Enhancing an Omaha Outdoor Oasis: Resort-Style Pool and Exterior Lighting in West Omaha
Client Goal: As a long-term lighting customer, this client was looking to dial up the light and drama of this space.
The Primary Challenge: Lighting around this property had started to look a bit muted with significant plant growth from the original installation. This client was looking to expand on the lighting that was already there to make a bigger impact on the space.
The Final Outcome: Looking at the design with fresh eyes gave us the opportunity to improve the overall plan and enhance lighting in critical areas, including the driveway, steps, and larger trees.
Project Profile:
| Location: | West Omaha |
| Property Type: | Classic Brick Estate with Resort-Style Outdoor Living |
| The Scope: | Architectural lighting, driveway lighting, landscape lighting, hardscape lighting, pergola lighting, outdoor kitchen lighting, artistic lighting, security lighting |
| Primary Materials Used: | Solid copper and brass architectural-grade machined fixtures made in the USA, LED tape, bistro string lighting, and art glass globes. |
Assessment:
The original installation of this project happened a number of years ago. The project was done well at the time and had a balanced and cohesive design. Over a number of years, the plant changes and growth had significantly impacted the lighting design. The homeowner was looking for an update, refresh, and slight security focus.
Design Strategy
Knowing the homeowner’s concerns, we were able to complete a nighttime assessment to determine dark areas on the property and how years of tree growth had changed the effectiveness of the existing lights. We came up with some design enhancements including: adding additional lighting to larger trees, adding downlighting to trees large enough to support them, adding large-scale bollards around the driveway that have a more updated aesthetic, replacing some pathlights along stairs with a taller, more robust design, adding additional architectural lighting to areas of the property that seemed a bit quiet. Creating a more robust design and focusing on dark areas of the property helped to address the client’s concerns and desires.
Overcoming Unexpected Hurdles
In some spaces of this mature landscape, summer plant growth had become so dense, it was a challenge for the lights to do their job and shine up on the trees or home. Adding adjustable risers was a solid solution to this problem. These risers allow for the lights to be lifted higher in growing season, and lowered during the winter months. For a property of this size, our service team comes out quarterly to ensure the lights are performing as they should, meaning our service technicians are able to adjust the light height during the seasons.
The Big Reveal
The magic of a McKay System happens after sunset. The impact of updated bollards, adding additional lighting to trees, layering in downlight and enhancing the architectural lighting that was already in place created a cohesive effect on this mature estate while adding a level of security.
You can see the full gallery of this project here: Omaha Outdoor Oasis.
Transform Your Outdoor Living Space Next
Whether we’ve maintained your system for years or you’re just beginning to explore the impact of professional landscape lighting, your goals are our priority. Our seasoned designers partner with you at every step to craft a tailored layout that fits your lifestyle. After 33 years in business, we remain deeply committed to illuminating our local community with the highest quality fixtures, dedicated service, and timeless designs.
Interested in an outdoor lighting upgrade? Schedule a complimentary consultation with McKay Landscape Lighting to see what lighting can do for your home.
About the Author: Claire McKay
