By Guest Blogger, Sonia Vicenti

Water has long been used as a design element in homes and other spaces.

Its effects can be both visually and emotionally appealing, making it a popular choice for use in a variety of settings.

Some of the earliest known examples of water being used as a design element come from ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks.

In these cultures, water was often seen as a symbol of life and fertility and was used in a variety of ways to decorate homes and public spaces.

In more modern times, water has continued to be a popular choice for use in home and office design.

Its calming effects can help to create a relaxing atmosphere, while its unique visual appeal can add interest and color to a space.

Water features can be freestanding or built into a wall or other structure.

They can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, concrete, metal or glass.

Water features can be simple or elaborate and can be lit for added effect.

Let’s look at some of the most common ways on how to incorporate water into the interior design.

Indoor Water Gardens

Indoor water gardens are becoming increasingly popular, as they bring a bit of nature inside the home.

Plants that go well with water gardens include water lilies, lotuses, and aquatic ferns, and Boston ferns.

Boston ferns are a popular choice and are especially well-suited to indoor water gardens, as they do not need direct sunlight and can prosper in low-light conditions.

They require little maintenance and thrive in humid environments.

They are perfect for interior setup as they also purify the air inside the room.

Aquariums

They come in all shapes and sizes and can be placed on any tabletop or floor space.

If you have the room, a large aquarium can even be used as a divider between two rooms.

Fish are not the only creatures that can live in an aquarium; turtles, frogs, and other small animals can also make their home in an aquarium.

Plant and Water Wall

If you want to bring water into your home without having to maintain a garden or an aquarium, consider a plant and water wall.

Plant and water walls are made up of a series of small pots that each contain a plant and a small amount of water.

The pots are then arranged in a grid or other pattern on the wall.

Plant and water walls are easy to care for and make a great addition to any room.

Aquaponics Systems

Aquaponics is a system of aquaculture in which the waste produced by farmed fish or other aquatic animals supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically, in water, with little to no soil.

Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines raising aquatic animals with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment.

Where to Use Water in Interior Design

Water can be used to great effect as a design element in an interior space.

Used strategically, it can create a sense of drama and depth and add another layer of texture to the room.

You can often see this technique used in large open spaces, such as lobbies or atriums where there is a lot of vertically oriented architecture or sculptures.

One way to incorporate water into your design is by using a large mirror to reflect it, creating the illusion of a larger space, or extending the size of the room visually.

This can be particularly effective in small or narrow rooms, where it can help to create an illusion of openness and airiness.

Another option is to use water features, such as fountains or pools, to add movement and sound to the space.

These can also be a great way to create visual interest in an otherwise static area, especially when positioned near seating where people can enjoy them.

How to Use Water in Room Design

When using water as a design element, it is important to consider where to place it and how to use it.

Some suggestions for using water in a room are:

• In the center of a room as a focal point

• In a corner as a tranquil spot

• Along a hallway or entryway as a statement piece

• As a base for floating candles, flowers, or other decorative accents

• In the bathroom to create a spa-like atmosphere

The Placement of Water Element in Room Design

Water can also be used in various locations throughout your home, from large open spaces to smaller, more enclosed areas.

Some ideas for incorporating water into your room design include:

• Placing a tabletop fountain in the living room or bedroom

• Using a small water feature, such as a waterfall or bubbling pot, near the dining table or in other areas where you entertain guests

• Adding a decorative lily pond to your outdoor patio or garden

• Incorporating a small water feature such as a birdbath or fountain into the landscape design of your yard

• Using water features, such as fountains, pools, and decorative ponds, to create layers in your outdoor living space

• Incorporating cascading water elements into an outdoor staircase or retaining wall

• Adding splashes of water to an indoor or outdoor fountain to create a more dynamic look

The Effects of Water Element in Interior Design

Water can have both physical and emotional effects on people.

Some of the benefits of incorporating water into your home design include:

• The sound of trickling water can be relaxing and help to reduce stress levels

• The movement of water can add visual interest to a room

• The reflection of light off of water can brighten and add dimension to a space

• The use of color in water features can add vibrancy and life to a room

• The scent of water can invigorate the senses and create a refreshing atmosphere

• The feel of water can add a sense of luxury and sophistication to a room, making it the perfect element for high-end spaces like a bedroom or living room.

Water can be calming and refreshing, and it can also add movement and visual interest.

In this article, we’ve looked at some ways that you can use water to enhance your home or office space.

If you’re looking for a way to add some life to your space, consider using water as a design element.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

I’d love to connect with you!

Moving to Northern California in 2017, Sonia started with her freelance career in writing – began with short stories and screenplays – and graphic design as her side-interest. 

The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.