Project Overview

Great landscape lighting doesn’t change the character of a home—it reveals it.

For this beautifully renovated farmhouse in Onawa, Iowa, our goal was to honor the property’s historic charm while enhancing the outdoor spaces that make modern country living so enjoyable. Through a thoughtful combination of architectural lighting, landscape lighting, and specialty lighting, we created a nighttime experience that feels warm, inviting, and true to the home’s timeless design.

Every lighting decision was made to complement the architecture, improve safety, and extend the enjoyment of the property’s outdoor living areas without overwhelming the landscape.

The Design Challenge

This farmhouse had undergone a remarkable transformation. While the home had been carefully updated with modern amenities, its original character remained at the heart of the design.

Our challenge was to create a lighting plan that respected the home’s historic architecture while highlighting the new outdoor living spaces that had become central to the homeowners’ lifestyle.

Rather than adding excessive illumination, the objective was to layer light throughout the property, creating subtle focal points that guide the eye naturally from the front entrance to the backyard entertaining spaces.

Welcoming Guests with Front Entry Lighting

The front porch serves as the home’s first impression, so the lighting needed to feel warm, comfortable, and inviting.

Soft uplighting gently highlights the porch columns, adding depth and architectural interest without overpowering the historic façade. Discreet brass step lights improve visibility along the stairs, creating a welcoming entrance that remains elegant while enhancing safety for family and guests.

The result is a front entry that feels just as inviting after sunset as it does during the day.

Highlighting the Farmhouse Architecture

One of the defining characteristics of this home is its timeless architectural style.

Carefully positioned architectural lighting emphasizes the home’s symmetry and craftsmanship while maintaining the understated elegance that defines traditional farmhouse design.

Dormer lighting adds a gentle glow to the upper roofline, helping the second story remain visually connected to the rest of the home after dark. Rather than drawing attention to the fixtures themselves, the lighting quietly enhances the home’s natural beauty.

Creating a Backyard Destination

The true centerpiece of this project is the custom pool house.

Designed as both a functional gathering space and an architectural feature, it deserved lighting that would make it equally beautiful after sunset.

Layered lighting techniques bring the structure to life. Warm LED tape lighting, under-cap lighting, soft dormer illumination, and decorative sconces work together to create depth and visual interest while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for entertaining.

Instead of becoming overly bright, the pool house becomes a natural focal point that anchors the entire backyard.

Lighting for Outdoor Living

The expansive rear porch and pool area required lighting that balanced functionality with relaxation.

Shielded brass step lights were carefully selected to provide safe visibility along the stairs while preventing glare for those enjoying the pool or surrounding patio. Their warm, controlled illumination allows movement throughout the space without interrupting the peaceful nighttime atmosphere.

To complete the outdoor entertaining experience, strands of bistro lighting introduce a festive yet sophisticated touch, encouraging family and friends to gather well into the evening.

The Result

This project demonstrates how thoughtful landscape lighting can preserve the history of a home while enhancing the way it is experienced every day.

Check out the complete gallery of photos of this charming farmhouse. 

By layering architectural lighting, landscape lighting, specialty lighting, and outdoor living illumination, this farmhouse now offers a seamless transition from day to night. Every lighting element contributes to a cohesive design that improves safety, highlights craftsmanship, and invites the homeowners to spend more time enjoying their property after sunset.

The result is a lighting design that feels timeless—perfectly complementing the home’s historic character while supporting the modern lifestyle it was renovated to accommodate.

Ready to Bring Your Property to Life After Sunset?

Every home has a story to tell, and professional landscape lighting helps tell that story long after the sun goes down.

Whether you’re restoring a historic farmhouse, building a new custom home, or enhancing an established property, McKay Landscape Lighting creates custom lighting designs that celebrate your home’s unique character while improving safety, functionality, and curb appeal.

Schedule a complimentary design consultation today and discover how thoughtful landscape lighting can transform your property.

Project Details

Project Name: Charming Farmhouse

Location: Onawa, Iowa

Project Type: Residential Landscape Lighting

Lighting Features Included:

• Architectural façade lighting
• Front porch lighting
• Tree and landscape lighting
• Dormer lighting
• Pool house lighting
• LED tape lighting
• Under-cap lighting
• Brass step lighting
• Bistro lighting
• Outdoor living area lighting

Completed By: McKay Landscape Lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you light a historic home without changing its character?

Professional landscape lighting uses subtle, layered illumination to highlight architectural details rather than overpower them. The goal is to complement the home’s original design while improving safety and nighttime curb appeal.

What is the best lighting for outdoor entertaining?

Layered lighting typically provides the best experience by combining architectural lighting, pathway or step lighting, accent lighting, and decorative fixtures such as bistro lighting to create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.

Why are shielded step lights important around pools?

Shielded step lights improve safety by illuminating stairs while directing light downward. This minimizes glare for people relaxing near the pool and helps preserve the ambiance of the surrounding space.

Can landscape lighting increase the usability of outdoor living spaces?

Yes. Professionally designed landscape lighting allows homeowners to enjoy patios, porches, pools, and outdoor gathering spaces long after sunset by improving visibility while creating a warm, welcoming environment.