Combine Water and Light for a Stunning Visual

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Creating the right atmosphere for your home is a special process. Many of your most precious memories will be spent at home. Imagine the warmth of the fireplace during the holidays, the warmth of the sun on a beautiful summer day, or the springtime breeze while relaxing on the patio hammock. You’ll see while reminiscing with family photo albums that your home is the backdrop for some of your most treasured experiences. Create a backdrop that is welcoming, calming, and beautiful. There are several ways that you can utilize water and light to accent the beauty and style of your home.

Indoor Wall Mounted Fountains

If you are looking for the perfect way to bring a new look and feel to your indoor space, a wall mounted fountain may be just what you’ve been searching for. Water walls come in a wide range of colors, materials, and styles. From natural looking rock and slate pieces with copper frames, to bold and unique custom art pieces, there are many ways they can enhance the style of your space. The water flow also assists in purifying and humidifying the air. The steady flowing sounds of the water produce white noise, which is proven to calm and assist a restful sleep.

Outdoor Water Features

There are several ways you can make changes to your backyard, but one of the most stylish and impressive ways to accent your space is with water. A  beautiful statuary fountain will serve well as a centerpiece or garden accessory. If you are look for a more sleek and modern look, a spillway will accent your setting with a sleek sheet of water, flowing gently into a basin below. They look great along walls and staircases, or in conjunction with a small pond.

Illuminate Them

Water panels, fountains, and spillways are great ways of accenting your home and patio space with water, and you can do even more take these water features to the next level. One of the best ways you can accent your space is by installing LED lights in your water features and landscape. Lighting is a powerful element that people often overlook. When applied thoughtfully, lights can completely transform your nighttime scene. LEDs come in all types of colors, some even color-changing. With so many options for light, you can create light themes for certain moods and events, and truly make the most of your property.

When you’re planning out how you want your space to look and feel, make sure you are thoughtful with your choices. Small improvements can make all the difference. Subtle accents to your home and landscape are a great way of bringing out the natural and structural beauty of where you live. With well-placed sources of flowing water and soft light, you can truly accent your space without overwhelming the scene. You will love to come home to such a beautiful, calming, and relaxing place.

Selecting a Fountain for Your Climate

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Installing a fountain or pond in your garden serves a number of benefits. Your landscape will be improved visually and physically, and, with the constant flow of fresh water, the entire atmosphere of the area will be changed. If you are considering installing a new water feature in your garden, consider the climate and weather conditions in your area. Outdoor fountains are designed to be durable and built to last, but even the most durable pieces will need regular maintenance. Whether you live in a wet and humid climate, a hot and dry climate, or a location that experiences brutal winter weather, the fountain you choose should be able to withstand the weather conditions.

Wet and Humid

If you live in a tropical kind of climate that experiences a great deal of humidity and precipitation, maintenance is very important. In these warm and wet climates, algae thrives. You must be proactive about keeping its growth under control. This will require regular cleaning. There are several chemical cleaners to help, and options that are safe to animals. A humid climate will also take a toll on your metal pieces. If you decide on something made of metal, more attention must be paid to maintaining the finish.

Hot and Dry

In both tropical climates and hot, dry climates, the options for different types of fountains and materials are vast because there is no worry of the water freezing. In the hot, dry climates, you will find that there isn’t much to worry about at all. But, that doesn’t make maintenance any less important. Your fountain still needs to be cleaned regularly. And, if your climate is particularly dry, you will want to keep an eye on your water levels. Evaporation may require you to refill your fountain from time to time. It isn’t something that happens often, but it you will want to pay attention to it.

Frigid and Frozen

The fountains that will require the most attention and maintenance are the ones that are installed in colder climates. If your home experiences winter weather and temperatures, your options are slightly more restricted. One of the most crucial steps you must make when those colder temperatures come around is removing all of the water from your fountain. When water freezes, it expands, and that can lead to irreparable damage. Depending on the severity of your winter weather, and the material of your fountain, the best option may be moving your fountain altogether. Consider choosing something that doesn’t weight much so you can place it in a garage or shed during the winter months.

No matter what climate you live in, if you want a water feature, there is probably one out there for you. You just have to consider the restrictions that Mother Nature has placed on you. Be aware of what maintenance techniques and tools you need, and be prepared to protect your fountain from harsh weather.

Five Stylish Options for Backyard Water Features

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Every once in a while it’s great to make your surroundings feel new again. Has the time come for you to make some changes to your landscape? The options are endless. Installing a water feature outside of your home is a great way to enhance the look and feel of your space. There are countless ways of using water design to improve your landscape. We’ve compiled a list of stylish outdoor options to consider if you are thinking of installing a water feature at your home.

1. Garden Fountains

Do you have a garden at home? One of the best ways you can enhance your garden space is with a beautiful garden fountain. There are many styles to choose from. You may opt for a classic tiered fountain to evoke an elegant feel. Or, maybe a more contemporary and unique design is more your speed. Accent your plant life with one of these designs.

2. Floor Fountains

There are many fountains that are designed to stand freely on your patio or deck area. These pieces are great for adding a decorative accent to your space with a unique work of art. They come in many designs, from simple urn and jar shapes, to intricate modern art designs. Create a contemporary patio space with the perfect floor fountain.

3. Ponds

A great way to complement the natural setting of your yard is by installing a small pond. Ponds are great for creating a peaceful and relaxing scene. You can even introduce fish and other wildlife into your pond to make the experience even more enjoyable. There are also pond fountains that help to aerate the water while creating a beautiful design. If you are willing to make a major change, consider this.

4. Spillways

If you are looking for a more sleek and modern look, spillways are definitely a choice to consider. These special pieces allow the water to flow as one single smooth sheet, creating a stunning visual effect. They are great for accenting patio spaces, or even connecting to pools or ponds.

5. Waterfalls

There is nothing quite like watching water cascade freely over a rocky over a tower of stones. You can recreate the wonderful setting of a waterfall in your own backyard. There are designs that allow you to have a simple waterfall that flows directly into a basin, or you can also install them with your pool or pond.

Water features are a great way of enhancing the look and feel of your home. With all of the choices available, it can be hard to narrow down the decision. There is a fountain that works for every style of home. Whether it’s for your garden, patio, or lawn, you can transform your home with an outdoor water feature.

Choosing the Right Fountain for Your Garden

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Your garden is a place that is full of beauty, life, and energy. One way that many people accentuate those features is by installing a garden fountain. There are a wide range of styles and designs to choose from, including wall fountains, tiered stone pieces, small tabletop units, and more. With the wide array of choices, it can be hard to decide on the right style for your personal space. A well-placed water feature can bring together the entire scene you’ve created, but the wrong choice can stick out and ruin the energy. There are many factors to consider, especially size, style, and material.

Size

The size of your gardening space is probably the first thing you will want to consider. Do you have a small patio setup that may only allow for a small free-standing piece? Or maybe you have a large garden that can handle a grand, commanding centerpiece. When deciding on the size of your piece, be sure to choose something that complements your space. You want the fountain to accent the beauty and set the atmosphere. If you choose a fountain that is too large for your small space, it will be overwhelming. Alternatively, a piece that is too small for a large space will seem out of place. Avoid a setting that is awkward and distracting.

Style

Cultivate a charming, comfortable setting. The style of fountain you choose plays a large role in creating that scene. If you have a large, classic garden, a tiered stone fountain could be a great choice. If there is a wall in your garden, there are also a wide range of wall mounted pieces that serve as a beautiful accent. For more contemporary styles, there are waterfalls and spillways that allow the water itself to serve as a work of art. Tabletop designs work for small settings that are accented with a stone table setting.

Material

Before making a final decision, you should consider the material of your garden fountain, and your home’s climate. Fountains come in a wide range of materials, like stone, concrete, earthenware, glass, and more. Be sure that the piece you choose can handle the weather that your landscape will endure. Some materials need extra care or protection from winter weather. Once, you have chosen the style and material, be sure to look into taking care of your chosen material. There are several techniques and products available to maintain and preserve the various materials there are.

Your garden can be taken to the next level with one main addition. A perfectly placed water feature accents the visual, and creates an atmosphere that is soothing and welcoming. After you have examined the size of your space, and considered the style and material of your fountain, you can narrow down your decision. Your garden will be flowing with new energy in no time!

What Can Lighting Do for Your Water Feature?

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Your fountain will completely transform with the addition of lighting. A fountain without lighting only has a life after dawn and before dusk. While that might seem like enough time to truly enjoy your water feature, it sets a curfew on how late the fountain will be able to entertain guests. As soon as the party starts to get lively the fountain will fall flat, but with lighting you will be able to host a light show in your own back yard.

Here are some things to consider when choosing lighting:

Halogen or LED?

We recommend that you always go with LED lighting. Halogen lighting propagates some serious heat, which can cause unwanted evaporation and other malfunctions.

Submersible or otherwise?

The choice is yours. Many LED light kits can be submerged so that the basin of your fountain will be illuminated. What if you want to highlight the waterfall of the fountain? Then you can also consider clip on lighting for smaller pieces or easel style lighting for more substantial pieces.

Adding colors

Many LED lighting kits come with a colored filter to add color to your lighting apparatus. The filter might be interchangeable, allowing you to change colors according to your mood or the guests you will be having at your place.

Watts and sizes

5 to ten watt lighting fixtures are appropriate for most fountains. For a pond or lake fountain you could go up to 15 watt lighting to see the beauty of it all from far away.

Other types of lights

For lake fountains you can also get Lilly pad lighting kits that will looks lovely in a vast open pond.

Add lighting to the entire space

For entertainment purposes we recommend that you add lighting to more than just the single water feature. You will be able to extend the party into the late hours without feeling awkward. The lighting should set the mood you want. For a festive fill add lighting in key places where you might be serving drinks or having a discussion. If you want a calm and minimal outdoor space for relaxing, then add a few key lighting elements to just the pathways and trees of your back yard.

Some Things to Consider About Indoor Fountains

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Are you looking for the perfect way to enhance your indoor space? One of the best ways to can transform the interior of your home is by installing the perfect indoor water feature. There is a wide range of choices, from floor models and tabletop fountains, to wall-mounted pieces that can take up the size of a picture frame, or the entire wall. With so many choices, it’s important that you make the right one. The decision making process can seem overwhelming, but it is a process that is well worth it. Before making a purchase, consider these tips.

Things to Consider:

Your Theme

There are many styles of fountains that you can choose from for your new indoor scene. When choosing what’s right for you, be sure to consider the rest of your space. Do you have a modern or contemporary theme? Maybe your scene is more classic, or natural. Whatever it may be, be sure to choose a fountain that also fits your style.

The Use

People install fountains inside their homes for a plethora of reasons. Some people want something that will help them sleep, so they choose a wall fountain to place near their bed. Others place a tabletop fountain on their desk to help them concentrate while working or studying. Be sure to keep these reasons in mind, and be sure to make a choice that complements your needs.

The Location

Once you have decided where you want your fountain to go, it will help to easily narrow down the decision making process. Are you decorating the living room? Maybe you should consider a floor model. Wall panels are great for entrances and bedrooms, while tabletop pieces are perfect for offices and studies.

Things to Avoid:

Choosing the Wrong Size

With all of the choices available to you, it’s important to choose a fountain that fits the size of your space. A fountain that is too small can end up seeming useless and insignificant. One that is too large can be distracting and unattractive. Be sure to consider this prior to making a purchase.

Exposing Dangers to Children

If you have small children in your home, this narrows down your choices a bit. Many fountains come with small detached pieces, such as stones or rocks. Others pose a threat of toppling over from a inquisitive little one. Be sure to choose options that also keep your children safe.

Indoor fountains are a wonderful investment. They enhance the beauty of your home and create a calm and soothing atmosphere. With all of the styles and designs of indoor fountains, there is sure to be something that is just right for any space. Keeping these guidelines in mind will make the decision making process even easier!

Guidelines for Implementing Feng Shui

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Creating a comfortable and harmonious environment in your home provides you with a much healthier life overall. A clear and peaceful home makes for a clear and peaceful brain, and a brain in that condition can do a lot more with life. When it comes to making this desired environment, many people go to the ancient technique of feng shui. Feng shui is all about creating a harmonious space where positive energy flows abundantly. There are many elements involved in feng shui, but we’ve compiled a list of things to consider and a few to avoid with a few tips on how you can enhance your space.

Things to Consider

Live Greenery

Any representation of nature in your home provides positive energy. Plants are a great way of introducing a fresh energy into your home. There are a wide range of indoor and low-maintenance plants that will go wonderfully in any indoor setting. With a few planters set in the perfect locations, you will have plenty of natural energy flowing through your space.

Indoor Fountains

Another way of representing nature in your home is with the perfect indoor water fountain. There are a wide range of styles, from wall-mounted, desktop, and floor models. Having a fountain in your home provides an abundance of fresh energy, and the water is actually an ancient symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Negative Ions

Having these natural elements in your home also serve as a source of negative ions. Negative ions are produced by natural elements, and many people are overwhelmed with the positive ions produced by electrical appliances in their homes. Negative ions increase serotonin and energy, reducing stress and anxiety.

Things to Avoid

Clutter

Having a cluttered space is a big N-O. There is no way for positive energy to flow freely with so many obstacles. It is widely agreed that a cluttered environment causes a cluttered mind, and that is a pretty useless thing to have. Be sure that you regularly clear your space of unnecessary items to keep the energy fresh.

Display Negative Imagery

Something that people often overlook is the effect that their artwork and decorations have in their home. When choosing what you will hang on your walls, consider the mood and feeling of that piece of art. Is that mood one that you want to fill your room. Be sure to choose artwork that evokes positive energy and a healthy frame of mind.

When it comes to decorating the interior of your home, be sure to remember that the way you design and maintain your space has a profound effect on the energy of your everyday life. Be sure to keep it simple, and include positive accents like fountains or plants to serve as a constant source of good energy. Your home can be the center of peace and serenity that you need.

 

Maintenance Guide: Tips for Your Outdoor Fountain

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Outdoor fountains are loved by people all over the world, and they have been for very many years. The love of fountains has even grown to see fountains in people’s own backyards, creating a beautiful  personal environment. If you have a fountain at your home, you are aware of their many benefits. The beautiful visual, the soothing sounds, and the refreshing feeling are just a few. If you are familiar with these benefits, you may soon be aware of a few consequences if you don’t take proper care of your outdoor fountain. There are a few regular tasks you can do to be sure your fountain is clean and fresh.

Clean the Pump

Sometimes, people won’t notice the severity of the buildup in their fountain until it is too late. It is easy to forget that your fountain can begin to experience buildup and clogging before you see it. This is why cleaning your pump is so important. All of the water flows through the pump, and that can begin to take a toll on it. There are many times when the buildup begins there, unseen, and it only gets worse from there. Nip your problems in the bud with a regular cleaning of your fountain pump.

Scheduled Deep Cleaning

Every so often, it would be wise to clean the entire fountain in depth. This may be a little time-consuming, but it is very worth it. You definitely don’t want a buildup of algae, hard water, and white scale in your fountain. To clean your fountain, be sure to turn it off and drain all the water with a pump of wet/dry vacuum. After the pond is off and drained, you’ll want to clean all of the separate pieces, including rinsing off any rocks or stones that may be a part of your fountain set up. Be sure to clean all of the fountain parts in depth, using fountain cleaning chemicals if necessary.

Fountain Cleaning Chemicals

While there are products available to help you in during the cleaning process, there are also preventative chemicals that you can use for your fountain. There are many choices, and it’s important that you choose the right one. Household cleaners normally just won’t do the trick. Many of the fountain cleaners require that you simply add a small amount to your water supply. Once you do that, the chemicals will flow through all of the pieces of your fountain, keeping bacteria, algae, and hard water at bay.

Your outdoor fountain is the highlight of your outdoor environment. You want to make sure that it is in the best condition possible. A little maintenance is all you need. With regular pump cleaning and deep cleaning, along with the right fountain chemicals, your fountain will be in tip top shape!

Front Yard Accents to Rejuvenate Your Home

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When most people think about developing their outdoor scene, much attention is often paid to the backyard space. As the more private and commonly used 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. By adding a simple flower garden, a couple of planters or urns, and a small birdbath, your home could look like the cover of a magazine.

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 opt 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. You can even choose to build an in-ground garden and use empty urns as simple decoration. A pair of elegant urns at your doorstep brings a new level of class to your home.

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. If you have a circular driveway, a classic statuary fountain would make the perfect centerpiece. There are also 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. Let it accentuate the style, class, and natural beauty of your home. A few conscious 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; show off its beauty.

Making the Most of a Dry Environment

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Gardening is one of the most beneficial and therapeutic ways you can spend your time. The act of cultivating life is soothing and rewarding. People all around the world have home gardens where they grow some of their favorite flowers and greenery. There are gardens that thrive any many types of environments, but some people believe that there is no hope for the hopeful gardener living in a dry desert location. Those people are truly mistaken. An entire oasis can be built in the backyard of a desert home. With the addition of an outdoor garden fountain, resilient succulents, and a shaded seating area, your desert location can be a thriving and comfortable place to spend your time.

Garden Fountain

One of the biggest changes you can make to your arid environment is introducing water to your scene. Considering the fact that a lack of water is what makes a desert, the presence of a water fountain in your yard will be a great transformation. An outdoor fountain will add a sense of life and rejuvenation an old, dry scene. There are many designs available to fit any style, and a wide range of sizes to complement any size space. Your fountain will be the center of your oasis.

Succulents

An oasis would not be an oasis without any life there. This is where many people believe desert climates come up short. The words garden and desert are rarely spoken in the same breath, but there are actually many types of plants that can survive with little water. Many of these plants are referred to as succulents, and they grow in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Succulents are thick, fleshy plants that are very efficient when it comes to storing water for extended periods of time. Cacti fall into this category, but they aren’t alone. You can create a beautiful diverse garden full of succulents.

Shaded Seating

Desert climates see little rain, so clouds are often scarce. The constant powerful rays of the sun can become very uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous. When you’re in this type of climate, it is important to find ways to protect yourself from the sun. A great way to enjoy your new oasis is by completing the scene with a canopy to frame your seating area. With the right selection of outdoor furniture, you will be able to set up the perfect space for hours of conversation, dining, and relaxation.

Don’t let the harsh effects of a desert climate force you indoors. If you are hoping for an oasis in the middle of your dry environment, create one in your own backyard. With the right fountain, the right plants, and the right shaded seating area, there’s no way you could go wrong. Make the most of your desert scene with water and life!

Deisgn a Nature-Inspired Interior with Wall Fountains

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Are you a person who loves experiencing the elements of nature. Do you spend some of your free time taking hikes to experience the exhilaration of the fresh air, flowing rivers, and and gentle streams? Spending too much time indoors can begin to take a toll on the more natural aspect of your personality. The one space you have the most control is your own home. For those days when you would rather be out in taking long walks, create a scene in your home that is reminiscent of those natural elements you love so much. Utilizing potted plants, clearing your window space, and installing an indoor fountain are all great ways of easing that caged-in feeling.

Indoor Greenery

One of the best things you can do to improve the feeling of an indoor space and evoke that natural outdoor sense is by adding potted plants to your décor. The plants will immediately remind you of being out in the elements. The colors and shapes will crete a brand new look in your home, and the natural scents and aromas will alleviate the need for using air fresheners; your house will smell like the fresh outdoors. If you can, choose plants that remind you of some of your favorite outdoor places. If you are a busy person, but still would like some greenery in your space, opt for plants that are a bit more independent. There are several types of plants that require less watering and attention. A little bit of life can make all the difference.

Free Your Window Space

The plants and flowers in your home aren’t only things that can reap the benefits of a window’s natural light. Take full advantage of your window area. A common mistake that people make with interior design is blocking their windows. Placing furniture in front of your windows can turn out to be a big mistake. You may also want to consider options other than mini blinds and shades. If you want to take full advantage of the natural sunlight, consider using sheer fabric instead of thick, heavy material for curtains. The light and air will flow much more freely.

Indoor Fountains

Allowing the light and air in isn’t the only way to experience a natural flow in your home. One of the worst things about spending time indoors is the lack of flowing water. A long day inside can leave you longing for a relaxing evening next to a steady stream. Installing an indoor fountain, like a water wall, is the perfect way to create that effect in your own home. The steady sounds will calm and relax you, and provide white noise, which helps people concentrate and sleep. Making this choice is one of the most effective way of bring the outdoors in your own home.

Life indoors doesn’t have to be miserable. When the weather keeps you in, or you have indoor tasks to accomplish, you can still feel the effects of the great outdoors. Greenery, access to windows, and a well-placed water feature can transport you to your own indoor oasis.

Control Stress Levels with an Indoor Fountain

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The world can be an endless source for stress and anxiety. With all of the responsibilities that come along with having a career, maintaining a family, and living everyday life, it is easy to get lost in the negative side of things. It’s important to take the time to relieve yourself from that type of stress. One of the best things you can do is to create a space in your own home that is able to help soothe your mind. You can inspire peace and tranquility in your home with the right indoor fountain. They are able to help reduce stress in a few ways.

White Noise

One of the most calming and relaxing things you can do is to expose yourself to a steady source of white noise. The soothing qualities are so subtle that people sometimes only notice the sound once it is gone. The white noise creates a constant sound to create a serene atmosphere where you can relax, study, or sleep. Indoor fountains are a great source for this type of noise. The sound of the flowing waters cascading and splashing over the body of the fountain is sure to create a much less stressful space.

Noise Mitigation

Another great quality provided by the white noise is its ability to mitigate unwanted surrounding noises. Indoor fountains aren’t so loud that they drown everything out and become a distraction. Rather, their subtle, steady sound is perfect for blending sounds into the background and ridding your environment of distractions. This is perfect if you live near traffic, or if your neighborhood isn’t always as peaceful as you would hope.

Negative Ions

The soothing sounds provided by your indoor fountain aren’t the only qualities that will help to reduce your stress and anxiety levels. There is also another lesser known effect that an indoor fountain can have on the air in your home, and that is their ability to diffuse negative ions. Negative ions are produced in nature and are known to reduce stress and anxiety while balancing serotonin levels. Electrical devices and appliances inside the home are a source for positive ions, which can leave you feeling less than your best. You would be surprised at what a little water can do for your stress levels.

Indoor fountains are not just for show. They actually serve many more benefits than just being a simple form of decoration. If you deal with stress in your life, they can help to relieve the negative energy in your world. As a source of white noise, with their ability to mitigate unwanted sounds, and diffuse negative ions, indoor fountains are a surprisingly helpful addition to your home.