A water feature is a refreshing addition to any outdoor space, whether it’s deep enough for a dip or not. If a pool isn’t in the picture, there are plenty of other ways to make a splash in your backyard. From traditional waterfalls to serene ponds and vintage fountains, find 14 stunning ideas below.
Surrounded by tropical plants and trees, this striking tiered waterfall feature creates a natural gathering point in this Dominican Republic vacation home.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: house & home may 2012
Designer: Monica and Michael Belcourt
Designer Theresa Casey wanted this vintage planter to be the centerpiece of her backyard, but felt it was lacking that certain something. To give it the wow factor she craved, she retrofitted it with a hose, thus transforming it into an elegant fountain.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: house & home may 2014
Designer: Theresa Casey
A water feature separates the dining and lounging areas in this urban space. Concrete stepping squares keep movement between the two areas easy.
Source: Huetll Landscape Architecture
Designer: Huetll Landscape Architecture
An outdoor shower (left) helps prevent dirt from entering the house. install UV-resistant glass and grow high hedges for privacy, like this family did at their palm Springs home.
Photographer: Janis Nicolay
Source: house & home August 2014
Designer: Sarah and Murray Bancroft
For a less-maintenance alternative to a pool, opt for a pond. In her own home, designer Bobbie Burgers installed a shallow pond that brings nature right to her doorstep.
Photographer: Kim Christie
Source: house & home may 2015
Designer: Bobbie Burgers
These homeowners wanted their outdoor oasis to have an Asian-inspired influence. A sophisticated waterfall adds an element of softness to a larger stone feature, while plant choices like bamboo, Japanese maple and mondo grass give the space its desired eastern feel.
Source: Rolling stone Landscapes
Designer: Rolling stone Landscapes
Though pale grey clapboard and black-painted french doors make this detached garage handsome in its own right, it’s the traditional square-shaped pond that gives the outdoor space a dreamy feel.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: house & home may 2014
Designer: Christine Ralphs and Michelle Lloyd Bermann, Lloyd Ralphs Design
Nestled alongside towering trees, lush plants and colorful blooms, a long pond gives this backyard a sense of completeness.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: house & home may 2013
Situated in the middle of this rooftop terrace, a fountain takes the traditional place of a table. The black granite surround gives the feature a contemporary edge and offers a spot to set down drinks.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: house & home may 2011
Designer: Meredyth Hilton, jardines artísticos
Un estanque de koi ayuda a delinear las dos zonas entretenidas del frondoso trasero de Toronto. Asegúrese de instalar un estanque con paredes profundas para que los animales (como los mapaches) no lleguen y tomen el koi.
Fotógrafo: Virginia MacDonald
Fuente: House & Home Agosto de 2013
Diseñador: Terry Ryan, diseño de patio cúbico
Los propietarios de este patio trasero sombreado actualizaron su pérgola con una característica de cascada que gotea con un efecto de lluvia.
Fuente: Castanes Architects
Diseñador: Castanes Architects
Para crear un retiro relajante en este patio trasero urbano, los diseñadores de paisajes Meredyth y Brad Hilton de los jardines artísticos crearon una característica de estanque con una pequeña fuente (no visible) para reducir el estruendo del tráfico. Cuando se necesita un espacio de entretenimiento más generoso, las puertas de acordeón de la cabaña se pliegan fácilmente a un lado.
Fotógrafo: Virginia MacDonald
Fuente: House & Home Julio de 2013
Diseñador: Meredyth y Brad Hilton, jardines artísticos
Esta piscina de inmersión actúa como un divisor simple entre el patio y el césped, y un sistema sofisticado que recircula el agua significa que la característica también es ecológica.
Fotógrafo: Stacey Brandford
Fuente: House & Home May 2009
Diseñadora: Janna Levitt, Levitt Goodman Architects
Una fuente circular clásica es la pieza de resistencia en este jardín formal, prestando atractivo visual a una entrada del conservatorio. Los boj en macetas son una adición simple pero sofisticada.
Fotógrafo: Michael Graydon
Fuente: House & Home May 2013