15 Patio Fountains That Ooze Tranquility
Forget the pool. I’ll take a fountain, please.
'Tis the season for outdoor improvements, and if you're anything like me, you're looking for a small-scale installation that makes a large-scale impact. When it comes to an outdoor space, nothing compares to the wow-factor of a water feature. The soothing sounds can completely transform your atmosphere, and a trendy style can completely transform your design. I personally love a good fountain — they can be simple or elaborate, budget-friendly or totally extravagant. I've rounded up 15 of my favorites for inspiration. Scroll through, and see what you think.
1: Modern Stone
Hayneedle
Weather-resistant stone resin makes this three-tiered fountain a practical choice for an uncovered patio.
2: Terra-Cotta Triplet
Dual Courtyard Fountains
After passing through the courtyard doors, you are welcomed by dual fountain features that frame the walkway and provide a tranquil feeling upon entry into this private space. Finding the right glass waterline tile for fountain and spa was difficult since we wanted it to be complementary to the antique brick and terra cotta paving colors, but the Bamboo Blend (Weave Series from Walker Zanger) provide the right balance of color, while also providing enough of a highlight.
Photo by: Jeri Koegel
Jeri Koegel
Three terra-cotta fountains coordinate beautifully with the Mediterranean style of this courtyard designed by Drew Sivgals.
3: Ice Blue
Klopf Architecture, www.klopfarchitecture.com
Klopf Architecture chose a watery ice-blue hue for this tile fountain, playing up the soothing qualities of the water feature.
4: Simple Elegance
White and Wood Modern Exterior With Fountain
A mix of materials—stone pavers, wood and glass—make up the exterior of this refined modern home. In the center of the front courtyard sits a simple, elegant fountain.
Photo by: Dan Piassick
Dan Piassick
Sometimes simplicity is best. M. Barnes & Co. opted for a small, clean-lined fountain to accent this sleek, modern home.
5: Climbing Foliage
Photo Credit: Mary Palmer Dargan
Lush ivy trails up this gorgeous stone fountain, making the structure blend effortlessly with the rest of the landscape design.
6: A Touch of Nature
This earthy stone fountain spills into a bed of river rock, adding a natural touch to the contemporary patio.
7: Old World Charm
Mediterranean Courtyard with Old World Fountain
An Old World fountain mounted on the wall of this kitchen courtyard calls to mind a Spanish estate. Concrete pavers add cobbled texture and nuanced color to the Mediterranean-style patio. A pair of potted olive trees flank the fountain.
©Scripps Networks, LLC
Scripps Networks, LLC
An Old World-style fountain pairs with potted olive trees to make this Mediterranean patio feel like an old Spanish estate.
8: Stacked Stone Stunner
Thanks to its interesting shape and substantial height, this fountain serves as a focal point, helping to round out the landscape design.
9: Urban Zen
Modern Urban Flowing Fountain Feature
Zen like and modern, this flowing fountain is a unique and soothing feature to be added to this outdoor urban retreat designed by Iverson Signature Homes.
Photo by: KuDa Photography 2015
KuDa Photography 2015
Fountains aren’t just for sprawling backyards. Here, Iverson Signature Homes designed an outdoor retreat with a streamlined fountain for an urban residence.
10: Brilliant Backdrop
Spanish-Inspired Courtyard With Classic Fountain
Bright blue tile make a striking backdrop and add a burst of color to this cozy, beautiful outdoor space. The Spanish-inspired water fountain creates a soothing ambiance for the elegant courtyard.
Photo by: Dan Piassick, Piassick Photo
Dan Piassick, Piassick Photo
Though this Spanish-inspired fountain is beautiful in its own right, the bold blue tile backdrop helps the water feature pop.
11: Industrial Vibes
Warwick P Hunt
Designed by Studio H Landscape Architecture, this intriguing fountain features water flowing from an industrial, cage-like structure filled with natural stones.
12: Instant Ambiance
This large, smooth stone softly spews water, creating a calm, soothing atmosphere.
13: Stylish Color
This gorgeous blue fountain adds a trendy burst of color to a romantic courtyard.
14: Balancing Act
Round River Stones in Patio Fountain Encourage Interaction
A fountain composed of round river stones serves as the centerpiece to this serene patio. The stacked stones create a visual balance, but they can be adjusted to the homeowner's preferences. Changing the stone pattern also creates different sounds with the water, thus encouraging the homeowner to interact with his or her environment.
Photo by: Colin Conces Photography
Colin Conces Photography
Designed by Sun Valley Landscaping, this river stone fountain is adjustable. Moving the stones generates different sounds with the water, allowing the homeowner to create a unique experience.
15: Effortless Integration
Modern Terrace With Stacked Stone Water Fountain
A stacked stone water fountain is the focal point in this backyard garden. Below, large pavers surround a small pond leading to an elevated terrace. The multi-level yard allows for fun and intriguing travel through the lush landscaping.
Photo by: Sage Design Studios, Inc.
Sage Design Studios, Inc.
Sage Design Studios integrated this stacked stone fountain into the hardscape design, ensuring it flowed effortlessly with the patio’s elevations.
DIY It: Build a Waterfall Garden Fountain
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