How to Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Sculptural Pottery and Fountains

In Southern California, we’re so fortunate—we get sunshine, coastal breezes, and that dreamy Mediterranean climate pretty much year-round. So why not make the most of it? At Ampersand Living, we’re all about designing spaces that flow effortlessly from indoors to outdoors. And one of our favorite ways to add instant style and soul to any outdoor area? Sculptural pottery and fountains.

Whether you’re sprucing up a front entry or dreaming of a backyard oasis, these pieces make a big impact without feeling overdone. Think: timeless Mediterranean charm with a modern touch.

Credit @gardenstudiodesign

What Is Sculptural Pottery Anyway?

Architectural & sculptural pottery isn’t just your average planter. These pieces are sculptural, statement-making, and often handcrafted—think gorgeous textures, aged terracotta, or artisanal ceramics that bring a little drama to your garden (in the best way). We love pairing them with Mediterranean-leaning drought-friendly plants like olive trees, succulents, or native grasses to keep things beautiful and low maintenance.

Photo: @amberinteriors

The Magic of a Fountain

There’s something about the sound of trickling water that instantly makes a space feel more serene. Fountains don’t just look great—they feel great. Whether it’s a hand-chiseled stone trough or a classic tiered design, adding a water feature brings in movement, sound, and that serene vibe that adds a beautiful layer to a life well lived.

Source: Pinterest

Why It Works in Southern California

With our Mediterranean climate, you can get away with plants and design elements that look like they were pulled straight from the hills of Tuscany or the cliffs of Santorini. If you don't live in Southern California, you can still achieve much of the same look by using natural materials like terracotta, stone, or weathered metal helps your space feel connected to the landscape—and the climate rewards those choices with less upkeep and more sustainability. Bonus!

Here’s how we like to bring it all together:

1.  Pick Statement Planters

Go big. A tall, weathered urn or a wide, conical pot filled with native plants adds instant texture and structure. Cluster them for impact or let one bold piece shine on its own.

Source: Pinterest

2.  Add a Fountain (Trust Us)

Even a small wall fountain can totally shift the mood of a space. It cools the air, masks street noise, and gives your outdoor area a peaceful, luxe feel.

Source: Pinterest

3.  Layer in Local Plants

Here in California, we love mixing architectural pottery with local greenery—think lavender, rosemary, agave, or California poppies. It’s beautiful, climate-conscious, and creates a natural flow from home to garden.

Credit: @gardenstudiodesign

Let’s Make It Yours

At Ampersand Living, we design homes that feel intentional and lived-in, both inside and out. If you’re thinking about how to bring a little more soul to your outdoor space, we’d love to help you explore how some key pieces can be interwoven to beautifully reflect your style, your home, and the Southern California landscape.

Because your outdoor space isn’t just a yard—it’s part of how you live, relax, entertain, and recharge. And we’re here to help make it beautiful.