Outdoor lighting is one way you can provide dramatic effects on both your landscaping and homes features.  Think about establishing focal points. Chose things about your home or landscaping that will stand out of the evening when lighted. High lighting these features will make your home more striking and help it stand out from the competition. Study the following types of lighting and choose which ones will enhance your house.

Up lighting.  Using landscape lighting fixtures that directs light from the surface or ground, usually aimed at an up angle. It is excellent for highlighting distinctive features of your home. Trees or large plants, which have height, are often the focus of this type of lighting.

Down lighting.  At times referred to as "moonlighting" because it is usually located in a tree or location which looks down on an architectural feature, plant or tree.  Down lighting creates an interesting moonlight or romantic effect. Normally one lighting fixture in a tree is sufficient to achieve a beautiful look.

Silhouette lighting.  Throwing or washing a wall with  light which has a tree (statue, fountain or something with an unusual shape) in front of the lighting, creates a Silhouette effect.

Shadow lighting.  Some people call it reverse Silhouette lighting.  Lighting is placed at ground level close to a object, such as a small tree, piece of statuary or a fountain. It will cast a shadow on the surface behind it. Avoid too bright or strong lighting, you don’t want it to look like a big bright spot light on the house.

Accent lighting. 
Columns on the front of a home, architectural detail, fountains, water falls, statues or colorful floral beds; all can be enhanced through accent lighting.

Grazing. 
Illuminating the wall of the home with lighting that just grazes (lightly washes) the surface of the wall, softly revealing its texture. When position correctly this is very attractive.  Avoid harshness.  You want to achieve a warm and cozy impression.

Show-off your home, patio and yard with attractive lighting.

Caution.  Avoid glare and placing your lighting fixtures where they will be conspicuous or draw attention to themselves during the day.  You want people to see the effects of your lighting but not be drawn to the lighting fixtures themselves. 

Operating most landscaping lighting systems cost very little.  If you turn the lights on a five and off at midnight, your electric bill should be less than five dollars per month for the extra lighting.