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Patio to the rescue

We purchased a new construction home, and I was excited about starting with a blank slate because I enjoy gardening. We try to use our backyard, but our backyard faces south and is extremely hot during the summer. We would love to be able to afford a shaded patio.

We have tried to save many times for different house items, but due to medical bills from the visits to the hospital to check if our son's cancer has returned, we just never seem to get ahead. Our son had thyroid cancer, but, thankfully, at 13 years old was finally declared cancer free.

We would really love to have real steps out to our backyard. I already fell off the cement block while bringing out ingredients to make s'mores. I ended up having surgery and being on crutches for three months for a torn ankle tendon.

Life has dealt us many hardships, but we are thankful for what we have as a family. A shaded patio to relax, read, dine, make s'mores and any other family activities would be readily used. Family time is precious especially as the boys get older.

Transformation by NorthWest Lighting and Accents

Budget: $5,000 (lighting only)

From the experts

This south-facing backyard is the perfect location to build a deck with a pergola to provide shade on those hot sunny days. In addition to a wet location ceiling fan for climate control, the deck is accented with multiple light levels, which provide task, ambient and accent illumination. The deck is elevated by a couple of steps so that there is no longer a need to take a giant step down to the yard from the doorway. Landscaping was added along the house to add some color and focal points, illuminated by LED path and accent lighting. A large grass area still provides an area for the puppy to romp and the family to play games together.

A) LED path lights light the way around the house while illuminating low lying foliage while LED spotlights illuminate focal points such as trees, trellises, and special features. Long-lasting and energy efficient, they are the best option for landscape lighting today.

B) LED deck sconces mounted to wood posts illuminate decks and paths for navigating safely at night.

C) An exterior coach light sized appropriately to the space is outfitted with an LED bulb that eliminates the need to constantly change light bulbs. The added benefit of dimmability allows the fixture to be used both as a bright light for safety, as well as an ambient light for entertaining.

D) A wet location ceiling fan with a light kit provides air movement on hot days, creating a much more pleasant environment during the summer.

E) LED strip lighting made specifically for wet locations is placed under the deck stairs to provide subtle illumination, while providing a safe way to navigate stairs at night.

NorthWest Lighting and Accents designed a patio with lighting fixtures - and plenty of room for the family dog!
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