Champaign, IL
Category:
Residental
4
James J.
Kate Severns
Designer
This project reminded us why we do what we do. It’s not just about the lights—it’s about the tradition, the growth, and getting it a little better every year.
Installation Highlights
Rooflines & Peaks
The structure gave us great geometry to work with—multiple gables, steep peaks, and a centered dormer that made for a striking roofline. Red and white C9s were spaced with precision to highlight each contour without overpowering the design.
Garden Bed Border
We added red and white mini lights around the garden beds and flower-lined sidewalk this year. It anchored the install and tied the whole yard into the design—giving the display depth, warmth, and that extra layer of polish.
Columns
The wrapped columns were a new feature this season. They added height and vertical movement to the porch area, making the entrance feel more festive while drawing the eye upward toward the roofline symmetry.
Client Connection
James and his family were the first home we ever lit. Every year, we come back to build on what we started—and every year, we leave with a new favorite memory. After this install, James gave us a full tour of his Lego Star Wars collection (which somehow gets bigger every time). Can’t wait to see what’s new next season.
Instalation Details
Color Palette
We went with a high-contrast red and warm white theme—classic, energetic, and unmistakably festive. The red adds punch, while the warm white balances it with softness and elegance. It's a palette that gets attention without trying too hard.
Materials and Textures
The home’s neutral exterior made it an ideal canvas for color-based design. From the wood columns to the neatly trimmed shrubs, every element was used as an anchor point for clean light placement. The end result was bold but refined.
Structure & Layout
This install reflects growth over time—layered on top of a great foundation. Each year, we’ve expanded with purpose. There’s balance in the lighting, intentional use of space, and smart layering that gives it a sense of completeness without clutter.
Lighting Design
All red and white C9s, with matching mini lights in the garden beds. Every bulb is clipped at the same angle, every column wrapped tightly, and every perimeter line follows the edge exactly. It’s precise, consistent, and built to look just as good on day 30 as it did on day one.