Maintaining Your Wall Fountain

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Installing a wall fountain in your home provides many beneficial qualities. Not only are they a beautiful way to accent the style and class of your home, but they are a great way of maintaining a calming and welcoming atmosphere. The literal quality of the atmosphere will also be improved with the air purification and ion neutralization abilities of the water wall. They are easy to install and maintain, but there are a few key details you should keep in mind to keep your wall fountain in top shape. With a focus on water quality, water levels, and pump cleaning, your wall fountain will be in great condition.

Water Quality

The quality of the water you put in your fountain is a step that very many people tend to overlook. A common mistake that people will make is filling their wall fountain with tap water. With all of the minerals that flow with tap water, there are bound to be deposits, and tap quickly leads to buildup in your fountain and pump. The water will begin to look cloudy, and the pump will operate much less efficiently. To avoid these problems, fill your fountain with distilled water. This minor purchase will make a major difference with your fountain.

Water Levels

Once, you have your distilled water, it is important that use the right amount in your fountain. Improper water levels can cause a number of problems. If there is too much water, it can splash out of the fountain, ruining the interior of your home, and the tranquil sound will seem more like rushing waters. With too little water, the visual is compromised, and the pump will make a gurgling noise, that is not at all soothing. Be aware of your climate and air quality. Dryer environments may require more frequent fillings. Just be sure to keep an eye on the water levels.

Pump Cleaning

You will also definitely want to keep an eye on pump function. Your wall fountain is capable of removing dirt and debris from your air, so it is important to make sure your pump is clean. This is especially important if you opted to use tap water. There are anti-scaling and water cleaning agents available to keep your fountain clean. These are added to the water supply on a regular basis, and prevent unwanted buildup in your fountain. Even with this, it is important to clean your fountain periodically.

These simple tasks take very little effort, and ensure great results. If you want a wall fountain in your home, or if you already have one, be sure to keep these tips in mind. The important things are water quality, water levels, and pump cleanliness. Stay on top of these easy things, and your wall fountain live up to its full potential.

Decorating with Eastern Inspiration

/0 Comments/in , , /by

If you have visited East Asia, you may have fallen in love with so much about the culture and the aesthetics. If you have never traveled there you might be intrigued by the traditional philosophies of Taoism, Buddhism or even the different martial arts. There are many concepts and practices of East Asian societies that are beneficial to your health and your living space. Here are some examples.

Sitting on the floor

This is an amazing underrated characteristic of Asian homes and restaurants. Why would sitting on the floor be good in these situations? Depending on the number of guests you have at your place, you might not have enough chairs to accommodate everyone. If the floor seems like an inviting place to sit down, then kids, young adults and the hosts can relax on the floor while everyone else takes a seat on the furniture.

How do you make a floor space inviting? First off it needs to be clean. Secondly you could have floor pillows or a soft rug. A really neat piece of furniture is floor chairs. Some really look just like average chairs with the legs cut off. Other versions might be bean bags or triangular pillows which support your back.

No shoes in doors

This varies from home to home in many cultures. There are actually very few cultures that allow outdoor shoes indoors. Having a clean floor is essential to maintaining a truly livable home. Don’t be a stranger in your own home! Buy a pair of indoor slippers if that makes you feel more comfortable.

Sliding doors

While adding sliding doors to your living space would be a hassle, your place would really benefit from the change. With sliding doors you have more say over the entrances and pathways of your home.

With standard western doors, the door is closed or open, and opens in only one direction. Sliding doors slide in both directions. That means that you can dictate how wide the passage way is and whether to open it to the left or the right of the passage. Sliding doors are simply more versatile and less constraining.

Sliding doors do a great job of hiding the kitchen without constraining the space. Sliding doors are often times translucent, so you can shut off the environment while grabbing some of the light or depth that the translucent doors will give.

Asian inspired décor

Finally, you can add East Asian décor to your place. Water feature Pros sells a whole line of Asian inspired fountains. If you are looking for more decorations we also suggest prints. For your business you have to have a lucky cat!

We hope these suggestions will inspire you to explore your options and balance the eastern and western elements of your home.

Build a Backyard Getaway Vacation in Your Own Home

/0 Comments/in /by

Daily life can feel like a chore for anyone. There can be a lot of pressure at your career, your family may demand quite a bit of your time, and daily life is simply unpredictable. Sometimes, all you need is a vacation. But, you don’t always have the time. Create a place in your own home where you can escape the worries of your life.

You would be surprised at how easily you can transform your garden, balcony, or patio space into your private escape. There are a few key things that make up a good vacation; consider them when you begin your transformation. Your setting must be beautiful, your environment must be relaxing, and most importantly, you need privacy. With a well-placed water feature, your setting can be achieved, and you’ll be in another place in no time.

Location, location, location

Begin by choosing the location of your home vacation. Common places are gardens, balconies, or a certain spot in your backyard. Once, you’ve chosen your prime location, the next step is creating that beautiful setting. A great way to bring life and energy to your area is to add greenery, or to start a small garden. Be sure to use live plants, as artificial ones take away from natural feeling. If you don’t have a green thumb, or if you’re short on time, opt for plants that don’t require much watering and attention.

Decisions, decisions

Your next step is choosing which water feature is appropriate for your space. Maybe you’ve chosen an indoor getaway, where a wall fountain or self-contained floor fountain is more appropriate. If you have a chosen a courtyard or garden, a classic stone fountain is a great way to add a bit of class and elegance to your landscape. Or, maybe a tranquil pond is more your speed. Once, your location is picked out, the choice shouldn’t be too hard make.

Time to get away!

Your final step is to enjoy your space! Once you finally have the time, kick off your shoes, make your favorite drink, and take an instant trip. Your newly transformed space will transport you away from the worries of the world. The soothing steady sounds of your fountain will mitigate street and city noise, and you can feel like you are far from home.

Pond Maintenance: Avoiding Algae

/0 Comments/in , , /by

A private pond is a beautiful addition to many homes. Ponds accentuate the beauty of the home and enhance the outdoor environment, providing a tranquil spot for people to relax and find a little peace. Ponds are definitely a beautiful thing, but they require maintenance, or else they won’t be so attractive. Neglected and stagnant ponds will begin to see a rapid buildup of algae and a certain smell that is, in no way, a pleasant one. If you have a pond, or are planning to have one built, be sure to take certain precautions. To keep you water clean, provide aeration, remove debris, and add pond chemicals, if necessary.

Aeration

Aerating your water is probably the most important thing you can do to keep your water clean and fresh. The process of aeration involves dissolving oxygen into the water supply, and this process can be achieved in many ways. Many people use pond fountains, or aerators. These devices pull water from the top few feet of the pond and shoot it into the air. As the water splashes back down, it breaks the surface of the water and mixes it with the surrounding oxygen. This process is so important because it allows the process of decomposition to happen much more efficiently. If the algae and organic materials are able to break down faster, they won’t stick around and start to smell.

Skimming Debris

One way you can make it a little easier on your pond is by taking time to manually remove debris from the water. It is common for wind and rain to wash leaves, sticks, and other materials into your water. These materials will begin to decompose in your pond, releasing gases during the process, and can eventually begin to become a real nuisance. With a regular cleaning, your pond will look beautiful, and your water will be fresh.

Pond Chemicals

Regular skimmings will keep the leaves and sticks away, but, there is only so much you can do about algae. Sometimes, you have to bring out something a little stronger. There are several fountain chemicals available to keep these nuisances at bay. Adding a little to your water can provide stunning results. Regular cleaning with chemicals that combat the growth of unwanted materials is a sure way to keep your water clean and free of bacteria and algae. Find which one is right for your body of water.

Your pond is one of the main elements of your landscape. It is a defining feature of your home and its surroundings. It’s important that you keep it looking fresh and presentable. With proper aeration, regular cleanings, and pond chemicals, you can be sure that your pond is as beautiful as it was meant to be.

Your Backyard Zen Garden

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Spending time in a peaceful outdoor setting is a great way to connect to the Earth and find a true sense of peace. There is a certain level of serenity that the natural elements bring, and that serenity is the main goal of a zen garden. A zen garden is a simple and peaceful setting that is designed to keep your energies flowing with the universe. You can build your own zen setting, and find peace in your own backyard. The main thing to consider when creating a zen garden is the elements. You will want to be sure that all of the basic elements (air, fire, earth, and water) are represented.

Air

This is the easiest element to implement in your space. Being an outdoor space, the air flow should be abundant. This is more a matter of location than anything else. Be sure that the space that you choose for your garden is open with plenty of room for energy and air to flow. Mother Nature will have no problem taking over from there.

Fire

Fire is more of a tricky element to represent in your zen garden. The trick to representing fire is that you don’t have to have actual fire present to accomplish your goal. Many zen gardens symbolize the element of fire by using the color red. If you would prefer a more in-depth and realistic depiction of this element, you can install a fire pit or decorate the area with red candles.

Earth

When people think of a zen garden, it is usually the earth aspect that comes to mind. To represent the earth in your zen garden, it is common to use sand, or sometimes gravel. You will have to periodically rake the sand as minor maintenance. This also contributes to a popular aspect of the zen garden. Not only will raking keep your sand free of debris, but you can also use the rake as a meditation tool, creating patterns in the sand and centering your energies in your garden.

Water

One of the most peaceful elements of the zen garden is the water. It adds a refreshing and energetic touch to the space, while contributing to the soothing energy around. To represent water in your zen garden, be on the lookout for different outdoor water features. There are a wide range of styles and sizes to choose from. One of the best options is a pond, especially with a waterfall, to give your space movement and dynamics. There are also many modern stand alone fountains that come in simple designs that fit perfect into a zen setting.

You’ll be able to find serenity in your own setting in no time. Connecting to the elements brings you a sense of peace that is often overlooked and taken for granted. With representations of air, fire, earth, and water, your backyard will be a spiritual oasis.

Build a Beautiful Outdoor Room

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

When the spring and summer come around, nobody wants to spend their time cooped inside all day. When the sun is shining and the air is warm, it’s exhilarating to simply be outside breathing the fresh air. When dinner time comes around, many families find themselves eating the meal inside at the dining room table. But, in the summer time, it’s much more pleasing to enjoy your dinner outside. Create a space outside your home where you can enjoy the benefits of fresh air in a comfortable, secluded space. To build the perfect outdoor room, choose a material for a privacy barrier, install outdoor furniture, and accent the space with an outdoor water feature.

Privacy

To begin building your room, you must first choose the space and separate it from the rest of the yard. There are several ways you can go about creating this separation. One way to go is outdoor curtains. You can build or install a gazebo to fit around your space and drape beautiful curtains that will flow gently in the breeze and keep your space cozy and private. Another beautiful choice is a trellis with vining plants. Using a trellis instead of a fence is a great way to instill privacy with a touch of class and style.

Outdoor Furniture

The furniture you choose for your outdoor room is extremely important. It all depends on how you plan on using your space. If it is to be a place of socializing, search for a couple of outdoor couches and extra seating to accommodate all of your guests. If you plan on designing it primarily as an outdoor dining area, then a table set is your clear choice. There are many different styles and sizes of sets, allowing you have a small intimate dinner, or host an entire dinner party.

Outdoor Fountain

To accent and complement the look and feel of your beautiful outdoor scene, you can install a soothing outdoor fountain. It will mitigate undesired noise, and create a sense of serenity in your space. There are a wide range of fountains and water features to choose from. You can pick a classy and elegant tiered fountain to add a classic touch, or maybe a contemporary artistic piece. You can even install a sleek spillway to add a stylish and modern touch. There are so many options, you just have to find the one that fits your style.

Find ways to enjoy as much of the beautiful weather as you can. Building an outdoor extension to your home can help you do just that. An outdoor room is great for hosting, relaxing, dining, and more. With the perfect barriers, outdoor furniture, and fountain, your new space will be the best place in your home.

Building a Kitchen Garden

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

People garden for all types of reasons and in many different styles. One of the most beneficial types of gardens is the kitchen garden. What is a kitchen garden, you ask? Well, it is not a collection of plants that you grow inside your kitchen. A kitchen garden is actually a collection of herbs, vegetables, and fruits that you plan to use in your actual kitchen. They are a great way of saving trips to the grocery, eating healthy, and knowing the source of your food.  They are easily accomplished with a sturdy set of  stone planters to organize your different foods. To make the most of your kitchen garden, pay close attention to your plant selection and prepare to preserve a portion of your harvest.

Plant Selection

Herbs

Growing herbs in your kitchen garden is one of the essentials. There are countless uses for various herbs, and you will be able to spice up any meal with their fresh flavors. You can choose from many plants and variations, including mint, chives, parsley, basil, and cilantro, just to name a few from a long list of delicious herbs. Chop them up for some of your favorite recipes, or dry them for the perfect topping or herbal tea blend.

Fruits and Vegetables

This is obviously where you’ll get the bulk of your bounty. When you are choosing which fruits and vegetables you would like to grow, consider what grows best in your climate, and what you will be able to eat plenty of. Different types of lettuce and greens grow very well, and are very versatile. Tomato plants grow in abundance, and it sometimes can be hard to keep up with all they produce. Other choices include, squashes, onions, and peas, which all go great in salads, casseroles, or stir-fry’s.

Preservation

Oils and Vinegars

A great way of making use of your herbs is by preserving the flavors in oils and vinegars. There is only so much they you can eat fresh or have dried. There are several methods for infusing your herbs with oils and vinegars to preserve, some taking weeks to complete. You can use these delicious homemade creations in salad dressings, marinades, and much more.

Cans and Jars

The best way you can make use of all your vegetables is by learning how to can and pickle them. You can combine them with some of the herbs you’ve grown to make delicious creations that you’ll be able to enjoy and share with your friends and family. These techniques allow you to make the most of your garden, even when the winter comes around.

Your kitchen can be full of things that come from your own back yard. It doesn’t get much fresher and safer than that. And, there is nothing like enjoying the delicious taste of a plant that you helped to grow. Make the most of your home. With a collection of planters and a selection of plants, your pantry will be full by the end of the summer!

Bring Life and Energy to Your Front Yard

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

When it comes to developing the scene outdoors, much attention is normally paid to the backyard space. With it being the more private outdoor space, people seem to be more inclined to develop that space. It is where many of us host our outdoor get-togethers, cook-outs, and children’s birthday parties. With all of the attention being paid to your backyard, it’s easy to overlook the great ways you can bring more life and style to the front of your home. With a few certain details, you’ll be surprised at how nice your home looks. With a simple flower garden, planters or urns, and small birdbath, your home can be on the cover of magazines.

Flower Garden

Gardening is one of the best ways to cultivate life and bring a new sense of color and energy to any outdoor space. You don’t have to have a major green thumb to maintain a simple flower garden. Framing the front of your house or your front porch with flowers serves as a great accent. Visit your local hardware store to find some stones to create your frame. Acquire some planting soil, if need be, and begin your garden space. Pick out some of your favorite flowers, and arrange them around your home or porch. You can purchase seeds or flowers that have already been potted.

Planters and Urns

If you would prefer not to have an in-ground garden, or if you would just like to take your floral design to the next level, consider the use of planters and urns for your front yard. These are a great way of accenting your space with a piece of art and bit of life. They come in many styles, sizes, and shapes. The right set of planters are great for adorning an entrance of staircase. Fill them with your favorite plants, or just use them as their own decoration.

Fountains and Birdbaths

When it comes to installing a water feature in the front yard, some people question the decision. Many people don’t want the piece to overwhelm the scene of their homes. There are many small garden fountains and birdbaths that are perfect for front yards. The right small piece can even sit in your flower garden, making that space a center for life and energy. The colors, butterflies, and birds will transform your plain front yard into a stunning neighborhood oasis for all your neighbors and visitors to see.

Don’t allow your front yard to just be another plot of grass on the street. Allow it to accentuate the style, class, and natural beauty of your home. A few deliberate changes can make all the difference. A small lively flower garden, a set of classic, commanding planters, and a small fountain or birdbath can turn your home into the envy of the neighborhood. It’s the face of your home; make the most of it.

Host the Perfect Garden Party or Barbecue

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , /by

When the skies are blue, the breezes are warm, and the sun is shining throughout the day, it is a great feeling to spend your time outdoors with your family and friends. Hosting a beautiful and fun garden party, picnic, or barbecue is a great way celebrating holidays, birthdays, and special events. Sometimes, it’s great to have a little get together just for the fun of it. No matter what your reason is for having your loved ones over, it’s important to take care that your event is enjoyable for you and your guests. If you want to ensure an enjoyable shindig, make it a potluck, and enhance your scene with greenery and lighting.

Make it a potluck!

When you’re having people over for food, one of the hardest things to accomplish is preparing enough food, or types of food that everyone will like. One of the best ways to circumvent this type of issue is by asking your guests to contribute to the feast. Offer a main course and a couple of other options, then allow your guests to bring items that they would like to share. This ensures that there will be enough food for everyone, and that all of your guests will be guaranteed to enjoy at least one dish (assuming they enjoy their own cooking!).

Decorate with Greenery

If you are having garden party, the plants you have growing in your outdoor space is the truly the life of the party. Be sure that your favorite flowers, vegetables, and greenery are properly displayed. Consider installing a few planters in your setting. That is a great way of adding an extra element of class and elegance to your space. There are many stone planters and urns available that can enhance your scene with there design alone. Combined with the right plants, these containers are guaranteed to enhance your scene for your next get-together.

Lighting

An easy thing for people to overlook is proper outdoor lighting, especially when hosting guests. But, there is a lot you can do with lighting to enhance the scene and experience for everyone. There are a wide range of LED landscape lighting options that allow you to illuminate walls, staircases, and walkways with the perfect accent of light. You can even install lights in a pool, pond, or fountain, for a stunning effect. They come in many colors, and some are even color changing, allowing you to create the perfect scene at your next garden party.

No matter the occasion, you’ll want your event to go over beautifully. While you can’t be in control of every little thing that may happen, you can at least set yourself up for success. Avoid awkward conflict over food by having a potluck-style event, enhance your garden party with perfectly-placed greenery, and accent your landscape with the LED lighting. Your guests will be amazed, and you’ll be proud of your home.

Get a Perfect Night of Sleep

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Do you ever struggle with getting a restful night of sleep? Do you sometimes wake up after hours of sleep only to feel like you never slept at all? People all over the world struggle with this issue. If you are one of these people, you know how detrimental a poor night of sleep can be. It has very negative effects on your mood, alertness, and overall health. Even with all the caffeine, sugar, and energy drinks in the world, there’s no way around it; sleep is necessary. If you want to improve your night of sleep, try something a little more helpful than counting sheep. Having a warm beverage, avoiding mobile phone and TV screens before bed, and implementing white noise can make more of an impact than you might expect.

Have a warm drink

Making yourself a cup of herbal tea is a great way to begin your nightly ritual. Change into your comfortable clothing, and relax. The habit alone will begin to get your mind ready for bed. Be sure to choose herbal tea or other caffeine-free drinks. A very popular choice for a pre-bedtime drink is a nice cup of chamomile tea. It has developed a strong reputation over the years for having and therapeutic and relaxing effect. You can even opt for the classic cup of warm milk. The most important thing is that you allow your warm beverage to calm you and put you in the mode for bed.

Turn off the screens

After you’ve made your tea, it’s time to wrap up any business you need to accomplish on your computer or phone. With all that phones are capable of now, people commonly spend lots of time in bed on their phones surfing the internet and interacting on social media. What they might not be aware of is how hurtful that is to a quality night of sleep. The bright light emitted from phones and TV screens increases a person’s alertness and decreases their levels of melatonin, a hormone that reacts to light and regulates your circadian rhythm. If you prefer to have a little mental stimulation before bed, opt for a paper book or other non-electronic activity.

Create a source of white noise

Once it’s actually time for bed, create an environment that is sure to aid your quality of sleep. People often overlook the effect of small disturbances throughout the night. Sounds of traffic, unexpected weather, or outdoor activity can make a person stir without actually waking them. This person wakes up in the morning believing that they had a full night of rest, when in reality their sleep cycles were being interrupted all night. A great way to avoid this problem is by installing an indoor wall fountain in your bedroom. The white noise created by the soothing sounds of the steadily flowing water will mitigate unwanted noise and create a consistent environment for your sleep. You’ll be amazed after just one night of sleep.

Don’t allow poor nights of sleep to affect your daily life. It is not worth the daily struggles, cups of coffee, and evening crashes. Make deliberate choices every night to ensure a restful night of sleep. Have a warm drink to begin your ritual, turn off those bright screens and lights, and implement white noise into your bedroom environment. Your nights, and days, will be much better for it.

Bring Life to your Backyard

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Think about the scene around your home. Do you look around your backyard to see nothing that inspires you? Is your property not much more than a simple plot of grass? Your space can, and should, be more than that. Your property should be a place where you can enjoy your time outdoors, set a beautiful scene, and cultivate life. There are a few main ways you can go about bringing a fresh new energy to your outdoor space. If you are looking for ways improve your yard, consider building a garden, installing an outdoor fountain, and enhancing your landscape and water with LED lighting.

Build a Garden

One of the best ways to bring that extra sense of life and energy to your yard is by building a garden outside your home. For many people, the healthiest thing to do, especially if you plan on growing vegetables, is to build a raised garden bed. A raised garden bed actually sits on top of the ground, filled with soil that you place in it yourself. This method relieves the burden of having to rely on the soil in your yard, and allows you to make the healthiest mix of soil for your plants. The process is pretty simple and inexpensive; there are several tutorials available online that can lead you in the right direction.

Install a Garden Fountain

Having the garden built in your yard will add new life and color to your space, but your landscape is not quite complete at this point. Take your garden space to the next level with the installation of a well-placed garden fountain. A beautiful stone fountain adds to your landscape in a number of ways. The visual alone will take your garden area to the next level. The steady flowing water sounds will help to mitigate unwanted noise and create an even more soothing and therapeutic environment.

Accent with LEDs

Once you have your new landscape design all planned out, it’s about time to start thinking about those finishing touches. One of the best ways you can accent the beauty and style of your landscape is to use LED lighting. You may be surprised at what a few small lights can do for a wall or a walkway. There is even waterproof lighting available for your fountains and ponds that will illuminate the water at night. There are a wide range of options, even color changing lights that you can set to fit any mood.

Don’t allow your backyard to just be another patch of green on the hill. Make it a point to truly make the most of your outdoor space. Tap into your artistic and creative side, and let your imagination flourish. Create a scene that is dynamic, colorful, and full of life. Add life and color with some of your favorite flowers, vegetables, and greenery, take it to the next level with a beautiful fountain, and accent it all with tastefully placed LED lights.

Enhance the Class and Elegance of your Outdoor Space

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Your home is place that you should certainly take pride in; you’ve spent countless hours earning and developing it. And, your backyard and patio space is where you spend some of your most precious moments. Think of the many garden parties, cookouts, and outdoor celebrations that occur at your home. Be sure that when you are hosting your friends and family, your home reflects your style and class. With the addition of a beautiful stone statue, an outdoor fountain, and some LED light accents, your home will be the most beautiful place in the area.

Display Stone Artwork

One of the best ways you can elevate the level of class in your home is with the addition of artwork. When it comes to exterior design, people often overlook the effect of art, but there are a wide range of options for outdoor sculptures and statues. There are pieces that are designed to be placed in or next to a shallow body of water, and some that create an entire scene on their own. These masterpieces are carved in 360 degrees of stunning detail, and are certain to provide your scene with a fresh sense of style and culture.

Install a Beautiful Fountain

Another great way to accentuate the beauty of your environment is by installing a classic, elegant stone fountain. Picture a beautiful tiered work of art in your own backyard. See the beauty of the water spilling from the finial and cascading over the edges of the piece. It will transform the look of your space, while creating a welcoming and relaxing scene for you and your guests. Everyone will be dazzled by the stunning water show, and your home will take on a brand new look. This type of choice is guaranteed to please.

Install LED Accents

If you would like to take your statues and fountain to the next level, consider the installation of LED light accents. There are kits available that are designed specifically for tiered fountains, and plenty more options for your landscape. Accent your staircase, walls, and garden with the perfect touch of light. It is sure to add a modern and contemporary look to your space that is subtle and very easy on the eyes. There are even options available for color changing lights. With the right set up, you can design your space to fit any mood and occasion.

When the time comes for you to make some decorative changes around your home, be sure to make the right choices. Create a scene that is full of class and elegance, one that reflects the style of you and your family. With the addition of stone statues and sculptures, an elegant tiered fountain, and a few LED light accents, you are sure to transform your home into the ideal space. You and your guests are sure to be pleased.