Expert Advice from KES Lighting & Home on Impactful Garden Lighting

As we move into the summer season, garden transformations are high on the agenda and outdoor lighting is playing a starring role. Whether you have a courtyard, a country garden or a compact city plot, the right lighting scheme can enhance mood, increase the usable hours of your outdoor space and even boost kerb appeal.

James Kendall, Operations Director at KES Lighting & Home, shares expert advice on the latest garden design trends and how to elevate your exterior with well-chosen lighting.

What Garden Styles Are Trending Right Now?

“This summer we’re seeing a strong rise in natural, calming garden styles that reflect a desire for serenity and simplicity,” says James.“Mediterranean gardens with textured planting and terracotta tones remain popular, but we’re also seeing more Japandi and Scandi-inspired spaces, where clean lines, pale timber and soft, neutral tones meet thoughtful minimalism.”

These understated styles pair beautifully with warm white lighting, matte finishes and concealed fittings. “Garden lighting should complement the landscape, not overpower it. Uplighting a tree, adding subtle path lights, or using wall-mounted fixtures with soft diffusers all help achieve that effortlessly elegant feel.”

Boosting Kerb Appeal with Lighting

Your front garden or entryway sets the tone for your entire home. “Kerb appeal is one of the easiest things to improve with lighting,” comments James. “Symmetrical wall lanterns, discreet step lights and well-lit house numbers can all make a property feel more welcoming and considered.”

Lighting also plays a practical role. “Path lights or bollards enhance safety while adding structure. The right lighting design can also help define architectural features or impressive areas of mature planting.”

How to Make Garden Lighting Look Expensive

When it comes to outdoor lighting, less is more – but quality matters. “Rather than scattering lots of cheap fittings, invest in fewer, high quality pieces and focus on where they will have the most impact,” James advises. “A well-positioned wall lantern, a beautifully crafted spike light for planting, or concealed strip lighting under steps and seating will always look more refined.”

Timeless finishes such as antique brass, matte black or aged bronze add to the sense of elegance. “It’s not just about how it looks during the day, but how the light performs after dark,” James adds. “Opt for warm white temperatures and fittings with good glare control to ensure comfort and atmosphere.”

Lighting for Entertaining and Ambience

As outdoor kitchens, bars and dining areas grow in popularity, lighting needs to work harder to create ambience. “It’s about layering,” says James. “Try combining ambient lighting, such as festoon lights or pendant lanterns, with task lighting over cooking areas and accent lights for planting or water features.”

Dimmable or smart-controlled lighting gives even more flexibility. “Being able to adjust the mood makes the space feel more tailored and luxurious.”

Making a Small Garden Look Bigger with Light

In smaller outdoor spaces, clever lighting can create the illusion of depth and height. “Use wall lights, uplighters and mirror-backed lanterns to draw the eye upward or outward, helping the space feel taller and more expansive,” says James.

Again, less is often more: a single uplighter on a statement plant, or a concealed striplight under a raised planter, can create a polished finish without overwhelming the area. “The trick is to focus on a few key elements rather than trying to light everything,” James adds.

Keeping the lighting palette simple and cohesive is just as important. “A consistent approach to finishes and colour temperature creates a sense of harmony and prevents the space from feeling too cluttered or busy,” James comments.