Modern Water Feature

Modern Water Feature A water feature is a great way to add value to a lawn, while enhancing your outdoor experience with plants that are beautiful and the sound of trickling water. This water feature has a modern, industrial spin with the addition of an elevated galvanized bucket.



You Will Need Preformed pond liner or big black plastic bin out of home improvement center (we used one from the concrete supplies segment that was less than $15) / a level / drama sand / one 3/4-inch x 10-inch galvanized pipe / one 3/4-inch x 6-inch galvanized pipe / one 3/4-inch galvanized connector / one 3/4-inch galvanized T / 1 3/4-inch galvanized floor flange / one 3/4-inch close inch / timber screws / galvanized bucket / drill plus 1 1/8-inch drill bit / pliers (optional) / concrete / rebar / painter's tape / 6-inch x 12-inch pressure-treated timber / fountain pump / pump tubing / scissors or utility knife / spraying fountain head / water-tolerant plant or aquatic pond plant (we used horsetail grass) / grassy plants / other low-growing plants for comparison / dirt / rocks for landscaping the pond (we used flagstone)



Plan Out Your Water Feature Draw out your general design, without worrying too much about your artistic ability. The drawing is for your eyes only and simply used to assist you determine the general layout and also to plan purchases. Next, list the items you will need and make sure they fit in your budget. If you want your water feature to be seen, be sure that you put it in a prominent place where it stands out among neighboring landscaping. You can also think about setting it apart somehow by outlining it with landscaping stones or building a route that leads to it. Recall that water is often tempting to small children, so make sure they are always supervised when playing near your water feature. Also make sure your water feature is fenced-in and not accessible to passerby and inquisitive children who may want to explore unsupervised.



Choosing a Pump There are a variety of pumps available. Pick one that will pump enough water for your project. For a small water place, a 120-gallon-per-hour pump should be sufficient. Consider one with spraying attachments included or readily attainable.



Choosing Rocks and Stones The rocks are an important part of the design and critical around the pond edge to disguise the top of this black basin. We selected flagstone to cover the edge, but you could use another selection. Have enough and incorporate the rocks or rock into the surrounding landscaping to put in a natural component.



Choosing Plants We chose grassy plants to perform up the rebar and solidify the plan idea. Choose plants which are to your liking. Many who make water features like the notion of including plants. There are some terrific varieties to select from, but remember that incorporating aquatic plants into the pond could require you to wash it more often.



Prepare the Area After you've chosen your place, be sure that it is safe to dig. Not only are you going to have to dig out the place at which the basin will lay, however you will need a trench to hide the power cable. If possible, plan your water feature near a patio or deck so an outlet will be nearby. This will also permit the relaxing sound of the water feature to be heard from places you will almost certainly be.



Create an Outline Whenever you're ready to dig, flip the pouch upside down and place it in the desirable location. Mark the outline with a hose, rope, powdered chalk or flour.



Start Digging Remove the basin and dig the spot deep enough for the basin to sit down comfortably. It ought to be the thickness of your own bowl or preformed pond, and only a bit more. Don't be worried if it's a touch too deep--you will fill in any gaps with all the displaced dirt. Make sure you keep it as level as you can.



Make Sure It's Level Turn the basin or preformed pond into the hole and check that it is level.



Insert Play Sand Determine where adjustments are necessary, eliminate basin and apply a coating of play sand.



Make Adjustments and Fill In Add additional sand where the alterations are required and level the surface. Re-install the basin or preformed pond and then check for levelness again. Make any additional adjustments with sand as necessary. Fill in any gaps with homeless soil and pack closely.



Create the Bucket Fountain Drill a hole in the base of the galvanized bucket with a 1 1/8-inch drill bit (ours is slightly off centre to accommodate the plant container we used). If it rips up the bottom a bit, simply break off the ragged pieces with a set of pliers.



Attach the Pipe Attach the 6-inch pipe to the 10-inch pipe utilizing the connector. Insert the pipe into pit with the 10-inch tubing and connector on the surface of the bucket.



Secure With Duct Tape Use duct tape (you're remove it later) to fasten the connector firmly to the bottom of the bucket.



Produce a Stand Set the bucket and pipe something which will allow the pipe to hang freely along with the bucket to be level.



Mix Concrete Mix up enough concrete to fill about 3 inches at the bottom of the bucket.



Add Concrete to Bucket Add the concrete to the bucket and add rebar into the cement at varying heights and angles.



Secure Rebar Use painter's tape to fasten them in place while the concrete hardens. After the concrete has hardened, remove the painter's tape and the duct tape.



Create a Base for your Bucket Attach the ground flange into the piece of wood with wood screws.



Making the Base Insert the close nipple into the floor flange.



Insert Vacuum Tubing Insert flexible pump tubing to the side part of this galvanized T and via one of the other openings.  



Adding the Tubing The tube should be approximately 18 inches long plus the length required from the fountain to the pump. Continue feeding the tube through the tube at the galvanized bucket till it comes out of the top of this 6-inch pipe.



Attach the Base into the Bucket Twist the galvanized T on the bottom of the 10-inch pipe and connect the opposite end of the T to the close nipple and floor flange.



Fill the Basin and Test Fill the basin with water and submerge the fountain base. Put a couple of thick stones on the timber base for stability. Connect the flexible tubing into the pump and submerge the pump. Insert the spraying jar head to the tube within the bucket. Fill the bucket with water and then test the pump to be sure it works.



Finishing Touches The accession of stones gives your water feature a natural appearance. Use them to include height in regions that require it and to disguise the border of your own bowl or preformed pond liner. Cover the entire area with top soil. Fill in and lightly package where necessary. Fill in the trench, burying the power cable.



Landscape the Area That is where things get interesting. The best way to decorate and design your water feature region is a private choice, obviously. To make this look, We've taken a more environmentally friendly and sculptural approach.     Place the water plant you have selected into the bucket (if using horsetail grass, leave the plant in its container). Add plants round the water area. Use mounds of soil of varying heights to generate interest. Choose a couple varieties of plant life that comparison concerning texture, shape and size. Recall that water can be tempting to little children, so be certain that they are always supervised when playing close to your water feature. Also make sure that your water feature is fenced-in and not accessible to passerby and curious kids who may want to explore unsupervised.

Ocean-Blue Accents

Ocean-Blue Accents A large candle chandelier is the middle of focus in this Nantucket-style kitchen and dining room. Candles, starfish accessories and a rustic dining table produce a really coastal-inspired space. To continue with the coastal layout, designer Bruce Palmer incorporated an ocean-blue colour palette from the dining seats through the kitchen backsplash. Hardwood flooring is a lighthearted and attractive approach to the design. Construction by Dewson Construction; architecture by Olivieri, Shousky & Kiss Architects; photography by John Jenkins



Sailboat Sculpture A sailboat sculpture sits on top of a weathered dresser, which signifies the sea, along with an abstract painting of a pond adds the sole source of color. RMS consumer waterlover kept everything to a minimal for a simple, relaxed look.



Breezy Eating Nook A blue colour palette gives the sense of a sea breeze in this dining room. Seahorse art, made of beadboard, brings a nautical touch, while the curves of the table legs mimic ocean waves. Layout by Lynn Morgan



Mix and Match Furniture Designer Anisa Darnell mixed metal with mirrored timber to make an informal appearance, much like a relaxed day on the beach. The variety of chairs adds a visual aesthetic, while the neutral colour palette ties them all together. Photography by Jennifer Kesler



Lighthearted Kitchen Wicker baskets and plants bring life to the kitchen made by Layla Palmer. A beadboard backsplash evokes a casual appearance to the area, and classic hanging planters represent the weathered appearance often associated with coastal layout.



Beach Glass and Wood Features Glass-front cabinets make this kitchen feel more open since it reflects natural lighting. The look of the kitchen peninsula is a natural component often associated with style. Designer Sarah Richardson chose a lighter timber to the ceiling to keep the open appearance.



Refreshing and Inviting A modern farmhouse sink, mixed with modern furnishings, brings a lighthearted touch to this small kitchen designed by Regan Baker. A white colour palette and spacious shelving keep things light and refreshing, and also a custom Roman shade joins in turquoise accents found throughout the home.



Bright Breakfast Nook A birdcage chandelier gives the waterfowl nod. Bamboo chairs along with a good mahogany table bring natural touches, even though a blue cotton area rug and sheer white draperies refresh the area.



Abundance of Natural Light An open floor plan, reminiscent of this ocean, is an integral part in layout that is coastal. Designer Bruce Palmer took good advantage of the abundance of windows by simply keeping the walls white to reflect more light. Wood furniture and accents bring natural components to the room, and a glass bubble chandelier represents the water and easily connects the kitchen to the adjacent living space. Structure by Dewson Construction; design by Barnardon Haber Holloway; photography with John Jenkins



Inviting Dining Space Natural components and a neutral colour palette encircle this open dining room. Textured furniture and walls epitomize a sandy beach while providing the feeling of a lived-in space. A capiz shell chandelier completes the coastal design. Layout by Lisa Sherry



Casual, Open Floor Plan The rattan furniture within this neutral dining room instantly transforms the space to a casual spot to dine with family members and friends. Two carriage lights and white orchids bring warmth to the space, and wainscoting adds texture for a beachy feel. Regan Baker Design



Casual Dining Room The rattan furniture within this dining room instantly transforms the space to a casual place to dine with family members and friends. Two carriage lights and white sands bring warmth to the room, and wainscoting adds texture for a beachy feel. Layout by Darci Goodman



Insert Some Shine The light grey kitchen island creates a stark contrast against the wood flooring. The grey colour palette enhances the gray-green colour tones of this Calacatta marble counter tops. Hardware and the chrome light fixtures add glow to an casual kitchen. Design by Darci Goodman



Farmhouse Meets Coastal Designer Anissa Swanzy matched white cupboards with a green farmhouse sink for a clean, crisp look that personifies ocean waves. White subway tiles and Carrera marble enhance the clean look, which is offset by a dark kitchen island.



Minimalist Beach Style An all-white colour palette and glossy furniture are usually a nod to modern design, but the addition of fresh blossoms and minimalist furnishings provides this space more of a easy beach appearance. The crisp colour palette proceeds to the kitchen for a unified look. Design by Andreas Charalambous



Fresh White Accents Wicker baskets are a basic storage solution in coastal design. To further enhance the beach appearance, designer Anisa Darnell incorporated white open shelving, glass pendant lighting, and capiz and golden accents. Photography by Sarah Dorio



Beach-Style Table Setting An colour along with Rattan charger plates palette implement reminders. This table setting by RMS consumer littlemissdoitall comes with a white hydrangea centerpiece along with other straightforward components for an amazing feel.



Refreshing and Glowing The lemon shade of this Roman shade reflects sun and the sand, bringing an inspiring beach feel to this kitchen design by RMS user Biolau. A butcher-block countertop makes the space feel comfortable and earthy, while a light-blue backsplash is calming.

Natural Christmas Ornament

Natural Christmas Ornament Look to your garden to include nature-inspired elements to your tree. Michelle Edwards of Sweet Something Designs chosen acorns during fall and utilized the caps to make acorn ball ornaments. "Paint a Styrofoam ball push the caps using a dab of hot glue," she says. Add some glue to the caps, then embellish them with any color glitter to meet your tree and top them off with ribbon and twine for hanging. Add glittered pinecones and greenery for a really nature-inspired Christmas tree. Reuse the ornaments by placing them in a transparent bowl for the perfect fall centerpiece.



Citrus Accents Designer Tobi Fairley took a simple orange and embellished it to bring a fresh look for her tree. To get this look, apply upholstery tacks into a orange in an elaborate pattern, and loop a leopard-print ribbon to bring an unexpected punch to the conventional tree. Tobi attached the ribbon by cutting notches across the orange's navel and looping through the ribbon.



Fancy Holiday Spirit This medallion looks intricate but is simple to create. To create this look, Emily Jones of Jones Design Company cut three pieces of book pages and folded them accordion-style. She then attached the three pieces together to make one long strip and then glued the ends together to create a circle. After bunching the circle together and gluing it, she proposes adding a few to use the decoration as part of an advent calendar. Hang the ornament on the Christmas tree or anywhere in the house to spread the holiday spirit.



Festive Cookie Cutters Give your excess of cookie cutters a fresh purpose. Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage produced these festive decorations by hot-gluing metal cookie cutters into cosmetic scrapbook paper. Implement this exact same look throughout your home by building a wreath or garland for your mantel.



O Christmas Tree Topper Marian Parsons of Mustard Seed Interiors provides new purpose to sheet music by transforming it in an unconventional tree topper. She simply twisted sheet songs into cone shapes and hot-glued them to a cardboard circle financing. Glue the cone-shaped pieces to some doughnut-shaped cardboard backing to get a fitting wreath to welcome guests.



Whimsical Christmas Bunting Bunting is a new fad that's quickly spreading -- it's easy to create and makes a bold statement. Emily cut coordinating patterned scrapbook paper to triangles and punched two holes at the upper corners. She threaded twine through the holes to finish the whimsical, cheerful bunting for the shrub. Hang it on a mantel to get an extra touch of whimsy.



Waterless Snow Globes should you've got extra glass jars lying around, incorporate them in to your holiday decor. Michelle created waterless snow globes by hot-gluing little Christmas trees into the jars' lids, pouring fake snow in the jar and then screwing on the lids to get a minute Christmas scene snow globe.



Bold and Spectacular Adorn your space with decorations at your next holiday dinner celebration. Designer Rima Nasser filled empty wine bottles with warm water and dry branches. "Decorate the branches with bold ornaments and put a little light or candle nearby to create beautiful shadows and reflections on the walls," she says. This look works for any kind of holiday event, whether it's informal or formal.



A Spoonful of Creativity Don't throw away unused household things. Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room repurposed old strands into decorations for her dining area Christmas tree. She wrapped the batter with jute to create the ornaments, making a fantastic conversation piece in the dinner table.



Playful Ornament To get a one-of-a-kind ornament or gift topper, Emily glued two playing cards back to back and punched a hole through the top. Hang the cards with a little strip from a book page or ribbon. Insert game pieces and vibrant gift wrapping to finish the game theme of your shrub.



A Rustic Christmas Marian wrapped little, empty jewelry boxes with classic holiday sheet music and thick ribbon for a rustic vacation look. Write names on the ribbon and set them on the dinner table set cards or tuck the boxes into branches of a Christmas tree for an extraordinary twist. Carry through the rustic motif by filling the boxes with snacks and placing them.



Pinecone Map Ornament Barb Steadman of Turtles and Tails combined her two favorite things: vacations and decorations. She made this ornament by cutting map bits of Hawaii into leaf shapes and pasting them to a Styrofoam ball. You can add these to a bowl to create a centerpiece or paste a ribbon loop to the peak of the ball for a simple ornament.



Sweet Decor Get the children involved with decorating the Christmas tree. Michelle created candy decorations by spray-painting plain glass ball ornaments brown and producing drips to resemble melted chocolate. Insert sugar-like glitter and "peppermint" chips for an extra-delicious touch. These ornaments make great gifts for decoration swaps or for educators.



Personalized Festivity For a personalized touch to the dinner table, Rima tied and attached a decoration to each drinking glass with sumptuous ribbon and a bit of paper with every guest's initials. "Personalizing the drinking glasses makes guests feel special and helps them to recall which drink is theirs." She states. Add matching dinnerware into the table for a complete festive appearance.



Classic Holiday Cheer Hang this classic jingle bell decoration anywhere in your home for a joyful appearance. Michelle decorated a leather belt with winter and bells flowery from the craft store. She used a metal embroidered hoop to make it easy to hang just about anywhere. The classic look goes nicely on seats, mantels, doors and stair railings.



Beach Ornaments To warm up your tree, add ornaments that remind one of vacationing on the shore. Barb filled plain glass ornaments with sand and seashells out of her Hawaii trip. To add sentimental value to them, print out labels with the location and date of your trip, and finish the beach look by tying a bow together with twine.



Pinecone Topiaries At first glance, you'd never understand these glittery topiaries are made out of pinecones. To create them, hot-glue glittery pinecone petals to cone-shaped Styrofoam. To add visual impact, place a few of the cones on candleholders. Layout by Michelle Edwards



Dimensional Ball Decor To add texture to the tree, Emily cut and folded 12 circles in half from sheet songs, and taped one side to another circle's side before a complete ball has been formed. Add dimension into the remainder of the home with this easy-to-make decoration by filling bowls and stockings and hanging it from the mantel and stair railing.



Book Page Serving Tray Entertaining is a big part of the holidays, so give your daily decor a festive appearance with publication pages. Barb decoupaged old book pages into some plain serving tray and topped it with holly and candles for a one-of-a-kind holiday cottages. For an excess touch of holiday spirit, decoupage Christmas wrapping paper or scrapbook paper into the tray.



Cinnamon Scented Ornaments Enjoy all the pleasure of making Christmas cookies without all of the butter, sugar, calories and fat! These aromatic (non-edible) and festive cinnamon ornaments are a must-make kid-friendly Christmas craft which will have you rolling, baking and decorating. Get crafting together with our step-by-step directions.