MidMod Midwest Podcast Featuring Brany McLain

Brandy McLain, the visionary behind Modern House Numbers, returns to the MidMod Midwest Podcast, hosted by Della Hansmann, to delve into the world of house numbers and curb appeal. In this episode, Brandy discusses exterior lighting and creative ways to display your address numbers.

If you’re looking to boost your home’s curb appeal, you’ll want to keep reading.

The Importance of Exterior House Lighting: Highlighting House Numbers for Style and Safety

The visibility of house numbers at night plays an essential role in aesthetics and ambiance, as well as safety. McLain and Hansmann explore the different types of exterior lighting and how it can enhance the visibility of house numbers.

Exterior lighting not only illuminates your yard but plays a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and safety of your home. Properly designed lighting can:

• Improve Safety: Well-lit areas deter potential intruders and reduce accidents caused by poor visibility.
• Enhance Aesthetics: Thoughtful lighting can highlight architectural features and landscaping.
• Increase Functionality: Lighting pathways, driveways, entrances and house numbers makes navigation easier and more secure, especially at night.

Upward-Facing Landscape Lighting

Upward-facing landscape lighting is a popular choice for creating ambiance and highlighting architectural features. While this type of lighting is great for showcasing the exterior beauty of your home, it may not be the best option for making house numbers visible. Upward-facing lights can create shadows and may not direct light exactly where it’s needed. For optimal visibility of house numbers, consider combining upward-facing lights with other types of more focused lighting.

Placing Numbers Under a Light Fixture

One great tip for making house numbers visible at night is to place them under a dedicated light fixture, such a sconce. Sconces tend to cast light downward, avoiding shadows or glare. Installing house numbers under a wall sconce near your doorway or garage ensures that house numbers are well-lit for guests and emergency responders.

Image Credit: Derik Buston Westcoast Co, Ltd.

Solar Landscape Lighting

Solar landscape lighting is an eco-friendly and cost-effective option that doesn’t require wiring or ongoing electricity costs. Solar lights come in various styles, including stake lights and wall-mounted fixtures, which can be strategically placed to highlight your house numbers. Make sure to position solar lights where they receive ample sunlight during the day to ensure they perform effectively at night.

Considerations for House Number Placement

When positioning lighting for house numbers, consider the following:

• Location: Place your lighting where it will directly illuminate your house numbers without obstruction. Avoid areas where shadows might obscure the view.
• Size: Larger numbers are generally easier to see from a distance, so choose a size that stands out against the background.
• Font: Select a clear, easy-to-read font for your house numbers. Simple, bold fonts are typically more legible than ornate scripts.
• Spacing: Ensure there’s enough space around your house numbers to avoid clutter. Adequate spacing helps maintain visibility and prevents the numbers from blending into the background.

For the modern or MCM dweller looking to make a statement with their home’s exterior, McLain notes that house numbers are more than just functional; they can showcase your style and creativity. From mixing letters and numbers to playing with sizes and orientations, there are endless possibilities to transform your house numbers into a unique feature. McLain shares her design expertise and dives into these seven creative ways to display your house numbers and give your home a bold, personalized touch.

Incorporate Letters: Mix numbers and letters to spell out your address for a personal touch. For example, “5 Hayes St” could become “5 Hayes Street” or even “5 hayes street.”

Play with Size: Use a variety of sizes for numbers or letters to create visual interest. A large number paired with smaller text can be both functional and stylish.

Orientation: Experiment with different orientations like horizontal, vertical, or diagonal placements. Stacking numbers and letters is also a fun way to make a bold, modern statement.

Alignment: Align your house numbers in unconventional ways, such as left-justified above the garage, right-justified, or even with larger numbers paired with smaller text.

Placement: Position your house numbers in unconventional spots—on a step, at the bottom of your door, on planters, site walls, or even on the mailbox for a distinctive look.

Include Symbols: Enhance your address display with symbols like arrows, hashtags, or decorative bars. These can add a fun, modern touch.

Plaques: Opt for stylish plaques to showcase your numbers and letters. Choose a font and finish that complements your home’s architecture.

Listen to this episode to hear more about house numbers and exterior lighting, and get inspired to make a stylish statement with your house numbers.  Available anywhere you stream your podcasts.

Listen now on Apple or Spotify.

Learn more about Della Hansmann and her work at MidMod Midwest on Instagram and her website. Follow for insights, tips on starting the remodel process, and access to helpful homeowner clinics.