• Water features do not have to be the centerpiece of the garden.fountain image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  The beauty of a contemporary garden water feature is it will be as big or small as you want, depending on the size of the garden and area that it will cover. A small water feature in the corner of the garden will be as effective as a huge center piece if the garden is narrow. Make sure the water feature stays in keeping if you have a garden or border theme.
  
  

Wall Water Feature

• Wall water features are available in different heights.Two boys playing by steel water feature image by photobunny from Fotolia.com
  
  Wall water features bring height to the garden. They are durable and often built of stainless steel or plastic. Check the measurements of the area before installing the water feature wall. A small garden will look cluttered and overrun if the feature is too big. Check the water feature will fit amongst low hanging guttering as well as the position of sheds and other plants in the vicinity.
  
  

Pebble Pool

• Indoor pebble pools are inexpensive.stepping stones water feature in manchester, engla image by green308 from Fotolia.com
  
  A pebble pool is as effective indoors as it is outdoors. They are useful to break up border areas, and smaller ones are free standing that do not need any mains electricity. Use different colored pebbles to combine contemporary with traditional.
  
  

Slate and Stone

• A combination of traditional materials will still be contemporary.flowing water image by Tom Curtis from Fotolia.com
  
  Slate and stone water features are durable and combine with a pebble pool at its base. Traditional materials can still be contemporary by using stone pillars with a washboard slate effect. A modern design on the stone will blend with the slate wall composition.
  
  

Spherical Shapes

• Plump for a spherical design for a modern-looking water feature. They differ in size and material. Some are fashioned in polished stone, terrazzo or marble. Others have ultra bright, LED strips around the edge for a dazzling nighttime effect.
  
  

Wooden Water Features

• A quaint-looking hand pump in the corner of the garden will provide a focal point amongst the flower beds. Wooden effect water features are available in old barrel shapes or Japanese hand pumps. These type of water features combine well with themed gardens.
  
  

Glass

• The advantage of a glass water feature is lighting will play a major part for an outdoor colored display, whether it is natural or mains powered. However, the obvious disadvantage is the brittleness and fragility of glass. Smaller, indoor versions are available if outdoor space is limited. A combination of glass and granite provides an effective, contemporary addition to the garden.
  
  

Tubular

• Stainless steel tubular poles at varying heights with a pool or rock base will be a contemporary feature. Placing the tubes among plants in a raised border will enhance the color of the flowers. The combination of stainless steel, reflected sun light and running water will produce a stunning rainbow effect.