Recommendation Home & Garden · Crafts & DIY

Outdoor Lighting Brands for a Modern New Build

For Whom/What:

a modern new build with stucco, steel, and wood accents

Budget:

3k-10k for total exterior lighting

Requirements:

Dimmable or smart-home compatible

Rated for coastal climates (we’re not far from the ocean)

Available in matte black or brushed finishes

Known for great quality + longevity

Extra Details:

We're in the final stretch of building our modern home and looking for the perfect outdoor lighting — think clean lines, architectural, and built to last. We want fixtures that complement a minimalist exterior (stucco, steel, and wood accents), with a warm, welcoming glow at night. What are your favorite outdoor lighting brands for a modern new build?

losgastelum
12 hours ago

🔲 Wall Sconces & Surface Fixtures

$200–$600 per fixture

  • High-end brands like Modern Forms, Hinkley, Visual Comfort, or WAC Lighting fall into this range.

  • Expect durable finishes, architectural shapes, and smart options (like dimming or WiFi control).

🔲 Pathway & Landscape Lighting

$100–$400 per light

  • FX Luminaire, Kichler, and Garden Light LED are good benchmarks.

  • Many offer integrated LED, corrosion-resistant housing, and optional zoning/dimming if you use a transformer system.

🧠 Transformer & Smart Controls (optional but worth it)

$300–$1,200+

  • If you’re adding smart control, budget for a hub or transformer system (e.g. Lutron Caséta, FX Luxor, or Ring Transformer if staying DIY).

Total ballpark for a full modern home exterior (front + back): $3,000–$10,000 depending on how many zones and fixtures you install.

This keeps you in the “architectural lighting” tier — not builder basic, but also not over-the-top landscape lighting design budgets. 

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Davide Groppi’s outdoor lighting is next-level if you're going for that clean, architectural look without going over the top. The Sampei Outdoor lamp is probably the most iconic—super tall and thin, like a sculptural fishing rod, and it casts this beautifully soft, focused light that’s perfect for illuminating a pathway or adding drama to your backyard setup. It’s minimalist in the best way, and built to handle the elements, which is a huge plus.

They’ve also got pieces like the Grillo post light and the Juliet wall sconce, which are more subtle but still have that modern, understated vibe. Everything feels really intentional—nothing flashy, just sleek lines and warm lighting that blends into the space. If you want outdoor lighting that feels like part of the design (not just stuck on as an afterthought), Davide Groppi is totally worth the splurge.

Sampei LED Floor Lamp
Brand: Davide Groppi
Grillo Outdoor LED Post Light
Brand: Davide Groppi
Juliet Wall Sconce
Brand: Davide Groppi
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