Warmer weather is back, meaning it’s time to sit outside with your favourite beverage and relax. However, if your mind starts to wander in the direction of improving the view, know that few things can top adding some water features to it.
If you’re about to turn your modern outdoor space into a lush oasis this summer or just want to add some visual interest to it, then this is for you. Water features, either alone or paired with other elements, can add charm, beauty and tranquillity to your home’s exterior.
Without further ado, let’s give you some initial ideas on how to do just that below.
Contemporary Fountains
Today’s homes use mostly minimalistic water features. Minimalism complements a modern landscape design perfectly and contemporary fountains should employ clean lines and geometric shapes.
Moreover, opting for durable materials or concrete is prudent, too. Just remember to place them strategically as focal points. Furthermore, you can also integrate them into seating areas or garden beds. This will increase visual interest and enrich the landscape immensely.
Reflective Pools
A beautiful and visually stimulating option. These water features have mirror-like surfaces which reflect the surrounding architecture and nature, adding a sense of calm and serenity to your landscape. Pair it with a few strategically placed fire bowls around it, and think about how beautiful the view would look on a cloudless, starry summer night.
Alternatively, incorporate infinity edge designs or black-bottom pools for a modern twist. Moreover, add sleek paving stones, minimalist plantings, or why not even some sculptural elements.
Linear Water Features
This option is ideal for modern landscapes. Think rills or narrow pools, which, with their clean lines and architectural elements, will add a contemporary touch to your place. Integrate linear water features with walkways, walls, or outdoor living spaces.
To create cascading waterfalls or linear channels, opt for durable materials such as glass, stainless steel, or polished concrete. Furthermore, consider adding LED lighting or bubblers to enhance the visual interest and ambience.
Modern Pondless Waterfalls
These clever contraptions give you the traditional beauty of a waterfall without the need for a standing body of water. They do this by using a recirculating pump working in synch with a hidden reservoir.
Better yet, modern pondless waterfalls are ideal for small spaces or backyards. Create cascades using stacked stone or concrete blocks, with the addition of boulders and driftwood for a contemporary look.
Furthermore, you get to experience the soothing sound of flowing water whenever you please. And all that without the need to spend a fortune on a traditional pond. This makes modern pondless waterfalls a great, low-maintenance option, designed with care for the environment, well worth considering.
Architectural Water Walls
Another interesting feature for your landscape, although a bit costly. Conversely, they add quite a lot to modern landscape designs, with their sleek water features consisting of stacked panels or sheets of glass, metal, or stone.
People use them as focal points or private screens but also to partition their outdoor space, thus creating an area of intimacy and enclosure.
Furthermore, enhance architectural water walls with integrated LED lighting, textured surfaces or etched designs. That will make them stand out and have an enhanced visual impact on the beholder.
Floating Pool Decks
Another innovative feature which might peak your interest. Floating pool decks essentially blur the lines between land and water. This ensures essentially a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
These contraptions offer a sleek and modern alternative to their traditional floating counterparts. Enhance their design with minimalist seating or some fire features and planters.
Lastly, these water features are ideal for modern landscapes with clean lines and open spaces. Moreover, consider them if you’re focused on outdoor living and entertainment, and you’ll pretty much get your money’s worth.
Minimalist Rain Gardens
This is another eco-friendly option, much like the modern pondless waterfall. It captures and filters the rainwater runoff, thus adding beauty and biodiversity to modern landscapes. It also helps mitigate the effects of stormwater, such as soil erosion and flooding.
At its core, minimalist rain gardens are essentially shallow, depressional gardens. Plant native grasses or perennials and shrubs, just make sure that all of your picks thrive in wet conditions.
Define the edges with materials such as permeable pavers, gravel, or river rock. This will aid rainwater infiltration as well, which is essential to prevent runoff and the havoc it wrecks.
Additionally, their second ecological function is that they provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife. All this makes them a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing option for modern landscapes.
Bird Bath
Lastly, if you’re a fan of birds or wildlife in general, then this can be a great addition to your landscape. Bird baths do exactly what the name suggests – they attract the flying creatures to your domain so you can enjoy their songs and company.
Furthermore, this will attract pollinators, too, so if you’re into butterfly gardening, prepare for the dazzling sight of many more species to come.
Overall, you can do much help to these winged creatures, but also other wildlife as well. After all, everything in the ecosystem is connected. Moreover, if you have a nice seating area, you can enjoy the sight of them as well whenever you please.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a primer on which water features are an ideal addition to a modern landscape. Remember that these are just some of the features that you can choose from. In the end, we hope these picks at least offered you some sort of hint at what well-selected water features can do for your landscape.
Lastly, consider contacting landscape professionals to help with any design recommendations and expert installation. Their tools and knowledge will ensure everything will be ready in no time, which leaves plenty of time to enjoy the summer with your family and friends.
Have the best of luck and enjoy your soon-to-be stunning landscape, all thanks to the awesome power of water!
