A well-lit landscape instantly enhances visual appeal, making it more conducive and inviting for any event, from elaborate parties to quiet barbeque evenings. Pleasant outdoor lighting can single-handedly elevate the ambiance and set the right mood for occasions held in these spaces. Landscape lighting involves considering several aspects, including shortlisting lighting equipment, installing lights, and testing their efficacy. However, avoiding a few common mistakes given below while lighting a landscape can ensure a hassle-free process:

Causing direct glare
Direct glare is when a light source is directly exposed to the eye without any shield to filter it. Such direct exposure to light can cause severe discomfort and affect one’s vision. Studies have shown that direct glare increases one’s risk of developing cataracts and other eye conditions during one’s later years. Thus, lights should be covered with glare shields and spotlights to prevent glare from directly entering the eyes.

Placing lights in a straight line
Arranging lights in a straight line gives rise to a rather uninteresting design resembling a runway. Arranging lights in curves or innovative shapes and patterns is a good idea to facilitate visual appeal. LED string lights, spotlights, chandeliers, balloon lights, etc., arranged esthetically across a landscape, can create a subtly radiant ambiance for an event.

Overlooking centerpiece lighting
Centerpiece lighting ensures a festive atmosphere and sets the mood for an outdoor event. It also enhances the dining experience and quality of interactions. Cubical table-light centerpieces, elegant crystal lamps, or classic table lamps are ideal centerpiece lighting options for events and parties. Moreover, installing high-lit tables, or tables with subtle lighting underneath them, can add to an outdoor event’s splendor.

Not exploring unique lighting ideas
Good lighting serves the practical purpose of illuminating the surroundings and the aesthetic need for a visually appealing environment. Thus, even though conventional lighting can increase the radiance of a landscape, walking the extra mile to think out of the box can significantly elevate its look and feel. Today, several unique lighting ideas have been devised to enhance the aesthetics of a landscape, from the architectural lighting of pathways and entrances to laser and LED string lights.

Compromising on light quality for the price
Cheap outdoor lighting fixtures may be attractive options to reduce costs, but these can increase one’s expenses substantially in the long run. It is essential to thoroughly research different lighting brands and designers and opt for ones that optimally balance quality and cost.

Not paying attention to the shadow effect
While lights illuminate a landscape, shadows create depth perception and textures. Opting for indirect light fixtures and strategically installing lights to facilitate shadows can help ensure a light-and-shadow effect in landscapes.

Not using the proper beam spread
The ideal beam spread for a landscape depends on the size of a landscape feature. Thus, taller landscape features require narrower beams, while shorter and wider landscape features lend themselves to beam spreads of 35 or 60 degrees.

Failing to create a balance in lighting
Balanced lighting refers to ensuring that the adjacent sides of a landscape complement each other. For example, the left and right sides of a landscape viewed from a distance should appear thematically connected, even though not necessarily identical. Such symmetrical integration significantly enhances a landscape’s visual appeal.

Over- or under-illuminating
Excessive lighting can not only spoil the look of a landscape but also give rise to light pollution, the phenomenon of artificial light contributing to an increase in carbon-dioxide levels. In contrast, under-illumination defeats the practical and esthetic purposes of lighting. Therefore, it is essential to balance these extremes, consulting a lighting designer on the number and types of lights that may be installed in a landscape.

Not considering automated lighting controls
Automated lighting systems entail built-in timers that can automatically turn on and turn off lights at dusk and dawn, respectively. Utilizing such automated controls for landscape lighting can reduce energy consumption levels and the amount spent on electricity. It is a good idea to check out these systems and the total installation expenditure and make an informed purchase decision.

Failing to plan landscape lighting
Approaching landscape lighting without a concrete plan can pave the way for chaos and inadequate or excessive lighting. Moreover, it can lead to excessive energy consumption and failure to fulfill one’s core requirements. Therefore, it is essential to understand one’s lighting requirements and chalk out a sustainable and practical plan to install lighting across the landscape.

Not consulting a professional lighting designer
While installing lights may seem easy, it requires considerable planning and expertise to integrate aesthetics and functionality perfectly. A professional lighting designer can conduct a needs analysis and suggest the ideal types of lights to install on a landscape. Moreover, lighting designers are also aware of the best ways to reduce one’s installation and electricity costs while not compromising on the landscape’s visual appeal. It helps to discuss all such aspects with a professional before starting the installation process.

Landscape lighting can help establish a vibrant and safe atmosphere, making it conducive for inhabitants and visitors. The key is understanding one’s lighting requirements and budget range and consulting a professional to integrate visual appeal with functionality.

In today’s uncertain economic landscape, people are constantly in search of alternative investment options to diversify their portfolios. One avenue that has captured the attention of many is collectibles. Collecting fine art, coins, vintage automobiles, sports memorabilia, and other rare items is more than a hobby; it is a profitable investment you can bank on in the long term. Here are some collectibles that go up in value, giving you excellent returns.

Fine art
Fine art has long been regarded as a premier investment asset. Works by renowned artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet, have achieved astronomical prices at auctions. This is mainly because of their artworks’ limited supply, cultural significance, and emotional appeal. However, investing in art requires extensive research, knowledge, and expert guidance to navigate the market effectively.

Rare coins
Collecting rare coins is a fascinating experience with immense investment potential. The value of rare coins often increases over time, depending on their historical significance, rarity, condition, and demand from collectors. Coins that belong to specific periods or countries and those bearing unique designs tend to attract investors. A diverse portfolio of rare coins can be an excellent tangible and portable investment, even during market fluctuations.

Vintage automobiles
Vintage automobiles, particularly classic cars, have become increasingly popular among collectors and investors. Vehicles with iconic designs, limited production runs, historical significance, and celebrity ownership appreciate in value significantly over time. The demand for vintage automobiles is often driven by enthusiasts passionate about preserving automotive heritage. However, it is crucial to consider the maintenance costs, storage requirements, and the vehicle’s authenticity when investing in this category.

Sports memorabilia
The world of sports memorabilia has witnessed a surge in popularity and value appreciation. Autographed jerseys, game-used equipment, trading cards, and championship memorabilia can be lucrative investments. The rarity, condition, and authenticity of the items are critical factors that determine their value. High-profile athletes, milestone events, and limited-edition releases tend to have the highest investment potential.

Rare books and manuscripts
Rare books and manuscripts hold immense cultural and historical value, making them highly sought-after by collectors and investors. First editions of literary classics, important historical documents, and autographed manuscripts often command premium prices. The scarcity of these items, combined with their intrinsic value as repositories of knowledge and human creativity, contributes to their appreciation in value over time.

Comic books
Comic books have evolved from mere entertainment content to valuable collectibles. The rise of superhero movies and television shows has further boosted their popularity and investment potential. Comics with first appearances of iconic characters, limited print runs, and high-grade condition have high demand. However, investing in comic books requires knowledge of market trends to make informed decisions.

Rare stamps
Stamp collecting, also known as philately, has been a longstanding hobby that can serve as a profitable investment. Rare stamps from different countries and historical periods and those with unique designs are highly sought-after. The condition, rarity, and demand for specific stamps play a significant role in determining their value. Stamps with historical significance, printing errors, or limited production are particularly desirable for investors in this niche market.

Designer handbags
Designer handbags, such as those produced by luxury brands like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, are more than fashion accessories; they are potential investment assets. Limited edition or rare handbags in pristine condition can appreciate significantly over time. The exclusivity, craftsmanship, and iconic status of specific designs make them highly desirable for collectors and investors. Authentication is an essential consideration when entering the world of investing in designer handbags.

Ancient artifacts
Collecting ancient artifacts can be a captivating and potentially lucrative investment avenue. Artifacts from ancient civilizations, such as ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, or Chinese artifacts, possess historical, cultural, and archaeological significance. Their scarcity and historical context contribute to their value. However, investing in ancient artifacts requires compliance with laws and regulations and obtaining proper documentation to ensure ethical acquisition and authenticity.

Historical documents
Historical documents, such as autographed letters, manuscripts, and signed contracts, hold significant value for collectors and historians. Documents associated with influential individuals, pivotal events, or moments of cultural significance are popular collectibles that go up in value over time.

Rare musical instruments
Instruments associated with renowned musicians, limited production runs, or exceptional craftsmanship tend to appreciate in value. The instrument’s condition, provenance, and authenticity are crucial factors to consider when investing in this category.

Vintage watches
Vintage watches have become an attractive investment, with certain timepieces commanding impressive prices at auctions. Limited editions, iconic models, and watches with historical significance are highly sought-after by collectors. The watch’s condition, brand reputation, and rarity contribute to its value. Seeking expert advice and understanding market trends can help people make better investment choices.

Gold and silver
Precious metals like gold and silver see a rapid rise in prices every year. These timeless assets appreciate, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. Investing in physical gold and silver, such as bullion coins, bars, or collectible pieces, can provide a hedge against inflation and diversify one’s investment portfolio.

Rare jewelry
Rare and unique pieces of jewelry, particularly those crafted with high-quality gemstones and precious metals, can be valuable collectibles. Vintage and antique jewelry, designer pieces, and limited-edition collections often appreciate due to their craftsmanship, historical significance, and scarcity. Investing in rare jewelry requires expertise in gemstone evaluation, understanding market trends, and assessing the pieces’ authenticity.