If it’s time to spruce up your outdoor living room, water features add a touch of serenity to the scene. As the sound of the water envelops you, it’s easy to let go of stress and strife and allow yourself to relax completely. There’s just something about the sound of moving water that mesmerizes many inducing a sense of tranquility that’s hard to match. And in today’s crazy world, a little tranquility can go a long way toward keeping our heads in the game.
Indoor water features can be found in many styles so you’re sure to find one… or more… that fit your style and budget too. You could place several small water features throughout the room to heighten the effect.
We’ve got a quick rundown to get your creative thoughts flowing freely—you caught the drift there, right?
Water fountains
Water fountains send water through a tubing system up to the top of the fountain to cascade down into a basin where it continually recycles itself.
Tabletop fountains create the effect you’re looking for—that glorious trickling sound of running water—without taking up much space. Of course, if you’ve got a large space to fill, they can be found in every shape and size.
Go tribal
Tribal designs are trending. Designs range from totem poles to native figures in various poses.
Large fountains can be installed indoors as well. You can purchase one in which the recycling system is fully self-contained. But if you plan to go all out, tubing systems can be run under flooring or camouflaged in or along walls.
Create a Zen zone
Zen is a Japanese teaching of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the value of meditation and intuition. It teaches followers to find a path of direct experience and become aware of ultimate reality. You don’t have to dive into the depths of this philosophy to enjoy the serenity of style that accompanies the teaching.
Zen water features are meant to create a calm, harmonious environment. Outdoor Koi ponds are often associated with this design style. The ponds are usually stocked with colorful fish that symbolize tranquility and good fortune. Of course, Koi ponds can work indoors as well if space permits.
However, indoor water features are Zen-able too, of course. In fact, if you’re artsy you may decide to gather some stones and tubing and dive in on your own!
Popular Zen water features include:
- Bamboo fountains make a soothing sound as the water passes over the reeds stirring them to move slightly adding to the visual aesthetics.
- Stone water basins were originally intended to provide water for washing and drinking, however, they make a stunning focal point too.
- Indoor water passageways are pools that connect to different areas of your room. Some homeowners create passageways that continue throughout their homes.
- Water curtains or walls
- Tabletop fountains of oriental design
- Indoor Zen fireplaces combine a fireplace and an aquarium creating a beautiful fire and water contrast.
- Water bubblers provide both visual and audible benefits.
Placing your water features near windows to reflect natural light enhances the Zen effect.
Water gardens
If you’re going for a tropical design, we’ve certainly got the weather for it! You can easily install a small water garden in your outdoor living room. Corner spots work nicely. Fill it with tropical plants, a bit of LED lighting, and cascading water features.
The result is sure to be sensational.
Glass water walls
Water walls create a dramatic visual effect. Install them in the center of the room if possible. It allows people to enjoy them from all vantage points. If you’re an experienced do-it-yourself (DIY) contractor, designing and installing your water wall isn’t out of the question. How-to videos abound on the tube for projects such as this.
Picture this, too
If you’re redesigning your entire outdoor living area and it’s time to consider rescreening your enclosure, you might want to consider using our customization feature. Using digital imagery, we print your choices directly onto your screens. We print your design using dyes treated with added ultraviolet (UV) protection so the images remain vibrant for years.
Our team works quickly to provide you with a backyard getaway that may well be the envy of your neighborhood. Imagine being surrounded by lush vegetation, a beach scene, or a stunning waterfall… any of which would go beautifully with your new tabletop water fountains.
Just saying.
If you haven’t enclosed your outdoor area yet, maybe now is the time. Mesh screen enclosures are the perfect choice. Glass enclosures require installing ventilation systems that can add thousands to your budget, but can you imagine how the temperatures would soar inside if you didn’t? Yikes!
They provide year-round benefits that include:
- Added privacy
- Create a bug-free barrier—even noseeums aren’t breaking through
- Level of UV protection
- Safe space for kids and pets to get some sunshine and fresh air
- Free airflow so you catch every breeze
If you’re curious about the cost, reach out. Let us know the dimensions and we can shoot you a ballpark figure over the phone. However, we’d be glad to come out and give you a free estimate and answer any questions you may have regarding the build or design.
Can’t beat a relaxing atmosphere
Adding water features to your design will certainly enhance the sensations of tranquility and serenity. Something we can all take advantage of in these days and times. However you decide to decorate your outdoor living space, it’s sure to be the perfect choice for you and your family.
Creating a comfortable environment for your family is what’s truly important because time moves fast. Spending it together is how you create treasured memories that last a lifetime. We hope you wind up with millions of them.