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, artistic Gardens
A koi pond helps delineate this leafy Toronto backyard’s two entertaining zones. Be sure to install a pond with deep walls so that animals (like raccoons) don’t reach in and grab the koi.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: house & home August 2013
Designer: Terry Ryan, Cubic yard Design
The owners of this shady backyard updated their pergola with a waterfall feature that drips down with a rain-like effect.
Source: Castanes architects
Designer: Castanes architects
To create a relaxing retreat in this urban backyard, landscape designers Meredyth and Brad Hilton of artistic gardens created a pond feature with a small fountain (not visible) to reduce the din of traffic. When a more generous entertaining space is needed, the cabana’s accordion doors easily fold to the side.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: house & home July 2013
Designer: Meredyth and Brad Hilton, artistic Gardens
This dipping pool acts as a simple divider between the patio and lawn, and a sophisticated system that recirculates the water means the feature is eco-friendly, too.
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Source: house & home may 2009
Designer: Janna Levitt, Levitt Goodman Architects
A classic circular fountain is the piece de résistance in this formal garden, lending visual appeal to a conservatory entrance. Potted boxwoods are a simple but sophisticated addition.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: house & home may 2013