A Multi-Level Waterfront Lighting Design in Bellevue
Set along Meydenbauer Bay in Bellevue, this waterfront property presented an unusual landscape lighting challenge: a 400-foot-long descent from the driveway entrance to the water’s edge. The design needed to connect each level of the property while responding to changing elevations, mature plantings, gathering areas, and views across the bay. Mary developed a custom landscape lighting design that carries naturally from the home and gardens down to the shoreline without making the property feel overlit.
Throughout the descent, carefully placed pathway lighting improves visibility along the steps and reveals the stone planters, layered vegetation, and transitions between garden levels. Rather than lighting every surface evenly, the design uses contrast and shadow to give the landscape depth. Each turn in the path introduces a different view while maintaining a consistent sense of warmth and direction.
Uplighting brings definition to the mature trees, while restrained lighting around the pergola, latticework, and firepit creates a comfortable gathering place without competing with the waterfront setting. Near the beach, subtle illumination makes the shoreline easier to navigate while preserving the darkness beyond it and the natural atmosphere of Meydenbauer Bay.
The completed 153-fixture system demonstrates how a large property can feel cohesive when every area is designed as part of one connected environment. The project received a 2019 WALP Award of Distinction and remains an enduring example of Northwest Outdoor Lighting’s work in Bellevue.
Year Completed
2018
Awards
WALP 2019 Award of Distinction
Quantity of Fixtures
153
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A Garden Revealed One Level at a Time
The 400-foot-long descent from the home to the shoreline passes through a series of gardens, stone steps, mature trees, and changing elevations. Low-glare pathway lights make each transition easier to navigate, while carefully aimed uplighting reveals the texture and structure of the landscape. The lighting does not expose everything at once. Instead, each turn presents a new view and draws visitors naturally toward the next level of the property.
A Gathering Place After Dark
The pergola and firepit create a natural destination within the larger landscape. Lighting placed around the pillars, latticework, surrounding plantings, and stone walls defines the space without overwhelming it. The result is a comfortable outdoor gathering area where guests can move safely, see one another clearly, and still enjoy the darker setting beyond the pergola.
Designed to Be Seen from the Water
From Meydenbauer Bay, the full landscape lighting design becomes visible as one connected composition. Warm pools of light trace the property from the shoreline through the gardens and up toward the home, while the darker areas preserve depth and the character of the waterfront setting. This balance allows the property to feel welcoming from both land and water without competing with the surrounding view.
Delighted With the Results
Guests remark on the beauty of our installation and how well it shows off our landscaping.
Delighted With the Results
Feedback from another Northwest Outdoor Lighting client:
Northwest Outdoor Lighting installed our lighting five years ago and we could not be more pleased. They came out during the evening to help us envision what our yard would look like and then went over the options with us. We were, and are, delighted with the results. Guests remark on the beauty of our installation and how well it shows off our landscaping. We keep in close contact with Mary and Craig and intend to expand our lighting to other areas. I highly recommend their company.
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