Tucked into a quiet corner of Bainbridge Island, this midcentury home offered a perfect canvas for a lighting design that honors structure, landscape, and serenity. The homeowner sought a cohesive system that would elevate both the modernist architecture and the lush gardens surrounding it—creating a tranquil, usable outdoor space year-round.
Northwest Outdoor Lighting approached the project with a simple but powerful mission: use light to reveal what is beautiful, not overpower it.
Each zone of the property was treated as a unique lighting chapter, carefully balanced to harmonize with natural textures and the home’s modern geometry. Low-voltage, energy-efficient LED fixtures were used throughout, with a palette of 2700K warm light to maintain comfort and visual continuity.
We layered path lighting, uplighting, downlighting, and integrated deck lighting, anchoring each selection to the home’s architectural lines and sightlines.
Warm grazing lights were tucked beneath the eaves to softly illuminate the home’s vertical wood siding, offering a welcoming ambiance without glare. Overhead, glowing orb pendants—what we call firefly globes—were suspended from the tree canopy. These whimsical accents cast a celestial effect above the entry deck, evoking warmth and quiet magic in equal measure.
To transition from wooded road to private retreat, we used a combination of wide-angle wash lights and strategic uplights. These guide the eye along the path while maintaining a dark-sky ethos. The backlit lattice panel near the carport creates a visual cue for guests—an architectural “lantern” marking the way home.
Nestled behind the home, the garden features a geometric path, mature trees, and a sculptural stone fountain. Here, in-grade path lighting and narrow-beam uplights emphasize form and foliage. A single fixture at the fountain base creates a focal glow, while soft tree-mounted downlights mimic moonlight, washing the gravel space in a gentle shimmer.
Completion
2016
Quantity of Fixtures
19
Services Provided
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Intimate Courtyard Nook
A quiet seating area features targeted accent lighting on sculpture and seasonal potted trees. Light bounces off the wall and under the eaves to create a layered look that’s both architectural and cozy. This zone reminds us that lighting is not just for function—but for reflection and quiet delight.
Elevated View Terrace
From the back deck, uplights were positioned to graze feature plantings and the home’s facade, adding depth and balance. Each fixture was selected to reveal texture and shadow play across the building’s clean lines.
Deck-Integrated Safety Lighting
To ensure safety without disrupting the visual flow, recessed in-grade lights were installed directly into the decking. These fixtures are nearly invisible by day and create crisp, directional beams at night. Their understated appearance underscores our belief: when you don’t notice the fixture, you’re experiencing the light.