Smooth, rough, fine, coarse, pebbly or spiky. Texture is a vital tool to help the backyard designer paint a compelling picture with water.
Certain textures have become associated with specific styles. For example, rough boulders complement a natural look, the controlled cragginess of dry-stacked stone conveys a rustic feel and smooth goes with contemporary or Asian.
The right textures perform other functions as well. They emphasize movement, compensate for a lack of color, or enhance other surfaces and forms. Bold textures take the spotlight, while repetitive, fine ones create an ideal, soothing backdrop for something else.
Here, designers and builders show how texture helps achieve their objectives.
BILLY BLAIR
Lead Designer
Derian Quality Pools Inc.
Moorpark, Calif.
GARY NANNINI
Owner
Pool Art by Gary Nannini
Brentwood, Tenn.
RICK DRIEMEYER
Owner
Both Sides of the Door
Oakland, Calif.
SHAWN HESLIN
Senior Landscape Designer
Chux Landscaping Inc.
Pine Brook, N.J.
