NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM | DECEMBER 2018 41
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PeachTreeDesigns.comVoted “Best Home Accessories”What element of a home’s interior design
most influences the lighting you choose?
First is the layout to see how light will flow from
room to room; we never want there to be an imbal-
ance. Secondly, is the home modern, traditional, or a
mix? We can create products for every single style,
and that really is half the fun of this profession.
What’s the trick to establishing a vibe con-
ducive to entertaining?
The key to successful entertaining is to make your
guests comfortable. We start with warm, flattering
lighting, such as dimmed lamps and an accent
center fixture like an artistic pendant. We love
under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen because it
is indirect on faces but helps keep the counters
functional. My favorite lighting option for enter-
taining would be low light (candles and fireplaces
included), so that the room comes in on itself [and]
feels intimate and inviting.
What are the goals of outdoor lighting?
First off, practicality and safety. Often times, peo-
ple entertain at night, and we need to make sure
all outdoor staircases, steps, and angled
terrains are safely lit for ease and safety
of entertaining. Secondly, people want to
see each other. We avoid down-lighting
as that casts unflattering shadows, so we
use a variety of in-ground fixtures and
sconces where appropriate. We have
also mastered the lighting of trees and
shrubbery along with outdoor pieces of art.
What mistake do people make when lighting
their outdoor space?
Not having enough lighting. Sounds simple, but
many people really do not realize just how much it
takes to cohesively light an outdoor environment.
Everything from the walkways to the grill to the
pool area all need to be clearly lit, while also not
forgetting that they need to be attractive fixtures.
Budgeting for outdoor lighting is something people
often overlook but in hindsight really need to do.
What new technologies are you loving?
Now all filament bulbs are LED, so we’ve embraced
that cleaner, more efficient light. Also, we can nowdo submersible LED pool lights, which are pretty
cool since they give a totally different impression to
the pool [and] encompass the entire perimeter.
What’s the most effective way to use spot-
lights in Florida backyards?
Shine lights away from wherever you are sit-
ting and be sure to highlight the vertical of the
property: hedges, trees, sculptures, etc. Also, if you
want to light the lawn, do it symmetrically.
What’s your favorite unique lighting touch?
Using more fixtures with less wattage. It creates a
warmer, more balanced atmosphere, as opposed
to just having a couple of super bright lanterns
scattered about.Dramatic outdoor lighting can add
MICHAEL STAVARIDIS ambience and impact to any backyard.