There’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes with enhancing the beauty and functionality of your home. While I’ve recently focused on interior renovations and updates around the lakeside of my property, this week marked a significant transformation for the very first impression visitors get: the front of the house. For far too long, the exterior lighting had been stuck in a time warp, a true relic of a bygone era.
I am absolutely certain that the original exterior light fixtures were installed when the house was built in 1974. These weren’t just “dated”; they were a testament to enduring, albeit uninspired, design choices of nearly five decades ago. Their presence had become a sore point, diminishing the overall appeal of the property.
Imagine arriving at my front door, and your eyes being met by not one, but two of these “plastic beauties.” Their once-white casings had yellowed with age, and their simple, uninspired design offered little in terms of aesthetic charm. They served a basic purpose – to cast some light – but failed miserably at complementing the architectural style of the home or providing adequate, inviting illumination.
And if your journey brought you to the side door, you were “greeted” by another equally charming specimen: a perpetually yellowed fixture that, despite its best efforts, cast a rather unappealing glow. Beyond their outdated appearance, these lights presented a practical nightmare. I had countless attempts at cleaning them – battling dirt, persistent insects, and even mud wasp nests. However, the design flaw was inherent; the only way to access their interiors for cleaning was through a small opening at the bottom, making a thorough clean almost impossible. Grime accumulated, diminishing their already weak light output and creating an unwelcoming facade.
The Imperative for an Upgrade: Embracing Modern Curb Appeal
With summer’s longer days upon us, and the desire to truly enjoy every aspect of my home, the time for a significant upgrade was long overdue. My mission was clear: replace these anachronistic fixtures with something that not only appealed to my personal style but also offered superior functionality and, crucially, ease of maintenance. The hunt began for exterior lighting that would elevate my home’s curb appeal, enhance safety, and welcome guests with a warm, inviting glow.
My search was extensive, covering a wide array of options. I meticulously examined countless light fixtures of all shapes and sizes, exploring various colors and types of metal finishes. Each option was considered, weighed against the unique characteristics of my home and my vision for its updated exterior. The goal was to find fixtures that would seamlessly integrate with the existing architecture while introducing a fresh, modern aesthetic.
You can clearly see those old plastic light fixtures, almost blending into the background due to their age and lack of distinction. They were not merely functional elements; they had become visual detractors, subtly undermining the overall impression of the house.
Navigating Architectural Nuances: My Home’s Split Personality
Choosing the right type of light fixtures wasn’t just about personal preference; it required a deep understanding of my home’s unique architectural identity. My house, you see, possesses what I affectionately call a “split personality.” This distinction was a primary consideration in my selection process, adding a layer of complexity to what might otherwise be a straightforward update.
From the street, the front of the house presents itself as a distinctive one-story contemporary home. This perception is further reinforced by the specific design of the double front doors, which exude a sleek, modern vibe. Many visitors arriving via the front entrance initially perceive it as a modest ranch-style dwelling, unaware of the expansive reality beyond.
It’s only upon stepping inside or viewing the property from the lakeside that the true grandeur of the house reveals itself. From this perspective, it transforms into a much larger, two-story residence, boasting an entirely different aesthetic appeal. This architectural duality meant that the chosen lighting had to be versatile enough to complement both the contemporary front and the more traditional, expansive lakeside facade, creating a cohesive visual narrative for the entire property.
The Perfect Match: Hinkley Belden Place Outdoor Wall Sconces
To find the ideal lights that could gracefully bridge these two distinct personalities of my home, I turned to Del Mar Fans and Lighting. Their extensive selection offered literally hundreds of outdoor lighting options, providing a comprehensive canvas for my decision-making process. After hours of careful consideration, filtering through styles, materials, and finishes, I finally narrowed down my choice to a standout contender.
My final selection was three exquisite Belden Place Outdoor Wall Sconces from Hinkley. The decision was practical and aesthetic: two would grace the main front entry, providing symmetrical and inviting illumination, while the third would elegantly light the often-used side door. These fixtures in an oil-rubbed bronze finish offered the perfect blend of timeless elegance and contemporary flair, perfectly harmonizing with both aspects of my home’s design. The rich, deep tone of the bronze provided a sophisticated contrast against the house’s exterior, promising to age beautifully and stand the test of time.
Just a few days after placing the order, the boxes containing my new treasures arrived on my doorstep. The anticipation of seeing them installed and witnessing the dramatic transformation they would bring was palpable.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Front Entry
While the exterior lighting update was a significant step, it’s part of a larger, long-term vision for the front of the house. One of the more ambitious home improvement projects I aspire to undertake sooner rather than later is a complete overhaul of the front door system. My dream is to replace the existing double front door and the two adjacent glass panels with four three-quarter light, six-pane doors. This arrangement would dramatically change the character of the entry, introducing more light and a grander, more inviting aesthetic. I have a clear mental image of how this will look, something akin to the following illustration:
This future vision of the entry, featuring the four doors, was constantly in my mind as I meticulously selected the new lighting fixtures. I had to ensure that my current choices would not only look stunning now but also seamlessly integrate with this planned, more extensive renovation. Please forgive my admittedly novice Photoshopping skills in visualizing this concept; the important thing was to have a clear direction guiding my current decisions.
Beyond Style: Practicality and Performance
One critical constraint when selecting the new fixtures was the relatively low ceiling above the front doors. This immediately ruled out many larger, more dramatic lighting options. The Belden Place lights, however, proved to be the perfect size. Their dimensions are ideally suited for the space, ensuring they don’t overpower the entry or create a cramped feeling. Furthermore, their rich oil-rubbed bronze color is exactly what I envisioned, adding a touch of classic sophistication. The craftsmanship is evident; these are exceptionally well-made fixtures, promising durability and lasting beauty.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the practicality of the Hinkley Belden Place sconces was a major selling point. The glass panels are designed to be easily removed and reattached. This thoughtful feature is a game-changer for maintenance. Cleaning away accumulated bugs, dust, and other “nasties” that inevitably find their way into outdoor lights will now be a simple, hassle-free task. I know these new lights will attract attention, both from admirers and from various insects, but keeping them pristine will no longer be an arduous chore.
Fortunately, my trusty electrician happened to be available shortly after the lights were delivered. Seizing the opportunity, I immediately asked him if he could perform the swap, replacing the old, dilapidated fixtures with these shining new additions. Electrical work is something best left to professionals, ensuring safety and correct installation.
He took on the task with impressive efficiency. In approximately an hour, all three old lights were removed, and the new Belden Place sconces were securely installed and fully functional. The transformation was immediate and remarkable.
So pretty! The rich finish and clean lines of the new sconces instantly elevated the aesthetic of the front entry and side door. They exude a quiet elegance that perfectly suits the architectural character I wish to cultivate for my home.
Another crucial factor in my selection was the wattage capacity of these fixtures. Many other lights I considered could only accommodate a 60-watt bulb, which would have provided insufficient illumination for the entry areas. The Hinkley Belden Place sconces, however, can handle a robust 100-watt bulb. With two fixtures at the front door, this translates to a combined 200 watts of light, ensuring ample brightness when needed. This significantly enhances safety and visibility, making the entrance feel much more welcoming and secure after dusk.
Addressing Lingering Imperfections: The Cloudy Glass Dilemma
While the new lighting has brought a fresh lease of life to the front of the house, there remains one persistent imperfection that reinforces my desire to replace the entire front door system. The glass sections on either side of the main door are double-paned, and unfortunately, the interior of these panels has become cloudy over time. This isn’t merely a surface issue; it’s an internal condensation or degradation that cannot be cleaned away. From inside the house, this cloudiness is very noticeable and detracts significantly from the view. To mitigate its appearance, I’ve kept the wooden blinds permanently in place, offering a partial concealment.
Despite this minor visual challenge, the introduction of these shiny new, sophisticated lights undeniably helps to draw the eye away from the cloudy glass panels by the door. They add such a significant touch of class and modernity that they manage to overshadow the existing flaw, at least for now. It’s truly remarkable how a relatively simple update like changing light fixtures can have such a profound impact on the overall aesthetics and perceived value of a home’s exterior.
Conclusion: The Power of Thoughtful Updates
In conclusion, updating the exterior lighting of my home has been a tremendously rewarding project. It’s a testament to how thoughtful design choices, even for seemingly minor details, can dramatically enhance curb appeal, improve functionality, and contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. The journey from dated, impractical fixtures to elegant, easy-to-maintain Hinkley Belden Place sconces has truly transformed the front of my house. While the cloudy glass panels of the existing door system remain a future project, these beautiful new lights offer a stylish solution for the present, making a powerful statement that begins right at the curb. I only wish they were as easy to update as the light fixtures were!