The owners of this Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, residence chose hardscape for their patio to complement a new pool and raised hot tub in their backyard, expanding and improving the usable outdoor living space. Ninety percent of respondents to a 2013 ASLA survey on future landscaping trends said they expect demand to increase for residential water features.

Year after year, homeowners add outdoor living spaces for entertaining and recreation on their properties. Embellishments like fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor kitchens and seating and dining areas not only provide an increase in usable space on the property, they also add to the property's appeal and resale value.

A great way to further "soften" an outdoor living space is by adding a decorative or ornamental water feature. Many options are available, from freestanding ornamental fountains to fully incorporated, custom-built waterfalls and ponds.

Pavers with similar color blends were installed adjacent to this custom-built residential waterfall to incorporate both neatly into the backyard design. A unique, pondless "weeping rock" feature was installed over Eco-Venetian permeable pavers to absorb the runoff.

According to the "2013 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends" survey from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), about 90 percent of respondents predict increased demand for decorative water elements. Whether a new project space allows for a small self-contained fountain or a custom designed, fully incorporated water feature, landscape designers and homeowners should set out to"?(R)? Create a Unique Landscape: With the endless options available, new water features can be truly unique to each project. Using natural and/or manufactured elements, designing and creating a custom-fitting water feature will complement any commercial or residential installation.

This custom residential project in Canton, Georgia, included 2,400 square feet of various paver styles from Pavestone, including Anchor Highland, Anchor Diamond Pro and Venetian stones. Hidden Valley Landscapes installed 800 face feet of retaining and seat walls in Harvest blend in addition to the pavers, as well as amenities like an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, landscape lighting and plantings.

Encourage Relaxation: The sensory stimulus a moving water feature can provide should not be underestimated. The sound of water babbling over a falls or flowing through a backyard pond can provide a welcome respite from the outside world that is harder to find in a typical, turfgrass-laden space.

Form a Gathering Place: Given the tranquility a water feature can provide, the area around a new fountain is likely to become a de facto "kitchen" when entertaining family and friends. Guests will gather around the feature to enjoy the sights and sounds that can only be created by moving water. The water feature will quickly become a focal point of the landscape.

This pondless basalt rock water feature draws visitors in at a commercial irrigation supply house. Eco-Venetian permeable pavers also surround this feature, eliminating the need for additional water retention or drainage.

Require Little Maintenance: Unlike swimming pools, ornamental or decorative water features require very little upkeep. Small fountains, cascading waterfalls and many other pondless water features continually circulate water, limiting the ability of bacteria to grow. Pondless water features are also a great choice when potential hazards or liabilities are a consideration, such as for families with young children. Pondless water features eliminate many safety concerns without sacrificing the aesthetic value of a fountain or "weeping rock".

Property Valuation: Many potential property buyers look for an established and comfortable landscape prior to a purchase. Water features add value and visual interest. A well-designed and maintained landscape may increase the value of a real estate transaction by up to 20 percent.

Creating commercial water features typically requires extensive hardscaping for pedestrian or gathering spaces. Rectangular plaza stone pavers in a Panhandle blend were laid in a herringbone pattern at Oklahoma City's Harkins Theatre, providing colorful contrasts for the central fountain.

Wildlife Attraction: The addition of a water feature will also encourage local wildlife to your property. Native wildlife, such as birds or frogs, can provide additional scenery and sound effects that establishes a fountain or pond within a natural, organic setting.

Incorporating permeable pavers into any landscaping project will pay dividends due to the water infiltration techniques the pavers provide – the absorption process treats potential pollutants in stormwater runoff, and flood events are less likely, as water runs through the pavers and back into the ground. Maintaining a pondless water feature creates very little liability for property owners with permeable or porous surfacing, as the water infiltrates through and below the permeable pavers. Offering unique water feature elements, pondless or otherwise, also creates additional marketing and "branding" opportunities for landscape designers that wish to expand their repertoire.

Water features offer endless prospects for landscape designers to create a unique feature for any property. The addition of moving water stimulates the senses and can create a one of a kind focal point. Imagination is the only limitation when adding a water feature to an outdoor project.