Posts Tagged ‘water fountains’

« Older Entries

Capturing Lovely Fountain Images

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Sometimes we come across the most amazing, magnificent, exquisite, decorative and beautiful pieces of outdoor decoration. The possible names given to these are fountains, garden fountains, Campania fountains, decorative fountains, simple fountains, etc. If you want people who come to your house to just stand in amazement and if you have the money to go ahead and purchase the most classical, timeless and wonderful for your outdoors, then you are on the right track.

The decorative fountains have style, elegance, quality, luxury, exquisiteness irrespective of whether they are made of stone fountains or concrete fountains. You will completely understand if you check out the kinds of fountains, especially the water fountains. Many hours of hard work are put into it to get these awesome and sometimes even exquisite and intricate designs and as the result of the hard work you will see that when you have a look at one of these you will stand in awe of it and will desperately want to have one at home to show off in front of guests who come home.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and it’s a good thing we have handy inventions like cameras to help us capture just how beautiful these fountains can be. Fountains like the Campania fountains are definitely works of art that you would want to remember all the time.  Cameras are probably something that everyone owns, even if you can’t own the digital version, everyone can afford the disposable version which can be bought at a relatively cheap price.

Of course the fountain in your garden is beautiful and great to look at and admire all the time, but think about how many other fountains there are out there for you to go and see and explore! And since you can’t bring them all home with you, why not take a snapshot of the water fountains just to see how great they would look.  So what kind of cameras would be best to capture images of different fountains? Here are some ideas:

-    Digital Cameras – they are going to cost you quite a bit because you will be paying for quality. Digital images are some of the best images money can buy, so if budget is not a problem and you can afford to get the best quality cameras out there, then that is the way to go. That way, you can be sure the images you get are going to be nothing short of fabulous. For that price, they had better be!

-    Disposable Cameras – if you’re going backpacking especially then this is a good option. Or even if you feel like snapping a picture on the spur of the moment and don’t have your camera with you. Instead of the usual fancy digital cameras or the old cameras we used to have before the dawn of the digital breed is a great alternative if you are looking to save a few bucks on your budget. But don’t discredit the disposable cameras as an option because you might just be surprised at how well your pictures can actually turn out, even if you using the disposable cameras. True, they are no digital images, but the turnout is actually pretty good considering they are merely disposable cameras.

Only thing is, if you do choose to go for the disposable kind of cameras, you might need to get more than one. That’s because the only downside, if you want to call it that, is the limited number of shots you get per camera. The standard number of shots for each disposable camera is 27 snaps, and sometimes you would want to take a whole lot more than 27 shots.

When you want to capture pictures that catch your attention such as elegant concrete fountains or water fountains, the choice is yours to either go for digital cameras, disposable cameras or video cameras. At the end of the day make sure that you buy something that makes you happy by considering factors like budgets and other commitments. What ever you might decide on, you can be sure that the pictures that you are going to capture are going to make you proud.

Carlton Locke is an expert in home improvement industry. He has a great knowledge in home improvement ideas. He takes pride in her career as he believes that how your home looks reflects your own personality. One of his all time favorite piece of home improvement is the water fountains in the yard. Check out his website today for more campania fountains ideas.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Modern Water Fountains are Charming and Affordable

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

When designing their homes, people rarely consider incorporating water fountains as specific decorative choices into their interior design. This is because water fountains have a sense of luxury about them, which leads people to quickly conclude that such ornaments are far too expensive for the modest home decorater. But it’s worth noting that adding just one can transform your home into a very unique space!

You can find water fountains in a variety of unique designs and styles. You can embellish the design of your family dining room or even the living room with lovely wall fountains or tabletop fountains. You can really show your taste for unique and intriguing designs with a gorgeous floor fountain.

People seem to assume that water fountains are quite expensive because of the admittedly lavish and privileged history of the decorations. These assumptions ignore the fact that, historically, indoor plumbing was the privilege of the rich.

These days, indoor plumbing is quite ubiquitous in industrialised countries, and we all take running water in our bathrooms and kitchens for granted. As such, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a water fountain has gone down significantly. In other words, modern fountains are not hard on your budget.

Regardless of the kind of indoor fountain you favor, water fountains can be had in a diverse in a diverse number of styles, materials and designs. Some prefer to use their water fountains as simple artwork, and for these people, a study or office wall is perfect for a fountain. Floor fountains are ideal decorations to separate rooms and bring them together simultaneously.

The inventiveness of modern floor fountains will truly set your house apart from others. You essentially will end up with a beautiful home interior that will represent your own personal tastes and interests. Despite being so affordable, indoor fountains are clever ways to make your friends wonder just how wealthy and creative you actually are.

Water fountains in the modern home renovation project are rarely given their much deserved recognition. This article endorses the results that can be achieved when one places a modern fountain in their home, with particular attention given to tabletop fountains and copper wall fountains. It can also improve your selection savvy when it comes to choosing great water fountains.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

The beauty inherent in a bronze water fountain is unmatched by almost any other building material.

Friday, February 12th, 2010

The sound of running water is very comforting to almost anyone, and it does not matter if it is raindrops, a stream or a river, the sounds produce a feeling of tranquility and peacefulness. When water is combined with a well-made bronze fountain, the overall effect is extremely pleasing to the senses. Water fountains add a wonderful touch to almost any backyard.

The history of bronze dates back to antiquity. It is an alloy consisting of copper with tin as an additive. Bronze is famous for its durability, resistance to corrosion, and being less brittle than steel. Bronze is found in springs, motor bearings, bushings, fittings, tools, musical instruments, statuary, weatherstripping, and other hardware. This metal has many appealing features, particularly for open-air fountains.

Because of the higher manufacturing costs, bronze is usually not used for interior fountains. Open-air bronze water fountains, on the other hand, have an impressive assortment of shapes, styles, and sizes. It’s possible to buy an eye-catching bronze fountain to put on your patio, or in your yard or garden for as little as a few hundred dollars. There are fountains that are small and delicate-looking, just the right size for a tiny yard, while others are huge structures, weighing a ton or more and costing thousands of dollars. These sculptures appear as plants, animals, birds, butterflies, fish, mountains, and those unexplainable shapes lurking in community parks and recreation areas. Because there is an incredible choice of products available, finding one that matches your décor and available funds should be fairly simple. A word of caution: you should never put plants or fish into a fountain (regardless of size) because the excessive aeration can kill them, plus the continuously falling water makes an unstable condition, which stresses the fish.

If you are fortunate to have a pond on the property, adding a fountain, either fixed or floating, will definitely improve the water through aeration, thus reducing the algae. A second benefit is that the flowing water works as a filter keeping the water clean. As mentioned before, turbulent water is particularly hard on fish and plants, so keep them separate. The biggest danger to installing a fountain in a pond is the difficulty of getting it powered up. Unless you know exactly how to do it, hire a qualified electrician to run the power. Do not forget, water, electricity and humans don’t mix well. Leaves floating on a quiet pond are infinitely more pleasing than dead people!

Assembling a fountain yourself is another possibility if you are somewhat electrically and mechanically inclined. Some of the materials you will have to buy are a basin, pump, electrical wiring, lights, tubing, a switch and the tools necessary to assemble all of it. The topic of constructing your own is beyond the scope of this article, but there are many websites on the net that have information on building a bronze fountain. This writer has built backyard fountains in the past using rocks and mortar (but not bronze) so here is important advice: carefully design it completely ahead of time so as to avoid the pain of having to redo the sections that do not complement your yard.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Fountains For You

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Installing water fountains in the interiors of the homes is not a new phenomenon. Romans did it in their heydays and so did many others. Water was brought down from its source in the hills for drinking and bathing purposes in copper or lead aqueduct and poured into basins or was spouted into jets. However, such practices came into disuse for a number of reasons. The practice though abandoned was never forgotten. The water fountains that we have inside our rooms today do not depend upon exterior source for supply of water. They have inbuilt reservoir that needs to be filled with water, but once filled, the water keeps on circulating and you only need to replace the water that is lost due to natural process like evaporation.

 

 

That is why installation of today’s water fountains poses no problem at all. You yourself can do it. There is neither any masonry nor any plumbing job to be done. You only need an electrical outlet to run the small pump located in the reservoir and since it is a small one, it can run on household voltage only. Such fountains come in all shapes, sizes and make. You can put them up on the floor, on the walls or even on the top of your table. They can fill up any empty spot. Only make sure that they blend well with the existing décor and are pretty to look at. Moreover, each home has a explicit personality and such fountains like everything else, must reflect the personality of your home. Else, they will look like a museum piece, not a component of a home lived by vibrant occupants.

 

 

Campania fountains made from cast stone fit the bill perfectly. They have fountains to match every kind of personality or décor. You may need to shift your setting a little bit to enhance the look. However, much as you try a fountain will always look better in the outdoors than inside the rooms. The availability of space all around it will naturally amplify its beauty and make it look more magnificent. Campania fountains has a huge selection of garden fountains. You can go online to have a look at their catalogue. You can also get the list of their retailers and visit their shop in person to have a look.

 

 

 

Now, what should be the criterion while you chose a water fountain for your home? The answer will depend upon the place where you want it to be located.

• If you want the fountain to be located inside your home, make sure that it is of the correct size, it should not be so big that it overshadows everything else, nor should it be so small that it is engulfed by every thing else. Also, make sure that the sound made by the falling water is just right for the interior of the house, neither too harsh nor too low.

• For your garden, you can have a freestanding water fountain or a waterfall type of Campania fountain. Campania also manufactures wall fountains. Install one if you think the area is too small or if you would like to leave it free for some outdoor activities.

• Make sure that the fountain you buy is aesthetically pleasant both to the eyes and to the ears. Otherwise, the whole purpose behind buying a fountain will be lost. However, if you had chosen Campania fountains, you do not have to worry much because each fountain produced by Campania has passed rigorous scrutiny before being released into the market. Fountains produced by Campania team, is actually a work of art that gladdens not only the mind, but also the ears and the eyes.

 

 

 

You can buy a fountain also to fill up an empty nook. Yet, statues and other work of arts can do that. However, too many pieces of art may turn your patio into an open-air museum. Well, that is not bad either. Campania International Inc, the makers of Campania fountains produces statuaries too, from the same cast stone. You can look at them, but if you ask me, nothing can bit the gurgling sound of water flowing down the upper basin to the lower…

 

Carlton Locke is a known for his home improvement ideas, especially campania fountains. From simple to chic, from stylish to elegance, he can do it all. Be among those people who have experienced better looking homes with his help. Call him now and be amazed by his recommended water fountains.

 

Tags: ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Fountains & How To Care For Them

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

They may require a little bit of work to maintain and take care of, but water fountains are definitely worth the trouble because they bring so much more to your home and garden that it is an investment to be sure. Plus these fountains last quite a while if maintained and properly taken care of, so invest in a good one and watch your garden come alive with just that simple addition. Fountains are kept outdoors all the time (unless you choose to go for an indoor fountain of course), and being outside they would catch a lot of debris and dirt from the environment.

 

 

Everything you cherish needs care. Think of all the curios you have. They require regular dusting and cleaning. Think of all the appliances you have. They too need regular caring. So will your water fountain. However, it is a trouble worth taking because a fountain gives you much more than visual delight and earthly comfort. They are not only a joy to behold; they are a treat to the eye and music to the ear. Water fountains do not lesson your day-to-day chores, but they make such chores bearable. They rejuvenate you and make you ready to bear or the mundane everyday jobs with a smile.

 

The process begins either with the creation of an original copyrighted design by Campania’s artisans or an antique original. Antique originals will often require some restoration work, which is also done in-house by one of their expert craftsmen. Campania fountains’ mold making department will then begin a multi-step process to create a production mold which will properly replicate the detail and texture of the original piece. Depending on its size and complexity, a mold can take as long as three months to complete. Campania creates in excess of 700 molds per year.

 

 

Why do we feel good when we sit beside a water fountain? The air around us is filled with electrically charged particles called ion. There are two kinds of ions, negative and positive. Unfortunately, now there are far more positive ions in the atmosphere than is good for us. Water generates negative ions, which can put it back to equilibrium. That is why you feel so refreshed when you sit beside a water fountain. It may be that our ancestors did not know much about ions. However, they must have realized the importance of water fountains and so they had them installed all over their habitations. Of course, fountains at that time used to provide water for drinking and bathing too.

 

 

We all know that things that are properly maintained looks better and lasts longer. However, you must take note of the fact that today’s life is not what it used to be. Nobody can spare any time today, nor can they spare energy for scrubbing and washing. However, a concrete fountain, especially one that is manufactured at Campania does not need any scrubbing. In fact, scrubbing will damage the patina that their artists have applied with so much care. Here is how you should take care of concrete fountains, even if they are not from Campania:

• As you know, water fountains today come in with an in-built reservoir, which needs to be filled with water and a small pump that needs to be fitted in the reservoir. The pump circulates the water and makes the fountain run. A certain amount of water gets evaporated everyday due to natural phenomenon. Therefore, you need to check the level of the water and to see the pump remain submerged in the water.

• Also, see that the pump inflow is free from any kind of wastes like fallen leaves etc.

• If your concrete fountain look too dirty clean it up with a mild soap and soft bristle brush. No scrubbing is required

• Keep the water clean. It is better to add algaecide to keep it free from algae and other microbes. As it is moving water is not very conductive to the growth of such microbes.

 

If the temperature of your area goes below the freezing point, bring the fountain inside the house or cover it securely with a fountain cover. Follow the above guidelines for the rest of the months. It does not take much to keep your fountain spick and span, running year after year. However, unless you bring one home you will never realize how very beneficial it is and how very easy is the upkeep. It is not really harder than keeping the kitchen clean or straightening the mess in the kid’s room. Trust me.

 

Carlton Locke is a professional home improvement mentor. He has a wide knowledge when it comes to the beautification of your homes, especially with the use of water fountains. He has been in this industry for quite a long time already. Check his website to know more about him and his recommended concrete fountains.

Tags: ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Brook Nelson Discusses About Purchasing Garden Water Fountains

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Garden water fountains are light-weight plus simple to maintain. You can pick up a self-contained garden fountain, one  that is straightforward to mount – all that you need to do is add water and plug it in. Garden water fountains are the excellent method to add gorgeous decor to your favorite garden space. You’ll love relaxing by your garden as you listen to the tranquil sounds of your garden water fountain. Garden water fountains are normally used purely in a garden environment or in a pond. They are often plug-in or solar powered, these sorts are usually bigger in size. 

Outdoor garden fountains give birds the water they conveniently need. Thinking about all the benefits that garden fountains offer, it’s as if they simulate nature itself. Outdoor fountains can additionally be part of a delightful water garden.  Outdoor fountains come in all sorts of styles, to enhance any style of garden, from bird baths to solar water fountains . Indoor fountains range from compact desktop designs, good for making a soothing working environment, to big wall fountains which bring a welcoming sense of calm to the environment. 

Walls of trickling water, ponds with live fish and even elegant, cherubic shooting water fountains are all possibilities well within financial reach. Wall fountains are a terribly favored variation on the cascade plus may be free standing, or set in a house or garden wall higher than a pool or reservoir. The pump is mounted in the reservoir plus directs the water to gush out of a hole in the wall, normally though a carved head or gargoyle. 

Indoor water gardens can be maintained more easily than the outside one. One can want to create this kind of garden . Indoor floor fountains are offered in many water fountain designs, styles and materials, as well as slate floor fountains, stone indoor floor fountains and the natural bamboo floor fountain. Indoor Water Fountains are great for removing dust particles out of the air. All these benefits are just a little sample of reasons why you want a wall fountain for your office, a floor water fountain for your home, or an out of doors water fountain for your patio.

 

 

Tags: , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Who Invented Wall Fountains?

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Wall fountains are also known as single face or fade fountains. It is not possible to ascribe the invention of wall fountains to an individual. However, it can be said with certainty that wall fountains did not originate in the western world. The hot and dusty climes of the ancient Middle East led to the development of garden and wall fountains. The ancient architects drew inspiration from the serene surroundings of the oases that dotted the desert landscape. Walls of ancient Egyptian tombs have sketches of gardens with fountains. Wall fountains were placed both indoor and outdoors; although their objective was primarily decorative, they were also used for daily washings and ablutions. Another interesting use of wall fountains was to prevent eavesdroppers from listening to sensitive conversations. The water speed could be manipulated to achieve different sounds such as trickles, gurgles, etc. Public water systems were usually the water-source for outdoor wall fountains. The ancient Greeks and Romans too had wall fountains as an intrinsic part of their culture. The outdoor fountains had multiple tiers of basins on elaborately sculptured walls. However, only the wealthy could afford indoor fountains. The most commonly used materials for wall fountains were rock, marble, bronze, limestone, etc. Gravity was used to power the fountains.

In the present times, wall fountains are popular with homeowners across all economic segments. They are easily available, easy to install, and do not require any major maintenance. Wall fountains on decks and patios offer homeowners the opportunity of sitting back and relaxing to the soothing sounds of flowing water. Some homeowners prefer to place a wall fountain along their walkway. Wall water fountains are available in a variety of designs that can create an ambience that can be either rustic or sophisticated. Stone wall fountains have been firm favorites over the ages and continue to enamor enthusiasts with their feel and look that can encompass the range from earthy and antique to designer contemporary.

The author is now running roofing contractors providing roof coatings and you can get them at http://bluehost-hostgator.com

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Water Fountains Create a soothing Ambience In Your House

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Selecting the best type of water fountains for your house or office can be very difficult, that’s because you will find thousands of water fountain designs on the Internet and the fountain stores. Common categories of the water fountains are the tabletop water fountains, wall water fountains, garden water fountains, floor water fountains, indoor water fountains, solar water fountains, pond water fountains, lake water fountains and so on.

Due to the growing constraint in space larger water fountains are becoming less popular. Still the people who have more space available prefer to use large and charismatic water fountains. Among the growing trend in smaller water fountains are the table top water fountains. They are also known as the desk water fountains and can be easily kept on a table or a desk. As they occupy very less space compared to their larger counterparts they can be kept anywhere. If you have a patio table you can also think of placing a table top water fountain on it.
The smaller water fountains such as the table top water fountains or the desk water fountains are suitable artifacts for office use. They can highlight the office without being too loud in style. It gives a touch of serenity and coziness to the interiors. In recent times the corporate set up is of the sort that the employees often remain stressed out due to work pressure. The sight and sound of a fountain has soothing effect on the senses and helps relief stress.

Water fountains are usually made in different material depending on the functionality of the fountain. Some fountains are available in small and lighter forms whereas some are heavy and made of concrete. But if you want to buy a fountain that is portable in nature then you must try to avoid fountains that are made of concrete as they are heavy and difficult to move. Concrete fountains can be used though to decorate the walls of the house. You can choose your fountain according a particular theme also. If your lobby or any room where you want to keep the fountain is decorated in a particular theme then you can select a fountain that corresponds with that particular theme.

Concrete fountains are considered to be very durable fountains because they don’t fall apart for several years. In fact, if the concrete fountains are well maintained, they can even last for a life time. However, it should be noted that the fountain pump of the concrete fountains may need to be replaced at an interval of few years. Stone water fountains and concrete water fountains often communicate class and sophistication.

Many people prefer to customize their water fountains to meet their needs and requirements. The customization of the water fountains occurs in the following five steps:
o    Definition of the needs
o    Recommendations by the experts
o    Quote or Proposal
o    Production of the custom water fountain
o    Delivery of the newly constructed water fountain

If you want to get the right water fountain for your house then you can take help from a water fountain expert.  The main role of the water fountain expert is to identify your needs, analyze your taste and budget, review the materials desired and so on. A water fountain expert also helps you to locate the position where the fountain can be placed. He will also work out the procedure starting from placing the order to the delivery and the installation of the fountain.

Custom made water fountains can be made by a professional artist. To get your custom made fountain you will have to guide the maker in matters regarding the material to be used, your budget, size of the fountain, type of fountain and finally the design of the fountain. Once he has all the information he will start working upon your fountain.

What you have to do next is to get the quote from the manufacturer. The quote or the proposal will contain details on the cost, the material to be used and related details. There you can make few adjustments if you are satisfied with the quote. Thereafter you will have to send an approval stating that you have accepted to the terms and conditions of the manufacturer. Once the proposal or quote is accepted, the production work of the customized water fountain is started.

Making a concrete fountain is an elaborate process and takes more time for making than other fountains. Concrete fountains are otherwise quite bulky but if you want to make it portable then it should be designed in such a way. After completion of the production the fountains are ready to be delivered or sold.

If you feel you have the desire to change the look of your home from its usual façade, then it is time for you to meet Carlton Locke. He is the brains of home improvement and concrete fountains. He can change our homes into a style you never imagine possible. Call him now and experience his talents with campania fountains.

Tags: ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Enhance The Aesthetic Look Of Your House By Installing A Water Fountain

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Water fountains are not only meant to be kept outdoors for augmenting the look of the place  but also can be used creatively to enhance the indoor décor. According to some people the addition of a fountain in the house helps in the flow of positive energy and wealth.If the indoors are too quiet then the silence of the place can be softly broken by the mellow humming of the water flow of a fountain. Indoor water fountains are available in various sizes according to the available space. Mini water fountains are also available in the markets that can be kept on table tops and on side stands.

According to the part of the house that you want to decorate with a fountain, you can choose among the various types of fountains that are available. Some of the categories of water fountains are as follows:
o    Wall water fountains
o    Table top water fountains
o    Garden water fountains
o    Floor water fountains
o    Pond water fountains
o    Late water fountains
o    Indoor water fountains

Another version of the water fountain is the wall water fountain. These fountains can be hung from walls and look very chic. The wall mounted water fountains comes in handy when there is little space. The wall water fountains covers less space as they are attached to the walls and are easy to move and install. These types of fountains are well suited for offices and corporate setups.

In this hustle bustle of life we hardly get time to come close to nature. Gone are the days when one could listen to the sound of the brook in the neighborhood. Urbanization has pulled us away from nature. To get some respite from the mechanical world, the sense and the sound of the rolling waters of a fountain is quite a good option. Generally in offices the wall water fountains are mounted on the wall of the lobby. All the visitors are welcomed by the pleasant sight of the fountain. To make it more creative you can also emboss the logo of the company on to the wall mounted water fountains. It can be done very easily by paying some additional charges.

The placing of the wall mounted water fountain is an important factor that you need to consider while installing water fountains. Depending upon the other furniture in the room the wall water fountain should be hung from that corner which makes the fountain more viewable. A look at the catalogues can give you an idea regarding the positioning of the wall mounted water fountains. If you are still confuse as to where to place your prized possession then you may get the help from a professional interior designer. An interior designer can not only help you choose the right kind of fountain but can also help you set the room or the patio according to it.

The benefits of taking the help of a professional interior designer while buying a water fountain are many. First of all the interior designer will be able to suggest you the kind of fountain that you can install in your home. He will carefully survey the house and according to the position where the fountain would be most suited he will advise you to buy the fountain. Getting the correct size of fountain is also important. You surely will not like an oversized fountain in your lobby or in your patio. The interior designer will take the measurements of the place of installation and then suggest you on the size and the type of the water fountain.

Personal choices may differ, but by and large, there are some right hand rules that need to be followed when placing the water fountains. If you have brought the Campania fountains, you will not have to bother much about the location or position of these fountains. You may take some help from the retailers who are selling the Campania fountains to identify the right location of the Campania fountains. There are some Campania fountains that will look very elegant no matter where you position them.

As water fountains are mostly placed in the house to build better ambience and impart better looks, it is equally important that they are visible and are kept in well lot areas. In case you have installed a Campania fountain then it become very essential that you add sufficient lighting to it or else the whole purpose of keeping a fountain is lost. If you have outdoor water fountains then you can lit it up with night lamps so that the fountain is visible well after dark. You can experiment with different lighting patterns and give different effects to your water fountain. For indoor water fountains also creative ways of lighting the fountain can be used to accentuate the look.

Carlton Locke has been improving homes for quite some time now. He has gone to help from home to home and make each home a picture of beauty. His talent and vision is very creative, especially with the use of campania fountains, you will like his taste. Check his website to know more of his expertise and recommended water fountains.

Tags: ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Indoor Water Fountains: a great path to quickly improving one’s home

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Indoor fountains can be an enjoyable way to change any home environment.  The “music” of trickling water is timeless and can give the home a more comfortable feeling.  There is something basic about water splashing over rapids or crashing down a waterfall.

Indoor fountains can be made of just about anything.  People use copper, stainless steel, slate, aluminum, glass, resin, and pebbles.  Most of these materials are simple to maintain, but copper requires the most work.  A copper surface must be coated to avoid corrosion and the green color that results.

Glass is a beautiful material that subtly enhances the overall effect of the fountain. The water “sheeting” — falling down a 3/8 inch thick glass — appears as miniature waves that glide down and distort the light.  These fountains create a special environment with their gentle sounds, interesting illumination and striking appearance.

If you have concerns about the cost of the fountain, or the amount of the space it will require, then a table top fountain is a reasonable alternative. Tabletop fountains are usually inexpensive, very attractive, and because they are generally used indoors, require very little maintenance. A lot of fountains are Zen-like, implementing traditional Japanese designs, while others are based on the American country décor of using wooden milk buckets. Other fountains are more eclectic and recreate postmodern art projects.

The basic materials needed to make a table top fountain are a small submersible pump (available from aquarium shops and garden centers), a large bowl or other water-tight container, something that will hide the pump, rocks or marbles, flexible tubing that fits the pump, a small copper elbow to direct the water flow downward, and (of course) water.

Lighting is extremely important to the overall effect of an indoor water fountain. There is a special beauty about light reflecting off water.  You could use LED or halogen pond lighting, under-water fountain lighting, and outdoor lights, as well as multi-colored lenses to add that little extra “kick.”  When designing a tabletop fountain and the lighting, you will need to take into consideration whether the fountain will be visible from the side or from above.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

« Older Entries