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Iluminando el sureste, estilo a estilo

By Rob Patterson

Every home style responds to light differently.

Across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina, the region's history has shaped a
wide range of architecture. From Charleston's double piazzas and classic Georgian brick estates to
Appalachian timber cabins and modern-style farmhouses, each home calls for a lighting approach that feels
intentional, cohesive, and true to the architecture.

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Southern Colonial & Georgian Revival

Common Architecture Cues

  • Symmetrical brick and painted stucco facades
  • Grand multi-story porticos supported by tall columns
  • Heavy crown molding, pediments, and tall window shutters

Fixture Selection & Design Strategy

Columns & Architectural Height: Utilize narrow or adjustable beam, solid brass uplights near the base of. columns to draw attention upward and emphasize the scale and symmetry of the residence.

Brick & Masonry Texture: Utilize wall wash fixtures such as the FL50 or FL200 paired with a 2700K bulb. The warmer tone enriches red brick, terracotta, and warm mortar lines.

Fixture Finish: Use cast brass fixtures to integrate into the landscape or architecture. The natural patina will
blend in elegantly and match the historic charm of the home.

PRO TIP: Homes with large windows should avoid fixtures placed directly underneath. The resulting glare can often be overwhelming. Offset fixtures and utilize plantings to soften the overall feel and create texture.

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Low-country & Coastal Architecture

Common Architecture Cues

  • Tiered wraparound porches, also known as piazzas
  • Elevated foundations, tabby concrete or brick piers, and standing seam metal roofs
  • Coastal live oaks, palmettos, specimen magnolias, and lush vegetation

Fixture Selection & Design Strategy
Piazzas & Covered Porches: Make use of tree-mounted or eave-mounted downlights to cast a moonlight effect through the rafters and onto porch steps or seating areas.

Elevated Foundations & Steps: Integrate in-ground or low-profile ledge lights under stair risers and porch caps to ensure safety and functionality.

Fixture Finish: Use cast brass fixtures to withstand salt spray, or black finish fixtures when the home calls for a more modern look.

PRO TIP: Look for opportunities to light large oaks, palms, or specimen magnolias with either up or down lighting. They will stand out and create contrast between the landscape and home.

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Mountain Rustic & Timber Frame

Appalachian, Blue Ridge & North Georgia

Common Architecture Cues

  • Heavy timber beams, native stone, cedar siding, and outdoor living decks overlooking rolling terrain
  • Wide wraparound porches often accompanied by traditional corner joinery

Fixture Selection & Design Strategy

Outdoor Living & Decks: Utilize undercap lighting along retaining walls, deck perimeters, and beneath outdoor kitchens to create a soft glow with a hidden light source.

Stonework: Use wall wash fixtures and wide-angle fixtures to create a soft glow with either 2700K or 3000K.

Downlighting: Mount downlights in the surrounding trees or overhead pergola beams to softly highlight fire pits and seating areas.

PRO TIP: Make use of drop-in BT-ALLY-MR16 bulbs to customize color and intensity using the Alliance bt app.

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Modern Farmhouse

Common Architecture Cues

  • Clean white board and batten or clapboard siding
  • Stark black window frames, dark metal roof accents, and crisp geometric lines
  • Mixed metal finishes and large open windows

Fixture Selection & Design Strategy

Siding & Wall Surfaces: Bright white siding reflects light intensely. Avoid high-wattage fixtures with narrow beam angles; it is a sure-fire recipe for hot spots. 3000K or even 4000K bulbs can give the overall appearance a sharper, cleaner aesthetic.

Fixture Finish: Utilize our premium black overcoat to match the dark colored windows, trim, and roof.

Smart Lighting Control: Modern homeowners often want flexibility. Utilizing ALLY bulbs allows them to customize Kelvin, color, and lumen output through the Alliance bt app.

PRO TIP: With modern farmhouses, less is often more. Allow the architecture to shine without being overpowered. Utilize a demo kit to showcase the potential of a well-lit home.

3 Rules for Lighting in the Southeast

  1. Match the lighting to the aesthetic of the home. Create something that looks seamless, timeless, and
    breathtaking at night.
  2. Ensure proper connections utilizing A-LOC connectors to support a trouble-free installation and customer
    satisfaction for years to come.
  3. Plan for plant growth in a climate where just about everything grows like a weed. Be ready to move a
    fixture, add a riser, or use a tree mount to accommodate future growth.
 
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Rob brings 10+ years of distributor and installation experience to the Southeast market, with a strong eye for lighting that fits the home, the region, and the job.