6 Tips On Adding A Luxury Fountain To Your Garden
Luxury fountains are a fantastic centrepiece for your garden, transforming it into a calming oasis and ensuring that you are the envy of the neighbourhood! In my latest lifestyle article, I will offer some top tips to help you on your way to buying a fountain. Carry on reading for more.
Your garden is an extension of your home, allowing you to spread your style ideas into the lush greenery outside. Several fashionable garden design trends in the UK are hitting all the right notes, and the inclusion of water features is always at the top of the list! In the following sections, I will provide six essential buying tips to help you successfully navigate the surprisingly vast world of luxury outdoor garden fountains.
What Are The Benefits?
If you live in an urban area, you will undoubtedly be surrounded by the constant noise of traffic, neighbours and strangers walking by (and more often than not, the high-pitched shriek of emergency service sirens) and planes flying overhead. Adding a fountain that creates the gentle sound of cascading water falling can drown (pun intended!) out this headache-inducing buzz!
The soft sounds of water convey a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, encouraging mindfulness and relaxation (essential in the modern world of high stress). Picture the scene – sipping your morning coffee or reading the latest chapter in your novel as the soothing sounds of water engulf the air.
Fountains are available in a wide variety of designs and styles, allowing you to choose a specific model that fits in perfectly with your home decor and showcases your unique personality. Add greenery, such as plants and shrubs, around the fountain for bonus style points and also create an environment where nature will thrive thanks to the increased humidity.
Other benefits include:
- Improving air quality
- Cooling temperatures
- Enhancing curb appeal and property price
- Encouraging outdoor living
Size And Scale
During your search for the perfect fountain, it is vital to determine the size and scale. These are key factors when it comes to both aesthetics and function.
For example, choosing a fountain that is too large can overwhelm a small space, overshadowing the beauty of the garden’s natural elements, such as plants and flowers. Similarly, a smaller piece could get lost (and look kind of silly!) in a larger garden, especially compared to vast landscaping features. Consider how the fountain will look in your garden and how it will complement your existing flora and fauna, as well as paths and furniture.
The size of the fountain will also cause differences in sound; for example, a modest size fountain will provide a hint of tranquillity yet still allow you to enjoy the sounds of the garden, such as tweeting birds and the rustle of leaves. However, if you opt for a larger fountain design, the running water can cut out unwanted external noises (beyond the sanctity of your walls) and be an alluring focal point.
While searching for elegant large outdoor fountains, many retailers will also list essential features such as water levels, cleaning, maintenance and winter care (making your choices easier).
Choose The Right Style For Your Garden
How will your new fountain complement the other parts of your garden? It must resonate with all the different elements, creating a cohesive vision. Does your outside decor invoke a traditional vibe, or is it sleek and modern? Opt for a fountain design that gels with the surroundings already established.
A traditional multi-tiered model will enhance a garden’s classical look, boosting its overall brilliance. Likewise, a minimalistic wall-mounted feature is perfect for contemporary landscape styles. Alternatively, go for rustic stone that will pair with flowers, plants and greenery. You could even opt for a polished metal fountain, blending perfectly with structured flowerbeds.
Choose Quality Materials
Find fountains crafted using high-quality materials (such as natural stone or cast bronze). These will ensure a longer life (withstanding poor weather conditions) and upgrade the piece’s aesthetics, further raising the overall elegance of your garden.
Granite fountains are incredibly durable and tough, with a look that exudes sophistication and gives the impression that they have been standing for decades. Copper is also a great choice, as during the ageing process, it will develop a patina effect (often used in footwear) that adds a unique character over time. This evolution is something that many homeowners crave in garden pieces.
However, some models may require a higher level of upkeep than others. Fibreglass looks the part, mimicking premium styles at a reduced price point, but it is far more prone to damage and wear and tear than stone and metal.
Premium materials always cost more but are much more resilient against environmental damage, ensuring your new beautiful installation will last for many seasons to come (just imagine how good they will look against the striking autumn tones or snow-covered surroundings).
Additionally, it is essential to consider maintenance, such as water clarity and pump upkeep. Both points are crucial to keeping algae at bay (which looks unsightly, especially when built up) and keeping everything running smoothly. During the winter seasons, make sure to keep the pipes of your fountain protected from freezing over (causing destructive damage).
Features And Functions
Once you’ve selected your fountain and installed it in your handsome garden, the next step is to add ambient lighting so that even once the sun sets, your brand-new centrepiece can be seen with an added boost of rainbow hues.
Opt for adjustable LED lights so you can change the colours and intensity of each shade. Depending on your mood, you can effectively alter the light show—subtle warm tones for romantic dinners to pulsing vibrant colours for those lively garden parties.
Another fantastic feature is the ability to adjust the water flow, controlling the volume of water. During a big event, opt for a heavy spray of water to make an impact, or switch to a peaceful, calmer flow for quiet evenings.
Installation Requirements
Always aim to position the fountain in an area with prime water and electricity access, ensuring a seamless installation. Another good point is to consider sunlight exposure—if your fountain is placed in a shaded zone, it may gather less algae (so requiring less overall maintenance to keep it looking good). However, despite these negatives, a fountain sitting proudly in the beaming sunlight can produce a striking visual effect, especially with the lush greenery as a background.
You should also assess the ground area, including the surface and foundation, to ensure its stability and longer lifespan. If the base is sturdy, it will help to prevent any shifting and movement, which is ideal if you want your expensive showpiece protected from the dangers of the weather.
Also, check local regulations, as some areas could restrict large water features (such as zone laws or even conservation concerns due to water usage).
Your Budget
Always make a plan before upgrading any part of your designer home (your garden expenses included). Consider the initial purchase price of the new fountain, then total the extra costs such as installation, water usage and ongoing maintenance. If you can afford to spend more on a quality product (that is more durable and energy efficient), it will save you money in the long run.
You could even check pre-owned fountains, which offer normally pricey items at a lower cost (just remember to check that they have no problems and are fully functional).
Overall
In summary, a beautifully designed fountain will easily boost the aesthetics of your garden space, adding a focal point (especially if you host many events for guests) and serving as an area where you can sit and enjoy by yourself (to help you chill and relax). After reading through my latest guide, these buying tips will allow you to grab a stunning piece for your garden that you and your family and guests will enjoy for many years to come.
What are your thoughts on my latest lifestyle article? Are you considering purchasing a fountain, or do you already have one installed? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.
