How to Choose a Style that Fits Your Business's Image

Part II of 'Choosing the Right Water Feature for Your Business'

With the help of last week's topic, you've probably already determined whether a garden fountain, wall fountain, floor fountain or tabletop fountain would be the right choice for your business. The next step is to choose a style. Since the purpose of having a water feature in a place of business is often to give off a successful air and complement the products or services you offer, the style you choose is important. We know that not every business can afford to hire a design professional, but you still want to choose a fountain that fits your business's image. The following guide can not only help you choose a water feature for your business, but can also help you determine what colors and design elements might be the best fit for your products or services.

Take a look at what's already in your shop or office. Is there an obvious theme or design style in place, such as Victorian or mid-century modern? If you can readily identify a theme or style in your place of business, you're one step ahead - you'll be able to find a fountain that complements your design scheme almost instantly within the category of fountain you're looking for (i.e. tabletop fountains).

Many businesses maintain a neutral look and feel, however, to allow their products to shine without distraction. White, grey or beige walls along with simple, common office furniture or display systems don't have a lot of personality on their own, so you're depending upon your merchandise and a few decorative objects to give the space an identity. In this case, you should consider two things: What kind of merchandise or services do you sell, and what kind of feeling do you want your store or office to project to customers or clients as they walk in the door? Do you have a bridal boutique with a warm, comfortable, homey atmosphere? Do you want your retail store to project an image of high fashion and cutting edge style? Perhaps you sell hand made garden decor, and want your customers to feel happy, whimsical and carefree. Once you identify this feeling that you want your business to exude, you'll be able to use the following guidelines to choose a water feature and possibly additional decorative items for the space.

Fountains made of slate and copper, such as the Nojoqui Falls Classic Wall fountain pictured at left, are very versatile and work for many different design styles. It has the kind of clean, modern lines that look great in the lobby of a sophisticated law firm, yet the natural materials lend an organic quality that also works well for spas, bed and breakfasts, galleries and boutiques. You can find these kinds of fountains in the Copper Fountains and Slate Fountains categories.

Ultra-modern spaces with lots of glass, metal, clean lines and a minimalist look are the perfect environment for stainless steel fountains. Stainless steel is often paired with slate, pebbles or glass, and is often seen in span geometric shapes such as the Pure 1 Feng Shui Tabletop Fountain pictured left. Check out the Stainless Steel Wall Fountains and Other Materials Floor Fountains for more options.

Hand-painted fountains are a great way to accent a pre-existing theme and/or give a space a heaping dose of personality. They're fun, unique, and eye-catching, and make a great focal point. They're available in celestial, fine art, aquarium, nature scenes, abstract designs and musical themes such as the 'Blues in the Night Wall Fountain' pictured left. They can be found in the Other Materials Wall Fountains category.

Nearly any contemporary space can benefit from the sleek beauty of a black acrylic or fiberglass fountain such as the Aquafall Floor Fountain pictured left, or the Raku Garden Fountain. They're great for offices, retail stores and restaurants. You can find these and other great modern fountains in the Other Materials Floor Fountains category.

Traditional spaces are the perfect environment for classic designs with decorative scrollwork, sculpted figures and architectural details. The Bacchanale d'Enfants fountain pictured left is a great example; it has an 'old world' feel that can give any business an air of regality and longevity. The Other Materials Wall Fountains, Other Materials Garden Fountains and Cast Stone Garden Fountains categories have lots of fountains like this one.

Some businesses may be seeking an air of simple, Zen-inspired tranquility. Bamboo water spouts are an easy, inexpensive way to bring the benefits of a water feature into any space without overwhelming your merchandise. The 5-arm Bamboo Water Spout is pictured; see all bamboo water spouts here.

For more ideas and details about design styles, see our previous article, Fountains for the Home. Browse through the categories at KineticFountains.com to see a full range of choices that fit the styles above, and much more. If you'd like to speak to a fountain expert to get help with your choice or information about custom fountains, you can contact Kinetic Fountains by online chat, phone, or e-mail.