Fountain Features: Modern Styles and Concepts

If decoration is a hobby—or even a moderate interest—of yours, then it’s very likely that you’ve looked over modern fountains once or twice. There is a naturalistic grace to these dynamic structures that can elevate a home from great beauty to absolute elegance.

As with most aspects of architectural aesthetics, the characteristics of fountains have evolved significantly over the countless generations in which they’ve been in use. And like other fashion trends, the details of today’s styles can be hard to keep up with consistently.

While there are plenty of options when purchasing a fountain that makes it more difficult to go wrong, the countless modern water features also indicate that some will have characteristics that make them the ideal purchase for you rather than just a desirable one.

If you’ve never bought a water fountain for your home before, it can seem daunting to make a purchase of that nature without ever having compared the different themes, shapes, and styles that are available to you when adding a decorative enhancement to your home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer who’s brand new to the world of modern fountains or you’ve made purchases in the past and are trying to gain some extra insight, it’s worth considering these details when you’re getting ready to decide on new home decorations!

Material

Visually, one of the first elements of a fountain that stands out upon first sight—other than the manner of water flow—is the material that comprises it. This determines important aesthetic attributes such as shape and texture, and it also influences color.

Depending on the setting for which they are intended, modern fountains can be made up of several different materials: ceramic, copper, slate, and stone are among those that are most frequently used when decorating or designing a home.

Your decision will often be dependent on the area where you plan to station your fountain and which material blends the most smoothly with its background. Because of the variety that it allows for design, the stone is often the base substance chosen for home fountains.

This choice will also impact the physical weight of your purchase, which is important if you expect to move at some time after purchasing it. If you only plan to set it up once, these factors less significant as you will most likely have help when making the initial installation.

Shape

Stylistically, your personal preferences will often weigh most heavily on the shape and structure of the fountain that you choose. Depending on the space available at your home, this will vary most based on the style that you find most suitable for you and the place you live.

Fountains are built-in countless shapes and sizes; some are structured with tiers that have the water spout at the top with water flowing from one level to another. This concept typically includes a built-in pond at the bottom and are considered to be “self-contained.”

Others are built based on a concept known as a “disappearing fountain”.  With this style, the water that goes through the spout is collected in a reservoir that is hidden underneath the ground and unseen. This gives the appearance of a self-flowing fountain.

Some people instead opt for fountains that are mounted on a wall. These are often smaller and more compact than other styles, and while they require internal tubing and a pump, they provide unique options for placement around—or even inside—the home.

Apart from the physical implications that this choice carries, the shape of the fountain that you decide upon will have a significant impact on the final price, so it helps to be mindful of this when considering your options.

Theme

The theme that you settle on is what ultimately says the most about your decorating style. While it somewhat encompasses the other categories, this is more about form than function, and it ultimately rests in your goals for the presentation of your fountain.

You may choose a fountain based entirely on how its color blends in with the surroundings of its setting. On the other hand, a fountain built in the style of ancient Roman architecture may fit nicely if your yard has similar features.

If your home has a naturalistic feel, it may even be common to arrange foliage around the base or the frame of your fountain. Ultimately, this decision rests entirely in your hands and depends on your sense of design.

Don’t let the incredible variety intimidate you! Having lots of choices just means that the right fountain is waiting for you. And with these elements of style to keep in mind, you’re sure to find it sooner rather than later!

Featured Photo by Michael M on Unsplash