Outdoor lighting in 2025 isn’t just about seeing your walkway after dark — it’s about atmosphere, safety, sustainability, and artistry. As more homeowners throughout Seattle, Mercer Island, Redmond, and beyond embrace outdoor living, landscape lighting is evolving from a functional afterthought into a vital part of a home’s design.
Here are the top trends in outdoor lighting we’re seeing across the Pacific Northwest — and how Northwest Outdoor Lighting is leading the way.
Dark Sky-Compliant Design Is In
With growing awareness around light pollution, 2025 marks a major shift toward Dark Sky-friendly practices. Homeowners want to enjoy their outdoor spaces without over-lighting or disrupting the night sky — and now, municipalities are beginning to take notice.
As a DarkSky International Corporate Ally, we design with purpose, using shielded fixtures, warm color temperatures, and intentional placement to preserve the natural night while still creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere around your home.
This beautiful property in Port Townsend was created with DarkSky compliance.
Integrated Lighting Is Replacing Bulb-Based Fixtures
The industry is moving decisively toward LED-integrated fixtures — and for good reason. These sealed systems offer better durability, greater efficiency, and a longer lifespan than traditional bulb-and-socket designs. They’re built for the Pacific Northwest’s moisture-heavy climate and come with fewer maintenance headaches.
At Northwest Outdoor Lighting, 99% of our installations use integrated LED technology, backed by a 20-year warranty and built right here in the USA.
Smart Lighting Systems for Smarter Living
WiFi-connected transformers and app-based control systems are becoming must-haves for luxury homes in 2025. Homeowners want the flexibility to control zones, adjust brightness, and create scenes — all from their phones.
Whether you’re lighting your waterfront patio or scheduling your driveway to light up before guests arrive, smart lighting brings both security and ease to outdoor living.
Artistic Fixtures and Custom Fabrication
Custom-designed lighting pieces are taking center stage in 2025. From sculptural bollards to statement address signs and one-of-a-kind pathlight clusters, more homeowners are looking for fixtures that blend utility with visual interest.
Northwest Outdoor Lighting offers in-house custom fabrication for discerning clients who want something no one else has. From the Firefly Globes at our Redmond Light Show to The Rook and The Dwelling Address Sign, we create artful fixtures that transform outdoor spaces.
Phased Lighting Plans for Long-Term Growth
More homeowners are opting for phased installations — allowing their lighting to grow with their landscape and budget. Whether it's starting with front pathlights and layering in backyard ambiance later, our phased design plans offer flexibility without sacrificing vision.
This trend is particularly helpful for large estates or new construction clients who want to plan holistically while managing timing and costs.
Lighting That Highlights Native and Sustainable Landscaping
With native plantings and drought-tolerant gardens on the rise, lighting is becoming more integrated with sustainable landscaping practices. Homeowners are opting to highlight rain gardens, rock work, and natural textures rather than forcing high-glare spotlights into delicate spaces.
Our design team understands how to layer ambient, accent, and task lighting to bring out the best in your natural landscape — without overpowering it.
Invisible Fixtures, Visible Impact
Finally, the aesthetics of 2025 lean toward clean lines and hidden sources. Modern outdoor lighting is less about the fixture and more about the effect. Homeowners want to see the glow, the texture, the path — not the fixture itself.
We use low-profile pathlights and discreet uplighting to enhance your home’s architecture and landscape without visual clutter.
Ready to Light Up 2025 with Intention and Beauty?
If you’re building a new home, refreshing your landscape, or simply want to feel safer and more inspired at night, Northwest Outdoor Lighting is here to help.
Our expert team designs custom, low-voltage lighting systems built to last — with full installation, maintenance, and design support from start to finish.
Contact us today to book a complimentary design consultation.
Let’s create a space you’ll love to come home to, night after night.
Capitol Hill Tri-Level Residence
Nestled into the side of Capitol Hill, this modern, contemporary home sits atop the street overlooking the Eastside. The homeowners needed to add outdoor lighting to their 50ft stairway in order to increase visibility for visiting guests.
Ravenna Gardens Home
Retired owner of Ravenna Gardens showcases the brilliance of her space, creativity and love of landscapes.
Suncadia Home
From the exterior stone walls to the detailed landscape lighting, every element has been carefully considered to ensure that this home shines brilliantly in the evening, offering a tranquil retreat that the homeowners and their guests can enjoy all year round.
