Harrisburg, PA (June 9, 2025) - As outdoor lighting continues to evolve, the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) is highlighting key trends influencing modern landscape lighting design: tunable white technology and the resurgence of matte black finishes. Expert insight from three AOLP members who are leading voices in the outdoor lighting industry - Todd Goers, director of sales at WAC Lighting; Kevin Smith, national technical support and trainer at Brilliance LED; and Ryan Williams, director of product marketing at FX Luminaire - weigh in on the latest emerging trends.

These emerging trends are gaining momentum in the market, signaling a positive shift toward more personalized, design-forward outdoor spaces that reflect evolving consumer preferences. As product offerings expand and controls become more user-friendly, technologies like tunable white and finishes like matte black are expected to play a larger role in future landscape lighting designs.

Tunable White
Tunable white is a technology that originated in indoor applications but is gradually making its way into outdoor lighting. It offers designers increased flexibility to adjust color temperatures and create varied highlighting effects across a landscape.

"Lighting is subjective," said Kevin Smith of Brilliance LED. "What one person finds relaxing, another may find too bright or too dull. Tunable white allows designers to cater to these individual preferences by adjusting color temperatures to suit different moods or architectural features."

 
Todd Goers of WAC Lighting emphasized how tunable white technology helps achieve a luxurious and layered lighting effect. "We're finding that clients appreciate being able to fine-tune lighting based on the season or even the time of day. Warmer tones in the evening can create a calming atmosphere, while cooler tones during the day can make architectural features pop," said Goers.

Ryan Williams of FX Luminaire shared that "Tunable white offers exciting flexibility for layering effects in high-end or dynamic environments. In most residential landscapes, where lighting tends to be more functional or ambient, it may remain a more specialized tool. But the ability to fine-tune the warmth or coolness of a space can absolutely elevate mood and ambiance."

Tunable white technology gives designers and homeowners more creative control over the atmosphere and appearance of a space throughout the day or for different occasions. Unlike traditional fixtures that emit a fixed white tone, tunable white lighting can shift to match natural light patterns, highlight architectural features, or create mood-driven scenes.

"In landscape lighting, it's not just about what looks good, but how it makes the client feel," Smith added.

Matte Black
Matte black finishes have experienced a strong resurgence in outdoor lighting, particularly in modern and transitional design categories.

Smith noted, "Black is a timeless color in lighting. It can blend in and let the light be the focus, or it can stand out as a striking design element."

For Goers, the appeal of matte black extends beyond aesthetics. "Matte black is incredibly versatile, especially for modern designs," he said. "It's a finish that's not just about looking good - it's about creating a sleek, sophisticated atmosphere without drawing attention to the fixture itself."

The popularity of modern farmhouse design - with its hallmark white siding, black window trim, and simple geometry - has helped fuel the matte black trend. Smith elaborated, "Matte black is great for modern farmhouses because it ties into the black accents seen in the windows, door hardware and other exterior elements."

Williams, highlighting the resurgence of matte black finishes, stated "It's a finish that can either pop or disappear, depending on the context - making it incredibly versatile. It may show a little more wear than some patinaed finishes, but its design appeal and visual impact continue to make it a go-to choice in modern outdoor lighting."

Matte black continues to gain traction in outdoor lighting design, driven by its clean, modern aesthetic and ability to complement a wide range of architectural styles. Its versatility allows it to either make a bold statement or blend seamlessly into the landscape, depending on the design intent. As minimalist and contemporary palettes remain popular, matte black is proving to be a lasting, in-demand finish for both residential and commercial outdoor spaces.

About the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals
The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) is a national trade organization dedicated to advancing the practice of outdoor lighting. The organization brings together professionals from across the industry to foster collaboration, education, and the highest standards of design and installation.