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Glow Up

Listen—we need to talk. Your backyard deserves better than that sad little porch bulb flickering like a ghost trying to pass a vibe check.

At Ripple Creek Homes, we believe that a truly fabulous home doesn’t stop glowing at the back door. Outdoor lighting isn’t just about seeing where you’re going… it’s about setting the mood. Whether you're hosting an evening BBQ, sipping sweet tea at sunset, or defending your snacks from raccoons with flashlights—your yard deserves a glow-up.

So in this month’s article, we’ll shed some light on the best types of outdoor lighting for your home!

String Lights – The Insta-Worthy MVP

String lights are the fairy godmother of outdoor lighting. One flick of the switch and—poof!—you’re no longer in a basic backyard; you’re in a rustic-chic wonderland where sangria flows and everyone looks great in warm lighting.

Hang them:

• Over your patio
• Along your fence
• From tree to tree like you're hosting a Pinterest wedding every night

Bonus: They make even mosquito bites feel romantic.

Lanterns – For That “Camping But Make It Classy” Vibe

Lanterns are the unsung heroes of ambient lighting. Place them on your steps, hang them from hooks, or group them on the patio table like you're about to tell a ghost story—but, like, a tasteful one.

Pro tip: Go battery-operated with timers so you can set it and forget it like a true lighting genius.

Pathway Lights – Because No One Likes to Trip Into a Shrub

Want to make your walkway feel like a red carpet, minus the paparazzi? Pathway lights guide your guests with style and keep everyone from face-planting into your hydrangeas.

Solar-powered versions are low-maintenance and planet-friendly. It's like your garden learned how to light itself and is now very proud.

Wall Sconces – The Front Door’s Fashion Statement

Wall sconces on either side of your door say, “Welcome, friend. This home has taste, and also excellent porch seating.”

Pick a style that matches your home's personality:

• Modern farmhouse? Try matte black or brass.
• Coastal cutie? Go nautical with cage lights.
• Full glam? Glass globes, darling. Shine bright like a chandelier.

Fire Features – When You Want Light and Drama

Okay, fire pits technically count as lighting. But they also count as ambiance, warmth, and a reason for people to sit around and talk about their feelings. We love a multitasker.

Use with caution around marshmallows. (Or don't. S'mores are never a mistake.)

Motion-Activated Lights – Because You’re Fancy and Functional

Perfect for security and scaring off squirrels who think your deck is their kingdom.

These lights flip on when someone walks by and flip off when they leave—just like your ex at parties.

Bonus: They make you feel like you're in a spy movie every time you take out the trash.

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Unleash the Power of a Good Glow

By now you have learned that lighting is more than just brightness—it’s the vibe. It’s how your home welcomes you after a long day. It’s how you host that backyard bash or sneak out with a midnight snack without waking the dog.

Our homes are designed with lifestyle in mind—from that perfect patio setup to the ideal outdoor lighting placement. Let us help you build a home that shines from every angle—inside and out.

So go ahead. String those lights. Place those lanterns. Install that motion sensor that makes you feel like a secret agent. Let your outdoor spaces shine just as brightly as you do.

Because here at Ripple Creek Homes, we believe a little outdoor lighting goes a long way... toward making your home feel like home-sweet-glow-up where even the porches sparkle.

By Ripple Creek Homes Staff 8-18-2025