
Mike's Bright Ideas
Landscape Lighting Blog
5 Advantages of Having Installed Landscape Lighting During Winter
Winter In the Midwest Winter in the Midwest can be a magical time of year. The snow-covered landscapes and the crisp, cold air can create a beautiful and serene atmosphere. However, the long nights and the early sunsets can make it difficult to enjoy the beaut...
Enhancing Your Homes Beauty with Lighting Scenes and Transitions
Scenes and Transitions with Professionally Installed Landscape Lighting Mike’s Landscape Lighting designers have an excellent way of enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space. Mike’s Landscape Lighting can highlight the unique features of your property, c...
Top 4 Outdoor Lighting Trends
The Latest Outdoor Lighting Trends and How Mike’s Landscape Lighting Designers Can Help You Achieve Them Outdoor lighting is an essential aspect of any home’s exterior design. It not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor space but also provides...
Professional Landscape Lighting for Your Holiday Lighting
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, and what better way to enhance the festive atmosphere than with professional holiday landscape lighting? Mike’s Landscape Lighting offers complete outdoor holiday landscape lighting solutions for your...
Beauty in Simplicity with Mike’s Landscape Lighting
Outdoor landscape lighting can transform your yard into a beautiful and inviting space. It can highlight the unique features of your property, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and improve safety and security. At Mike’s Landscape Lighting, we belie...
Enhancing Your Outdoor Space with Landscape Lighting in the Fall
Fall is a beautiful season, and it is the perfect time to enhance your outdoor space with landscape lighting. With the right lighting, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make your outdoor space a place where you want to spend time. In this...
Illuminating Your Vision: When to Bring Mike’s Landscape Lighting into Your New Outdoor Living Area Project
Creating a captivating and inviting outdoor living space requires meticulous planning, design expertise, and attention to detail. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked until the last minute is outdoor lighting. A well-designed lighting scheme can eleva...
Unlocking the Triple Benefits of Outdoor Lighting: Safety, Ambiance, and Functionality
In the realm of home improvement, outdoor lighting often takes a back seat to more prominent projects like kitchen renovations or bathroom upgrades. However, the impact of well-designed outdoor lighting should not be underestimated. Beyond the initial motivati...
Illuminating the Night: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Permanent Holiday Lighting
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, often marked by the twinkling lights adorning homes and streets. In recent years, a growing trend has emerged – permanent holiday lighting. This innovative approach allows homeowners to keep their holi...
Illuminate Your Holidays: The Advantages of Hiring a Professional for Your Holiday Lighting
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and the enchanting beauty of dazzling lights. One of the most cherished traditions during this time is decorating our homes and surroundings with vibrant holiday lighting. While some may be tempted to tackle th...
Elevate Your Outdoor Experience: Invest in a Professional Outdoor Audio System
Imagine stepping into your backyard on a beautiful summer evening, surrounded by lush greenery, and feeling the gentle breeze against your skin. As you settle down in your comfortable outdoor seating area, you reach for the perfect playlist to set the mood. Bu...
Enhancing Outdoor Spaces: Exploring the Benefits of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
When it comes to transforming the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor spaces, few options are as versatile and captivating as low voltage landscape lighting. Designed to enhance the beauty of gardens, pathways, and other outdoor areas, low voltage lands...
Elevate Your Outdoor Experience: Why You Should Invest in a Professional Outdoor Audio System
Imagine stepping into your backyard on a beautiful summer evening, surrounded by lush greenery, and feeling the gentle breeze against your skin. As you settle down in your comfortable outdoor seating area, you reach for the perfect playlist to set the mood. Bu...
Illuminate Your Outdoors: Why Hiring an Outdoor Lighting Designer is a Bright Idea
Outdoor spaces have the power to transform any property into an enchanting oasis, offering a peaceful retreat and extending your living area into the great outdoors. One often overlooked aspect of creating a captivating outdoor ambiance is outdoor lighting. Wh...
Outdoor Lighting Connectors
When it comes to outdoor lighting, having a reliable and safe electrical connection is crucial. With exposure to the elements, including rain, snow, and high humidity, it’s important to use waterproof connectors that can withstand the outdoor environment...
Flagpole Lighting
Flagpoles are a symbol of pride and patriotism and lighting them can enhance their beauty while also providing an important practical purpose. Lighting your flagpole can improve the visibility and durability of your flag, and it can also make your property saf...
What questions should I ask my outdoor lighting designer?
Lighting Designer Q&A If you are working with an outdoor lighting designer, here are some questions you might consider asking: Q: Can you show me some examples of your past work? A: Mike’s Landscape Lighting will bring along a portfolio book to show you...
10 Reasons to Light Your Outdoor Kitchen
Are you wondering “Should I include lighting in my outdoor kitchen?” The best way to make the most of your outdoor kitchen and entertainment center is to light it up! Below are the top 10 reasons to light your outdoor kitchen. Light Up Your Outdoor Kitchen...
Why Install Landscape Lighting?
What Are The Benefits of Landscape Lighting? Landscape lighting is an essential component of a well-designed outdoor space. It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also improves its functionality, safety, and security. In this blog, we...
Why Mike’s Landscape Lighting?
What Advantages Does Mike’s Landscape Lighting Have Over Our Competition? Looking for some reasons why you should choose Mike’s Landscape Lighting for your lighting needs? Let me give you some history of our company first. I started Mike’...
Why aren’t my landscape lights turning on?
Mikes Landscape Lighting is celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2023! We have been asked this question quite a bit over the last 10 years: ‘Why aren’t my landscape lights turning on?’. If the person calling is a client that we installed and are per...
9 Reasons to Get Maintenance Done on Landscape Lighting System
Do I need Maintenance done on my landscape lighting system? The simple answer is yes, but that would not make for an interesting blog, don’t you agree? You have invested a great deal of money in your outdoor lighting system, and you want to keep it running...
Ways to Light Your Long Dark Driveway
Are you wondering “What options do I have for lighting my long dark driveway?” This is a question we get asked quite often at Mike’s Landscape Lighting. We have large estates out here in the suburbs and this is a common problem our designer...
Cost of Low-Voltage Lighting
How much does it cost to run my low-voltage lighting system? This is a question we get asked quite often, so why not write a blog about it? So, how much will your electricity bill go up with a new outdoor lighting system? There are a lot of factors that go...
Landscape Lighting Maintenance Through Winter and Storms
Congratulations! You have invested in gorgeous, functional outdoor landscape lighting. Choosing the right professionals for design and installation means you now have a safe and long-lasting asset to your home. Even top-tier outdoor lighting, such as that prov...
How to Enjoy Your Outdoor Spaces in Winter
WELCOME WINTER Winters in Wisconsin and Illinois can feel like months-long indoor hibernation. The sun sets before dinner, the temperature drops, and soon enough, snow seems to block out any semblance of your once-beloved outdoor entertaining space. There are...
Creating a Budget for Your Landscape Lighting
Wondering how to create a budget for your landscape lighting? Outdoor landscape lighting is not just about aesthetic appeal; it also offers functional and financial value. For starters, illuminated exteriors help to keep antisocial elements at bay. Moreover, l...
Accent Lighting Tips for Outdoor Structures & Statues
Wondering how to accentuate your outdoor structures and statues? Read on for our accent lighting tips for outdoor structures & statues. If your home has a unique outdoor architectural feature or if you have a landscape structure or a sculpture in your ya...
Enjoy Your Outdoor Space this Fall
Goodbye Summer, hello Fall! The team at Mike’s Landscape Lighting loves fall. What a beautiful season. The air is crisp and cool in the mornings and evenings, and it warms up just enough in the afternoon to comfortably prepare your home and outdoor living sp...
Upgrade Your Curb Appeal with Landscape Lighting
There are many practical reasons to light up your home. Additionally, you can instantly upgrade your curb appeal with landscape lighting! Installing the appropriate amount and type of lighting will set your house apart from others with a touch of elegance and...
Color-Changing Bulbs
Wondering if you can add color-changing bulbs to your landscape lighting? Adding lights to your outdoor landscape can create a transformative aesthetic on its own. Adding color to those lights can create a completely different design dimension that expands cre...
Upgrade Your Incandescent Bulbs to LED
Wondering if you should upgrade your incandescent bulbs to LED? Let us walk you through it. While you may not have thought much about your landscape lighting, the truth is that the light bulbs you use matter. The light bulbs you use can vastly influence the pe...
The Benefits of an Outdoor Audio System
Outdoor celebrations are an awesome way to enjoy great weather, great company, and a great occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a graduation, a birthday, a wedding or just having a good time, using high-quality speakers can make your occasion that much m...
Should you use a landscaper to install landscape lighting?
If you’re looking for the best professional to install landscape lighting on your property, you have a couple of options (or so it seems). Although it would seem that a landscaper would be perfectly capable of installing landscape lighting, having a na...
Hosting Tips for Outdoor Parties
Although winter is waning and Spring is just on the horizon, it’s never too early to start planning your pending outdoor parties. Whether it’s an upcoming graduation, birthday party, religious occasion, or family celebration, outdoor parties are a...
Do I Need A Transformer For Outdoor Lighting?
To answer this question, we would need some additional information. If you are looking to install a low voltage or 12-volt landscape lighting, then the answer is yes. We have come across many 120-volt landscape lighting systems in our years in business. Most o...
Landscape Lighting for Home Security
What do you think you need to do to keep your home safe when you’re not there? You might invest in a home security system. You may even invest in a video-recording system, either one linked to your home security system, and synced with your phone, or on...
Top Summer 5 Backyard Lighting Ideas
It may be hard to believe, but summer is coming quickly (after a beautiful Spring!). With summer comes long nights spent outdoors enjoying grilling, backyard activities, and the simple pleasure of sitting and enjoying the beautiful weather. Time spent outdoors...
Are Bistro Lights (String Lights) Right For Me?
Are you considering lighting features for your yard or outdoor space? There are a lot of options to choose from. Spotlights and post lights, well lights and solar-powered portable lights, up lights and downlights, and outdoor light shows, A popular option you...
Should I Light My Water Feature?
The answer is: yes! Adding light to a water feature provides a host of benefits beyond enhancing the aesthetics of your water feature. Lighting can improve the safety of the water feature itself, enhance its overall design and make other elements of the water...
Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Weddings
Are you looking for outdoor lighting ideas for your wedding? It’s the beginning of your new life together. You exchange vows underneath a canopy in front of your friends and family. You may have a large gathering or small, on a beach or in a reception ha...
Must-Have Lighting For Your Pool This Season
Here we put together the must-have lighting for your pool this season! While many overlook the importance of lighting around pools, pool lighting plays a tremendous role in the usability of your pool. While lighting positioned on the interior of a pool seems t...
4 Ways to Light Your Outdoor Paths
Looking for ways to light your outdoor paths this season? Outdoor lighting is part art, part pragmatism. A well-lit outdoor path allows users to navigate at all times of the day or night without worrying about tripping, slipping, or missing a step while provid...
Where to Place Outdoor Lighting
When the sun goes down, do you want your yard and property to sit in darkness, or do you want to light up the night?! Striking a balance between energy efficiency and tasteful lighting is an art in itself but can help to bring a new dimension to your outdoor s...
Why Would I Want Professional Landscape Lighting?
“Why would I want professional landscape lighting for my home or business? What does it do?” It’s simple! Professional landscape lighting has a number of benefits, and Mike’s Landscape Lighting is here to share them with you! Top 5 Reas...
How Many Watts Do I Need For Outdoor Lighting?
“How many watts do I need for outdoor lighting?” Well, that really depends on your outdoor lighting setup! Below, we give some examples and basics about watts and energy and what you can expect for your outdoor lighting. When you’re ready to...
The Different Styles of Landscape Lighting Fixtures
There are a variety of different styles of landscape lighting fixtures, and each has its own preferred application. Overall, it really depends on what features you’re looking for and what parts of your landscaping you want to display. Below, we discuss t...
Are Solar Landscape Lights Worth It?
Are solar landscape lights worth it? That is the big question, and the answer isn’t as clear-cut as you may think. Below, we discuss the pros and cons of solar landscape lights so you can make the decision for yourself! If you decide that you need more h...
Does Landscape Lighting Add Value to Your Home and Property?
Does Landscape Lighting add value to your home and property? Looking for a solution to increase the value of your home? Well, great news. It does! Adding landscape lighting to your home and property not only adds detail to your already beautiful abode but also...
What is the Best Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting?
Are you wondering what is the best low-voltage landscape lighting option on the market? Then you’ve come to the right place! Mike’s Landscape Lighting is proud to offer over 20 years of experience in designing, installing, and upgrading existing la...
How Far Can Landscape Lighting Wire Go?
How far can landscape lighting wire go? You have come to the right place! Mike’s Landscape Lighting knows landscape lighting and low-voltage wiring inside and out! When first considering the idea of adding landscape lighting to your space, you may wonder...
What Are the Best Outdoor Speakers For My Pool?
Wondering what the best speakers are for your pool outside? Be sure to start by checking out more about our outdoor audio speakers! Here at Mike’s Landscape Lighting, we are excited to help elevate your outdoor pool area right in time for the Summer! The...
How Do You Plan Outdoor Landscape Lighting?
How do you plan outdoor landscape lighting? With Mike’s Landscape Lighting, it’s easy! When you are looking to light up your home, there are many different things to consider. You should begin with Mike’s Landscape Lighting! We can help find...
How Does Landscape Lighting Work?
“How does landscape lighting work?” It’s a question that we’ve been asked countless times. To begin with, you’ll want to learn more about low voltage landscape lighting here! Once you’ve brushed up on your knowledge of low voltage landscape lightin...
What is Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?
You can highlight your favorite plants or light your pathways at night without the constant threat of shock or injury! Using only a few components, low-voltage landscape lighting can be set up quickly and efficiently, especially with the help of a landscape li...