant new shrubbery or remove dead ones, he should avoid digging, pulling, or moving wires. In doing so, he may break a connection or cut a wire. (Even a slightly snipped wire will not carry the power efficiently and the subsequent lights on the damaged run will look dim or will not have enough power to turn on.) In doubt, give us a call and we’ll help you locate the wires.
Get ready for the season. Your outdoor lighting system requires the same yearly attention than the landscape in your yard. Do you need a service call to prep your system (we are specialists and we service all systems!)? We re-adjust the lights, re-bury the wires pushed up by the freezing/thawing cycle, clean the lenses, check the timer, and check the voltage at the transformers and at the fixtures to make sure no wire is damaged.
Clean glass cover, mulch around the fixture, the lighting effect is perfect!
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is a dedicated outdoor lighting company. Outdoor lighting increases the value of your property, and allows you to use the full potential of your outdoor living space. Spring is the perfect time to start planning!
To learn more or to contact us call 973.486.0819 or email at northernnj@outdoorlights.com
Posted in Architectural Lighting, Bergen County, Commercial Outdoor Lighting, Deck lights, Driveway lights, Eco-friendly, Essex County, Garden Design, Green Design, Home Shows, Hunterdon County, Lamp post, LED Lighting, Lighting fixtures, Low Voltage Lighting, Morris County, New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living, Path lights, Path lights, Pier lights, Rock lights, Somerset County, Spot lights, Uplighting, Well lights, Yard lights | No Comments »
February 14th, 2013
This could be one of the most difficult questions to answer.
A beautiful home…
… revealing itself at night with a few well placed lights
In theory, NO you do not NEED outdoor lighting. But before jumping to conclusions, just consider the invaluable benefits of a professionally designed and installed lighting system… Just to name a few:
- Property enhancement
- Aesthetic and Value increase
- Capital improvement
- Security and Safety
- Professional quality design
- Commercial grade fixtures, transformers, and materials
- Maintenance and Service
- Extended warranty
Your home is beautiful but do you enjoy it during the day? Do you come back home after work to a dark and somewhat cold looking and “uninviting” home?
An outdoor lighting system will literally and figuratively increase your outdoor living space. The sheer size of your property will reveal itself. You will discover or re-discover architectural features of the home you love, under a new light (so to speak!). In the evening your entire property will be magnified, throughout the year no longer solely during the moonlit summer nights. You will be happy (and proud!) to share a glass of wine by the poolside with your friends. You will see your kids play in the backyard at night. You will safely follow your dog during his errands.
Because we use low-voltage, the total cost of running an outdoor lighting system is always low; with an LED option the cost is even lower. Why wait any longer? There is no damage done to your property during the installation process. In fact, we proudly say that we usually leave the property in an as nice if not nicer shape than what we found.
So, in theory you do not NEED outdoor lighting, but we can assure you that you WILL love the incredible changes a few artfully chosen and well placed lights can bring.
Contact us at 973.486.0819 with any question you may have.
Posted in Architectural Lighting, Eco-friendly, Essex County, Garden Design, Green Design, Hunterdon County, LED Lighting, Low Voltage Lighting, Morris County, New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living | 1 Comment »
January 10th, 2013
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern New Jersey will be exhibiting the latest landscape lighting fixtures and outdoor lighting technology at the Garden State Home and Landscape Show at the National Guard Armory, 450 Western Ave. Morristown, NJ – on January 25th-26th-27th, 2013. This is a football-free weekend! You can find us at Booth 507 along the north wall of the exhibition hall. Find a coupon for reduced admission at this link: ExposEast Home and Garden Show.
The Garden State Home and Landscape Show is a great way to find what you need for your home’s interior & exterior. Showcasing the latest trends in kitchen, bath and outdoor remodeling this expo is the one place to talk to professionals and gather quality information. Many vendors offer “Show Only” special offers. Hours are Friday 1/25/13: 3pm to 8pm, Saturday 1/26/13: 10am to 8pm and 1/27/13: 11am to 5pm. The sponsor has combined their March and January shows into this one show to maximize the value for homeowners.
See your blooms in a new light!
Sylvie and Michel Mesnier, owners of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern NJ say “We really enjoyed meeting North Jersey homeowners and landscape contractors at the Morristown shows. One of the nicest things about a home show, is the direct, face-to-face interaction. You will meet the owners and key personnel of the company, you can ask any questions you may have, and we can talk about planning and implementing an outdoor lighting scheme. Our display gives people a taste of what our landscape and architectural lighting can do for their homes. You will see our fixtures in-situ, and will be able to compare Halogen versus LED lighting effects. Bring photos of your home and landscape! Tell us about you and what you want to achieve; we will listen and make suggestions. If you have an existing lighting system that is not working, don’t worry! Even if it has not been installed by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, we still will service, repair or maintain it. Many people who we first met at home shows have gained a level of comfort with us, and called us many months later when they became ready to do their garden lighting, landscape lighting or architectural lighting projects.”
“We’d love to see you at the Morristown Home Show. If that is not convenient, please call us at 973-486-0819 or comment to the blog.”
Tags: architectural lighting, copper fixtures, eco-friendly, exterior lights, flower show, free nighttime demo, garden design, garden lighting, green design, green technology, home show, Hunterdon County, landscape lighting, landscape lighting FAQ's, LED lighting, Morris County, outdoor lighting, outdoor lighting show, path lights, patio lighting
Posted in Home Shows, LED Lighting, New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living | No Comments »
January 3rd, 2013
We all know it’s important to commit to taking care of our bodies, and probably have made a New Year’s resolution along those lines. But what about your investment in your home and its outdoor lighting system? High quality low voltage outdoor lighting systems, subject to landscape growth and the extreme Northern New Jersey weather, must be maintained regularly to retain the effect you loved when the lights were new.
Even the best quality outdoor bulbs, like the GE bulbs we use, loose some of their brilliance over time, before they have completely blown-out. (The reflective material on the back of the lamps can deteriorate and the filaments can fatigue). Fixtures that accumulate even a thin coating of dirt don’t shine as brightly. Landscape growth can obscure the carefully planned aiming of the lighting, detracting from the overall effect.
You can make 2013 the year you resolve to maintain your outdoor lighting:
- Make sure mulch and debris are not allowed to accumulate in or on fixtures
- Keep landscape pruned around lighting fixtures
- Change all bulbs annually
- Replace timer back-up battery
The best way to take care of this chore is to let the experts do it. Our complete Annual Maintenance Program includes all of the above and more. It renews the warranty on your light bulbs for another year. If a bulb should blow out; we replace it at no charge.
Aiming landscape lights properly ensures stunning effect
You do not have to be an existing Outdoor Lighting Perspectives customer to benefit from this service. We are pleased to service systems installed by others.
Check this one off your list! Call Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern NJ today at (973) 486-0819 to book your Annual Maintenance Program. We’ll come out as soon as the weather allows.
Posted in New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living | No Comments »
October 12th, 2012
Angie's List Super Service Award Badge
We are thrilled to share a review just posted by one of our customers in Flemington, NJ.
| Overall |
A |
| Price |
A |
| Quality |
A |
| Responsiveness |
A |
| Punctuality |
A |
| Professionalism |
A |
Work Completed Date:
August 14, 2012
Approximate Cost:
$10,000.00
Description Of Work:
Design and install exterior landscaping lights – front and back
Member Comments:
“
Michel and Sylvie and
the whole experience with OLP was excellent. Initially Sylvie came to our house to discuss our needs, she suggested options and talked us through the possibilities. They arranged
an evening to come and fix up the lights, front and back, per the recommendations that she made. This was a great experience, its not often you get to “try before you buy” and really see everything set up. Obviously its also a great marketing plan as once you see the house lit up, its a done deal! We agreed to all the lights they suggested, and then they marked up the whole property with flags. A few days later the team arrived to install. They were very professional. They removed pavers and hid wires as needed and all was returned back to normal before they left. They have also left wires for future lights we might be interested in. Michel has been awesome. VERY responsive, polite and goes over and above to ensure a great customer experience.
He has been back out to the house to re-focus and adjust the lights for the exact positions. He also fixed an issue we had with a faulty GFI without hesitation (even though not his install) I cant say enough about how nice this team is.
Deb in the office is also very efficient and follows through on appointments etc. Very happy with the service and the lights are FABULOUS!”
We are happy when our customers are happy. If you are thinking about adding landscape lighting at your home, or have any questions, please call our office at 973-486-0819.
Tags: architectural lighting, copper fixtures, eco-friendly, free nighttime demo, garden design, Hunterdon County, landscape lighting, low-voltage lighting, Morris County, path lights
Posted in New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living | No Comments »
July 16th, 2012
Your outdoor lighting scheme is designed to highlight the best features of your home or business. From time to time, bulbs and wires need to replaced and adjustments need to be made to keep your lighting system looking and operating at its very best. However, maintaining your lighting may entail more time, effort and know-how than you have at your disposal. Our lighting maintenance plan ensures your lighting system will continue working in good-as-new condition for years to come without you lifting a finger.
Our annual maintenance plan includes a wide variety of services handled by highly trained lighting technicians, including:
- Light bulb replacement
- Wire repair and reconnection
- Light fixture adjustment
- Transformer inspection
- Lighting timer inspection and adjustment
- Lighting effects adjustment
With your plan, you’ll also receive priority response on maintenance and repair calls, warranty extensions on bulbs and covered repairs at no extra charge.
In addition to lighting systems installed by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern New Jersey, we’ll also service low-voltage lighting systems installed by other companies.
When you choose our maintenance plan, you won’t have worry about upkeep for your lighting system because our lighting experts are dedicated to getting the job done right. To find out more about our maintenance service, please call us today at (973) 486-0819 or contact us at www.newjerseyoutdoorlighting.com.
Posted in Commercial Outdoor Lighting, New Jersey Landscape Lighting, New Jersey Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living | 3 Comments »
This widens the size of the pool whether you or your kids and your guests use it to play or to relax.
