An apparatus and method allow end users to interactively create complex lighting patterns by remote control. Applications include decorative lighting, landscape lighting, signage, or advertising platforms. A lighting control system is equipped with sensors that receive remote control signals from a variety of different sources, and route the control signals to modulate receptacles coupled to different lighting circuits, thereby independently controlling multiple light arrays to achieve separate light patterns, or to coordinate different lighting effects. The control signals independently energize localized groups of lamps to provide enhanced lighting effects, while using significantly less wire material. Interactive remote control is provided via a mobile computing device such as a smart phone running a customized program. In one embodiment, the remote control device communicates selections to a Bluetooth®-equipped speaker to produce sound-controlled lighting effects.