Hidden behind a wall of greenery in the Cassique neighborhood of Johns Island lies a home that doesn’t call for attention, but quietly earns it. The client, a returning homeowner downsizing to a smaller property, didn’t want spectacle. She wanted serenity and softness that naturally enhanced her existing landscape.
From the moment we stepped onto the brick entry walkway, coming face-to-face with a Greco-Roman bronze statue holding a birdbath inside of a courtyard fountain, we knew this project would be all about refinement, not bravado. And with the help of EmeryAllen’s 3-watt lamps, that’s exactly what we delivered.
The Goal: Quiet Contemplation
The home’s layout is classic and clean: the modest courtyard entry transitions through a side gate into a fully hardscaped backyard. At its heart sits a rectangular pool surrounded by planting beds of crepe myrtles, fan palms, Japanese maples, and low ornamentals that offer dashes of color against the neutral-toned hardscape.
The design intent was clear: bathe the property in a warm, low-level glow that would highlight the seclusion of the space without overpowering it. To do that, we leaned into minimalism, opting for 3-watt EmeryAllen lamps across the property instead of the standard 5 or even 7-watt.
This decision defined the project.
Low-Impact Lighting
Soft lighting doesn’t lack impact – it can provide a more defined and controlled sense of space and intrigue, and nowhere was that more evident than in the way we handled the lighting around the oaks and planting beds. EmeryAllen’s 3-watt MR16 lamps delivered just enough power to create pools of light without spilling too far or overpowering any of the subjects, which helped us keep the shadows long and the highlights subdued.
One of the project’s standout moments came in the back corner of the courtyard, where a large Japanese maple stands proudly. Rather than blast light through its very dense canopy from the front, we chose to backlight the tree, in turn both washing the wall behind it and adding a glowing boundary to the garden’s perimeter. The effect is almost meditative.
Across the property, we leaned into the down lighting. We mounted our fixtures as high as possible in squat, low-lying trees to replicate our signature “moonlighting” style, allowing beams to fall naturally across the brick, beds and water surfaces. With the low wattage, even these down lights that are closer to the ground stayed subtle.
A Worry Put to Rest
The client had only one real concern: brightness. She wanted to be sure the effect wouldn’t feel intrusive or overdone, especially from her bedroom windows. Thanks to the restrained palette and the choice of 3-watt lamps, her fears were quickly put to rest. She praised the finished result and expressed how pleased she was with how natural the space felt at night.
Why EmeryAllen?
In this project, EmeryAllen’s 3-watt lamps were essential – not just for their compact size or energy efficiency, but for their warmth and consistency. These lamps gave us:
● Lower output for more refined lighting
● Beautiful, consistent color temperature (3000K) across fixtures
● Reliable performance in tighter spaces and more delicate planting beds
More than that, EmeryAllen helped us match the tone of the space. The lighting doesn’t demand attention – it draws you in.
Final Thoughts: Simplicity is Sophisticated
At Moonlighting, we’ve long believed that the most compelling lighting doesn’t always call attention to itself. It reveals, guides and creates mood & memory. This Cassique home reminded us of the power of restraint – and of how important it is to have the right tools for the job.
Working with a trusted local partner like EmeryAllen allows us to elevate these kinds of designs with confidence, clarity, and care. Together, we’re not just lighting homes, we’re shaping experiences.
– Davis White : Project Manager & Designer of Moonlighting Landscape Lighting Systems in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina.
