Mercer Island Waterfront Estate

Luxury Outdoor Lighting Design

This stunning Mercer Island waterfront estate sits along the Lake Washington shoreline and features expansive outdoor living spaces designed for year-round enjoyment. The homeowners wanted to enhance the natural beauty of their landscape while improving safety throughout multi-level pathways, stairs, and dock access down to the water. Northwest Outdoor Lighting designed and installed a custom 12V LED lighting plan that includes 76 architectural and landscape fixtures in our warm 2700K tone, completing the project in 2022.

This installation celebrates the Northwest environment — mature evergreens, waterfront views, native plantings, and contemporary exterior architecture — all brought to life after sunset through layered lighting, intentional focal points, and seamless transitions from house to shoreline.

Design Goals

1. Illuminate Multi-Level Waterfront Pathways

Safe navigation was a priority due to steep grade changes leading to the dock, outdoor entertaining spaces, and garden walkways. Low-glare fixtures were positioned to gently guide movement without overpowering the night environment or obstructing views of Lake Washington.

2. Highlight Mature Trees & Native Landscape

Thoughtful uplighting emphasizes the height and texture of towering evergreens, creating dramatic vertical interest and a sense of scale when viewed from any level of the property — including from the water.

3. Extend Outdoor Living & Entertaining

The home features multiple gathering zones—firepit lounge, dining patio, and dock seating—all now fully usable long after sunset with layered ambient lighting that enhances atmosphere rather than overwhelming it.

If you are considering outdoor lighting for your waterfront or multi-level property, we would love to help.

Schedule a complimentary evening demonstration to experience the transformation firsthand.