We Love Water

Water is an interesting element.  It is fluid.  It flows.  It moves.  It takes the shape of its container.  It can be loud.  It can be quiet.  It trickles.

As humans, we have an intrinsic need for water, both emotionally and aesthetically.  Because of this we incorporate water into our lives.  The sounds of water are relaxing and calming.  Watching water flow creates visual interest and also brings a sense of calm.

Water is in our environment in two ways.  The first is as a natural element.  The second is a man-made element.  The following are some ways we love to use water:

Rivers, Lakes and Oceans

French Broad River in NC

Our landscape naturally incorporates rivers, streams, lakes and oceans.  Emotionally, just being near them and listening to the sound of water helps us relax and rejuvenate ourselves.  They create locations where we love to sit and think or spend time with friends and family.  Each of these bodies of water can also be used recreationally.  Fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, white water rafting and boating are some of the ways we enjoy large bodies of water.

Outer Banks, NC

 

Fountains

Residential fountain

The use of fountains in landscaping is one way to bring a visual and auditory experience to your home, office, city center, etc.  On a small scale you can create a hidden focal point in your garden or an accent to your outdoor living.  Large plaza fountains create a sense of place and are a destination where you meet friends, eat lunch or enjoy their detail and beauty.  People naturally gravitate to fountains.

Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

Swimming Pools

Swimming pool

Swimming pools bring recreation home on a personal level.  Being able to go in your backyard to swim and play is appealing and fun.
Some pools have a dual purpose and are also built for beauty.  They have clean lines and lush landscaping.  Others include water sprays and fountains to delight our senses. Listening to and watching water glide through the air creates a calming and relaxing experience.

Pool with water sprays

 

Waterfalls

Waterfall

There is a natural beauty to waterfalls.  Seldom seen everyday, the anticipation of visiting a waterfall engages our senses while creating a thrilling adventure.  The sounds of water falling combined with the cascading water is a breathtaking experience to look forward to.

Mingo Falls, Cherokee, NC

Water is one of those things in life that we truly love.  Whether for recreational use or its psychological effects on our senses, most people have a desire to be near water. The sound of moving water is relaxing.  Water also brings visual interest and creates a sense of calm.  Finding a way to incorporate water into our environment brings anticipation and excitement in our lives.

We at Southern Cottages are lucky to live on the Atlantic coast and enjoy the beach regularly.  A few of us also have swimming pools in our backyards.  As you can also see from the pictures in this post, we are privileged to have rivers, lakes and waterfalls nearby in our state, too.  We love water!

Let us help you incorporate a water feature in your design project at www.mcleodarchitect.com.  Or view our architect designed house plans at www.southerncottages.com.