IT'S probably the biggest investment people make in their lives - particularly in Bermuda. We all strive to own our own piece of the rock and, once we have, we spend thousands more dollars and hours improving our property and grounds. It's no wonder that television programmes such as Flip That House and Property Ladder are so popular.

But one aspect of home improvement is often overlooked, even though it is an essential component in adding drama, beauty and even value to a home - exterior lighting.

And that's why Anthony and Julie Montarsolo formed Moonlighting Ltd., the island's only landscape and architectural lighting company that exclusively offers design, supply and installation of outdoor lighting.

Mr. Montarsolo had worked in the construction industry for almost 20 years before the husband-and-wife-team decided to go it alone and set up their own business in April 2006.

While he runs the practical side of the company as lighting designer, technical engineer and "chief trench digger", Mrs. Montarsolo handles the accounts and marketing aspects of the young firm.

The former corporate lawyer also contributes to the design aspect of any project and is usually brought in at the end of a job to critic.

"We're a very small market niche company at the moment," Mr. Montarsolo said.

"But there is a huge demand in Bermuda and we've seen a steady growth in business since we started. We pride ourselves on being owner operated and we are looking to continue to grow with demand. Our goal was to become the industry leader for what is a burgeoning new business line."

So what makes a successful lighting designer? Mr. Montarsolo believes two qualities are essential - technical knowledge combined with and a certain amount of artistic flair.

"It really depends on striking that perfect combination of creativity and common sense," he said.

"Technical know-how alone won't win and neither will gushing artistry.

"Fortunately, with the help of some rigorous lighting courses and a love of the outdoors, I believe we've been able to strike this important balance. And yes, we're also passionate about what we do."

Of course there are plenty of practical reasons for installing exterior lighting, such as security and safety. But perhaps more significantly, outdoor lighting creates another "room" on a property that can be enjoyed during the long winter nights.

"Bermudians do use gardens all year long but the problems start during daylight savings," Mr. Montarsolo said.

"All that money that you put into landscaping, driveways and plants is lost during the week when you come home from work in the dark.

A little subtle lighting gives your garden the value that it deserves - not only during the shorter days in the year but all year long.

"I think a lot of Bermudians are extremely house proud - they should be for the prices of them! Look at how beautiful our homes are with pastel colours and palm trees. What we are trying to do is to extend that beauty into the darker hours.

"With outdoor lighting, the exterior of our homes can become an extra room. It provides an opportunity to bring interior design and decor to your garden. With the right outdoor lighting, the winter night becomes a canvas, your garden a palette, shafts of light burst like brush strokes through the darkness."

Since it started up, Moonlighting has secured a number of commissions from some of the island's celebrity residents. The couple's most demanding job was the installation of 256 fixtures for a five-acre private residence on Longford Hill.

"The technology has always been there, it just hasn't been put into the hand of the consumers in a way that is user friendly," Mr. Montarsolo said.

"Also, trial and error has played a huge part in the evolution of practical outdoor lighting. Moonlighting uses CAST solid bronze lighting fixtures which are more robust and we also use marine grade wire and wiring techniques that have been developed to withstand the elements, which are pretty brutal in Bermuda."

But in these environmentally conscious times, is the use of outdoor lighting nothing more than a drain on valuable resources?

"The environment is important to us and consequently electricity consumption and light pollution are of great concern, Mr. Montarsolo said.

"We strive not to waste any of the light emitted from our fixtures - we are looking to create the perfect balance of lighting without overlighting or underlighting. Moonlighting also uses one of the most efficient lighting systems available. All of our systems are 12v systems using a state of the art transformer to reduce BELCO's 110 line voltage.

"Many of our fixtures are installed with a 20watt bulb and some with even 10watt bulbs. The difference between a few well placed low voltage lights and a 110volt 100watt flood light is incomparable. Low voltage lighting consumes about one third of the electricity of high voltage systems and is far less expensive to install."

For further information on Moonlighting, visit the company website at www.moonlighting.bm or call 799 7738.