A twinkling, forested haven in the hills of Sandy, UT

“There’s just something about lighting that takes a normal place and transforms it into a magical place.”

The client

Robyn, a thoughtful and whimsical creative, and her golf-enthusiast husband, Lance

Why they’re ideal for us

A client who trusts your design expertise is one thing. A client who isn’t interested in being involved in the process is another.

Robyn in particular was so invested. She wanted to enhance their outdoor space with light, and we could see from the beginning the love and commitment she had for her property. 

They made us feel like guests, not contractors — they invited us to be part of this project after reviewing a lot of other options.

We always felt like we were working alongside them, not just doing our work and coming back at the end for approval. 

The property

A sprawling open-concept home nestled deep in the hills of Sandy, Utah, that opens to acres of wandering wooded landscape. 

Landscape features

• Putting green
• Water features
• Winding pathways
• Trees
• Seating areas
• Sculpture and outdoor art

The vision, in Robyn’s words

“My vision is always about creating an experience first. With my landscape, it was, ‘How does stepping into this part of the forest make someone feel?’ 

“I wanted our outdoor lighting to create a moment of magic and delight for anyone who steps into the forest.”

Why Landscape Lighting Pro? 

“Other contractors I spoke to were speaking a completely different language — they were providing a service, and that’s where it stopped. I knew immediately that Keith ‘got it.’

“I saw a sparkle in his eye, an excitement about what I’d created in our landscape. I sensed he knew how to take something that’s already wonderful and make it even more extraordinary with light.”

Our process

Installation took about three weeks.

Once we knew the vision for their entire property, we divided the sprawling landscape into eight zones and completed them one by one.

We wanted to create a smooth, cohesive design where the eye can travel from one point of visual interest to another, with soft light in between. 

The lighting had to create intrigue and mystery without completely dark spots that could make it feel scary, like there’s something lurking in the dark.

Creating art with light: The special touches

Firefly lights

Twinkling lights attached to individual scrub oak branches, fading in and out like a real firefly

“I have a very special connection with fireflies — my first encounter with them was while living in the south. To me, they seemed magical and left me feeling a sense of wonder and awe. When I moved out of the West later in life, I saw one for the first time, and they bring me comfort and hope.

“When Keith found out I love them, he worked with my husband to surprise me with twinkling lights in the trees that look just like fireflies. It felt like they were waiting for me, inviting me deeper into the forest. 

For me, they are the special touch that only Keith could provide. They’re so personal and meaningful to me.”

Tree lighting

Hanging copper “Starlighter” lanterns with whimsical pinholes to let light through

“We have a Japanese maple we refer to as our ‘Storybook Tree’ because it has this wide-spreading canopy with twisted branches. You can tuck yourself underneath to sit, read, and dream.

These lanterns are so dreamy: perfectly placed, subtle, and so whimsical.”

Whimsical highlights

Robyn is a talented artist and has created many large art installations that take pride of place throughout the landscape. Strategically placed accent lighting adds delight to the landscape and shows off these unique art pieces.

Putting course lighting

Lance loves golf — so much that his putting green is in the front yard! We added subtle lighting that’s still bright enough for him to practice his short game at 2 a.m. if he gets the urge to grab his clubs.

Smart controls

The entire landscape’s lighting can be controlled from a smartphone. The path lights, downlights, and uplights are all controlled separately — including dimmer features — to create different moods depending on the situation.

Outdoor living with magical lighting

“Our house itself is amazing, but it’s the outside that makes where we live magical. It’s where we go to destress and decompress from the world. 

“It’s a healing space, and we invite people who need it to come over and be in it whenever they need it.

“We agree with Maya Angelou: ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’

With Keith’s help, we have created an extraordinary experience for ourselves and for those who visit.