It's July in Montana, which means the main source of evening light for our outdoor entertainment space is a relentless summer sun. Drew Mihelish, owner and lighting consultant at Western Montana Lighting fully embraces natural lighting but has some tips for when our summer entertaining trails into the night.
For her personal residence, Drew has coach lighting on her front porch, which provides minimal light so that her sunsets get the full attention they deserve without light pollution or distraction. But the back of her home is a different story. Drew is currently working on a small patio remodel for entertainment and hosting where she wants ample light. Along with sconces that match the front of her home, she also has string lights to help define the space to create a fun setting. A good rule of thumb is "less is more" when it comes to the exterior. Drew believes mood lighting is more important for entertaining, rather than an overabundance of bright lights. "Nobody wants Clark Griswald as a neighbor," she jokes.
Drew is particularly excited about portable exterior lamps, which enable you to carry light with you wherever you go. They also allow you the opportunity to turn them off when the perfect sunset begs for attention.
With so many outdoor entertainment lighting options available it's hard to say which is best for a particular project. "It really is based on the exact home and the overall vibe the homeowner is going for," said Drew. "That is why it is so important to come work with my team at WML to create the space of your dreams."
Western Montana Lighting has received national recognition as Showroom of the Year in 2020 and was nominated in 2021. Whether you’re a homeowner, designer, architect, electrician, or builder, Western Montana Lighting can assist you with lighting, one-of-a-kind artwork, décor, fans, and even furniture to make your space feel complete.
