There’s something magical about a well-lit landscape. It’s not just about visibility—it’s about mood, safety, and making your outdoor space feel just as inviting after sunset as it does during the day.
On the Central Coast, where evening breezes and glowing sunsets practically beg you to stay outside longer, landscape lighting turns your yard into a true extension of your home. At Bertilacchi Landscape, we design lighting systems that highlight beauty, improve safety, and bring a sense of calm to the entire property.
Most people think of outdoor lighting as an afterthought—add a few path lights here, a sconce by the door, and call it done. But when it’s done right, lighting can be one of the most transformative elements in your yard. It softens architecture, highlights plant textures, and creates layers of light that change the entire experience of a space.
We always start by walking the property at dusk. That’s when we can see where natural shadows fall and where light is really needed. From there, it’s about balancing three things: function, mood, and efficiency.
For function, we focus on safety and navigation. Well-placed step lights, path lights, and subtle uplighting around entry points help guests move through your yard comfortably. No tripping, no fumbling with flashlights, no guessing where the walkway ends.
For mood, it’s all about ambiance. We often use low-voltage LEDs and warm color temperatures to create a soft, inviting glow. Uplighting trees adds drama, while washing a wall with light brings depth and texture to the space. One of our favorite tricks? Using indirect lighting under benches or walls to create a floating effect—it looks incredible and keeps glare low.
And of course, energy matters. We use Dark Sky–friendly lighting that minimizes light pollution while still delivering performance. Plus, smart transformers and zoning systems let you control different lighting scenes from your phone, so your space adapts to your night—whether it’s a quiet dinner or a full-on party.
The key is subtlety. Great lighting should enhance, not overwhelm. You want guests to feel something before they even realize what’s creating the mood.
