Kendall Jenner’s Illuminated Hedges Turn Her Garden Into the Perfect Backdrop – and the Look Is Easy to Copy
Whether you're taking snaps with friends and family or just love how it looks, lighting up your garden hedges is incredibly simple but effective.
I'm always keeping an eye out for lovely garden ideas that are simple but effective. So when I came across the one and only Kendall Jenner posing in front of a hedge lit up by outdoor bulbs, it made me stop mid-scroll.
It would be such a cute addition to transform your outdoor space all year round, whether you're posing with pals in the summer and the lights spotlight your smiles, or in the dark days of winter. Plus, the look isn't difficult to replicate.
I talked to an expert in outdoor lighting and landscape design to ask why Kendall's illuminated hedge is so effective, as well as how to go about creating one for yourself. But don't fear, for if you don't particularly like Kendall's variation of lighting, you can switch out the colors and types of lights for endless customizability.
Why Do Kendall's Lights Work So Well?
Brent Franz, owner of Outdoor Lighting Perspective Sarasota, says there are a number of reasons combined that make Kendall's hedge lighting work so well.
Similar to uplighting trees for the holidays, the tone of Kendall's lighting creates an incredibly photogenic backdrop that simultaneously enhances the feature of the hedge.
"Kendall's lighting approach works because it uses a soft, even glow to enhance texture and depth without overpowering the space," says Brent. "Low-output, frosted bulbs emit a warm white light that highlights the hedgerow’s natural form, creating subtle shadowing and visual interest while softly silhouetting people in front of it."
The sense of balance crafted from this – crossing over the worlds of nature and artificial lighting – strikes the perfect counterpoint of aesthetic visuals and gorgeous greenery.
How Can I Recreate the Look?
To get the look, it's first important to ask yourself whether you want your hedge lights to be a permanent feature in the yard or a temporary one for an event.
Brent identified that Kendall's lighting was most likely a temporary design, not built to withstand months of fluctuating weather conditions and wear.
If you're looking for lights like Kendall, Brent recommends following this step-by-step guide:
- "Start with soft white, frosted G40 bulbs spaced about 12 inches apart on a socketed outdoor-rated wire.
- Attach the sockets to ground stakes like these, which are typically sold separately, and position them evenly along the hedgerow or pathway.
- In outdoor environments, apply dielectric gel, like this at the base of each bulb to help prevent moisture from entering the socket.
- Once installed, adjust spacing and placement to ensure consistent light distribution without harsh hotspots."
There's a vast array of lighting colors and styles out there to choose from if Kendall's frosted bulbs aren't for you. To limit the amount of pruning you may need to do to keep your backdrop looking tidy, perhaps consider placing your lights near a low-maintenance hedge.
If you're hoping to keep your lights in the yard permanently or longer-term, Brent recommends looking into low-voltage landscape lighting options instead.
Shop Beautiful Bulbs
These lights are very like Kendall's in colour. A true while with a hint of warmth at the center of the bulb's glow.
If you adore Kendall's lighting design but want for something warmer, an ivory tone is just the ticket.
Colored bulbs would be perfect for parties and events. If you use multiple different colors in a row the light you're illuminated by will differ depending on where you stand.
