Holiday House Lighting Ideas..............Nov. 27, 2023
Christmas Lighting by Robert Nebolon Architects
Marie and I have a favorite Holiday show called “The Great Christmas Light Fight” which is now in their 11th season—watch the show for some amazing ideas.
With that in mind, what better way to spread cheer than by adorning our homes with festive lights and decorations? To ensure your holiday display is not only dazzling but also harmonizes with your home's architecture. I have developed some tips and suggestions to guide you through the process.
• Use expert consultants: The best consultants for this job are your children. Ask for their advice and help.
• Highlight Architectural Features: Embrace the unique characteristics of your home by strategically placing lights to accentuate architectural features. Consider tracing the lines of your windows, door frames, or highlighting any interesting angles or curves. This not only enhances your decorations but also showcases the beauty of your home's design. Or, ignore the house and do something that excites you. Maybe Santa’s Village, or an Eskimo Christmas, or?
• Create Depth with Layers: Architectural depth can be achieved by layering lights at various distances from your home. Incorporate both foreground and background elements to create a multi-dimensional 3D effect. This approach adds visual interest and emphasizes the depth of your residence, making it stand out in the neighborhood. This really appeals to the senses.
• Select a Cohesive Color Scheme: Maintain a cohesive and elegant look by selecting a unified color scheme for your holiday lights. Coordinate the colors with your home's exterior palette to ensure a harmonious integration. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the overall aesthetics but also complements the architectural style of your house. I only offer this suggestion for those to whom this suggestion appeals. As for myself, the more colors and clashes, the better.
• Mindful Placement for Safety: Ensure that your holiday lights are securely fastened, avoiding any potential damage to your home's structure. Consider using clips or hooks designed for exterior use, and always follow recommended safety guidelines to prevent accidents. Also, cover/protect any electrical junction box from prying fingers and water instrusion.
• Experiment with Lighting Techniques: Architects often play with lighting techniques to create ambiance, and you can do the same with your holiday display. Experiment with different types of lights, such as fairy lights, spotlights, or even projectors to achieve unique effects. This allows you to showcase your decorations in an artistic and architecturally intriguing way. In other words, go crazy.
• Balance Symmetry and Asymmetry: Achieve a balanced look by incorporating both symmetrical and asymmetrical elements in your holiday decorations. While symmetrical arrangements may emphasize the formal aspects of your architecture, asymmetry can add a touch of playfulness and spontaneity.
• Consider the Roofline: Enhance your home's silhouette by following the natural lines of the roof when hanging lights. This creates a polished and cohesive appearance, emphasizing the contours of your architecture. Be sure to secure lights properly to prevent damage to your roof and gutters. This does provide a nice effect if your house has some strong roof features.
• Minimize Light Pollution on adjacent properties: Your neighbor may have a their own show going on so be mindful.
• Music: Music is a nice feature but it has to be coordinated with your neighbor’s music. You might plan a 5 minute music show every 30 minutes…
• Short on time?: If you are short on time or materials for a huge display, consider doing a vignette -a small presentation close to the sidewalk or where people can see and enjoy. The change in scale (from house size to doll house size) can be very interesting and entertaining. Quick to install and break down.
• Safety: Don’t severely injure yourself by falling off a ladder. That’s a great way to ruin a Holiday Season. So, be mindful of your own safety and hire someone to do this for you. You are not as spry as you think you are…
By incorporating these architectural tips into your holiday decorating endeavors, you can create a stunning display that not only celebrates the season but also pays homage to the design and structure of your home—or your design ignores the house for the “ Super Nova” effect. Just remember that there is no bad idea as long as the installation is genuine.