Art of Outdoor Lighting (Paperback)

by Randall Whitehead (Author) "Approaching a home at night for the first time offers a wealth of impressions its residents..." (more)
Key Phrases: directional fixtures, outdoor lighting, landscape lighting, Randall Whitehead, Dennis Anderson, Janet Moyer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Art of Outdoor Lighting reveals the essentials on how outdoor lighting adds drama, sophistication, and depth to residential landscape. With over 250 full color photographs spotlighting how exterior lighting enhances a wide range of spaces, from roof decks to pool areas, garden rooms to patios, exterior stairs to entrances including how to make the most of moonlight and why certain lights are best for appearance and safety. Includes an entire section on lighting techniques for outdoor rooms for living and entertaining under the stars.

About the Author
Randall Whitehead is an innovator in the field of lighting design. He is renowned for creating designs that take a "human" approach to lighting spaces. His style emphasizes illuminating the people in a space, as well as the art and architecture; thus individuals feel comfortable in public areas that might otherwise seem cold and intimidating. Whitehead is a recipient of numerous design awards.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564968189
• ISBN-13: 978-1564968180
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #961,683 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars expert opinion, July 13, 2000

By	Joseph T. Masciotti (Reading, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Art of Outdoor Lighting: Landscapes with the Beauty of Lighting (Hardcover)

Wonderful photographs but otherwise a bit thin. This is a picture book mostly of California projects with some colder climate installations so these lush landscapes can only be envied by homeowners and gardeners outside the semi-tropics. DIYers will find this particular meal consists more of dessert than substantial fare. The clear intention of this book is as a feast for the eye and the few pages of technical information consist of an overview of techniques, common mistakes (with which I heartily concur), Q & A and a glossary. There is a helpful list of lighting designers (the first I've seen) limited mostly to the West Coast. There are plenty of good ideas here and most of the photograph captions contain a brief but useful description of how the lighting effects were achieved.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars If you live in a...., January 24, 2003

By	David Smyth "Dave" (Delaware) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you live in a 5 million dollar house, this is the book for you. If you have a 3000 sq foot cape cod, forget it. I purchased this book to learn how to light MY house. I don't have a 60 foot indoor pool, or a mountain top view of downtown LA. This book was of no use to me at all. I give it 2 stars because it has nice photos, of houses most of us will never see in person.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great gallery of artistic lighting & designer sourcebook, April 29, 2002

By	Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This book is filled with examples from around the world of magnificent homes that are enhanced by stunning outdoor lighting effects. It is as much a gallery of artistic lighting as it is a sourcebook for the designer or homeowner looking for ways to make their home stand out.

The book is broken into sections with a brief overview of each before the many photographic examples. These include transforming a home after dark with dramatic lighting effects, creating a moon lighting effect and my favorite section on lighting pools and fountains with some really fabulous designs. There are also sections on outdoor rooms, landscape lighting and some wonderful ideas on using the view in through a window as part of the exterior design and lighting plan.

Full color, full-page photos fill most of the book. Brief descriptions are provided in captions along with designer and photographer credits. There is contact information for these designers and photographers along with some lighting manufacturers in the back of the book. This is a design book, not a technical manual. Each caption tells the type of fixtures used but there is no information on wiring or installation.

A very useful chapter on common lighting mistakes along with frequently asked questions and a glossary conclude the book. Although most of the examples in this book are of homes well beyond average means, many of the ideas and principles presented can be adapted to enhance almost any dwelling. I found it quite inspirational and enjoyable.