Before the selection of modern medicines, soaking in the waters of a spring was all the therapy needed to remedy many ailments. Recognizing water’s healing power, homeowners have incorporated the element into the décor and landscapes of their homes for centuries. The west coast has been the forerunner of liquid design, but as of late, east coast residents have taken to the waters as well. Nationwide, homeowners are integrating this colorless, tasteless, odorless liquid into the home.

Water World
Media could be the culprit of increasing enthusiasm for water features. Popular home-design TV programs expose homeowners to the variety of options available. However, designers say interest also may have increased because of work burnout. John Vasiliou of John Vasiliou Landscape Design Ltd. notes that as homeowners spend more hours at the office, “designing safe-havens from the pressures and anxieties of those [work] environments is key to the composition of the home.”

Laurine Morrison Meyer, interior designer and author of Sacred Home: Creating Shelter for Your Soul, agrees that stresses have brought the healing element indoors. “The movement toward water features [is because water] creates a serene environment. “Water affects the senses in positive ways. It’s refreshing, it’s cooling to the touch, its sound calms and mutes commotions, and it’s visually mesmerizing. Says Vasiliou, “It affects the human psyche in a meditative way.”

Taking The Plunge
Before adding a water feature to your home, attention should be given to planning and design elements. Many decisions will be based on whether the home is being newly constructed or is an existing structure and if the water feature is for aesthetics or practicality. If the home is in the design phase, Delbert Adams of ILEX Construction & Woodworking recommends informing the architect and builder of the feature’s importance. “When the architect and builder work together
from the start, the result is a well thought-out, functional end product that accomplishes the client’s goals.”

On the other hand, Adams says, “retrofitting can be tricky.” According to Rick Bartel, owner of Autumn Mist Aquatics, since “some water features can be quite heavy,” structural capacity may be a limitation in an existing structure. Homeowners should also plan for the moisture and humidity that will be introduced into the home, as it may affect allergies or damage artwork, hardwood floors, and cabinetry. This reinforces the need to consult a qualified professional—these problems can be corrected with properly installed ventilation.

Also a DIY Network guest, Bartel suggests speaking with a professional even if you decide to undertake this project alone. Most shops where you’ll purchase products have trained staff to
assist you with your selection and installation directions.He also suggests checking your TV listings for a do-it-yourself program that may offer step-by-step advice. However, Vasiliou recommends hiring professionals to handle the project from start to finish, since interior water features may require the services of a stone mason, plumber, electrician, tile setter, carpenter, or structural engineer.

Test the Waters
Whether you are an enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer or pledge your allegiance to the experts, options abound for at-home water features. The type of feature added is usually determined by
function and décor. Meyer says the home’s architecture, furnishings, and owner’s style all dictate the water feature chosen. “For example, a very contemporary home might incorporate a sleek water wall rather than a more rustic, rock-filled waterfall or Mediterranean style fountain.”

Adams has also seen clients incorporate water for function to maximize its therapeutic effects. ILEX Construction has built indoor lap pools for exercise purposes as well as custom spas
modeled after European designs.

The Shallow End
Choices for water additions range from miniature to colossal. On the small end, try a simple fish tank or aquarium. “Water can also be incorporated into our homes with the use of symbols, colors, and attributes,” suggests Meyer. Wavy shapes, cool hues, tile, and décor elements all symbolize the tranquility of water without using liquid. According to Meyer, pictures of bodies of water and nature CDs will also bring water indoors.

For small water additions, an expert usually isn’t needed. Companies such as Frontgate, HoMedics, and a host of others provide hanging and freestanding waterfalls that may require nothing more than water, an electrical socket, and a few inches of space.

The Deep End
“Imagination is the only limit to a water feature application,” says Bartel. Larger options include waterfalls, freestanding water sculptures, rain curtains, interior fishponds, babbling indoor
brooks, and spas. Small choices can explode into monstrous structures, such as the two-story circular aquarium that Adams built for a home renovation. “The aquarium was built independently of the renovation and dropped in through the roof of the house. It is a beautiful focal point within the home.” Exotic fish, researched for compatibility, fill the tank. “It is an awesome sight, particularly when lit.”

Soak, Don’t Sulk
To ensure satisfaction with your water feature, be sure to examine what you are up against. While pricing can be as low as $100 for a small table or wall fountain, Bartel says, “a full-scale, sand beach complete with lagoon and tropical waterfall can range as high as $100,000.”
His indoor water feature projects typically average around $1,000 to $6,000.

Installation time varies with the size of the project, but be prepared for at least one day and possibly up to a few weeks or months for a large install including proper pumping and filtration equipment for low maintenance. Bartel says many homeowners try to save money on the mechanical equipment, “only to regret it later.”He advises owners to install quality maintenance equipment. “A water feature is meant to be enjoyed—you don’t want to come home after a hectic day and have to clean your filters and pumps.”

Vasiliou says maintenance “can often be similar to that of a swimming pool. There may be chemical additives to reduce/eliminate algae and a complete change of water should be considered on an annual basis.”

With the proper planning, water can flow into, through, and around the home, providing residents with a private spa oasis.