Thursday, April 17, 2003

Soothing fountains bubble upward

By VALERIE WHITNEY
NEWS-JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

DAYTONA BEACH — Christy Best loves the sound of falling water -- especially when she is trying to sleep.

The local woman owns four of the small indoor table waterfalls that have been embraced by millions of consumers as part of a trend to make their homes places of peace and harmony.

"I love those things," Best said. "I find them real soothing to sleep to."

She suffered with insomnia before she purchased one for her bedroom, she said.

About 13 percent of the homes in this country had calming pools or tabletop fountains in 2002, up from 4 percent in 2000, according to data gathered by the International Housewares Association, an Illinois-based trade group.

The trend is part of an effort by consumers to create stress-free living and environments.

"These are products that promote tranquility in an era when e-mail, cell phones and Internet access rule," said Paulette Abraham, director of marketing and product development for HoMedics. The Michigan-based company is a leading manufacturer of "personal wellness" products including calming pools and tabletop fountains.

When the trend first made a splash, Abraham said, it was designed for consumers with an outdoor or Eastern bent. The indoor fountains, inspired by the Feng Shui movement, resemble rock gardens, Asian temple and lava flows. They have wider appeal.

Feng Shui is a system of architectural, environmental and interior design developed in the Orient in ancient times. Placing a fountain near homes or office entry areas invites harmony, good health and prosperity, according to Feng Shui.

While the early models were geared to wealthy consumers, the newest generation is less expensive and appeals to a wider market.

HoMedics fountains offer several designs, priced from $24.99 to $29.99. Some feature photo holders or candles.

Walgreens sold tabletop fountains for between $12 and $20 during the holidays, said John Leydon, manager of the Beville Road store. "It was a good holiday gift item a couple of years ago."

They don´t seem to be as big a seller this year, Leydon said.

Lois Gray, owner of Eclipz Day Spa, 219 Magnolia Ave., bought several of the tabletop fountains for her shop a couple of years ago.

"They add to the atmosphere and are very relaxing," Gray said.

Carol Mauro, a licensed massage therapist at the spa, said the falling water sound benefits her clients.

"Just the sound of the water helps to bring the body into a healing state," she said.

Bed Bath & Beyond stores also carry indoor water fountains.

"They make great gifts. That is one of the reasons people like them," said Bari Fagin, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey-based chain.

Indoor table fountains also are a hot seller at Spencer Gifts in Volusia Mall. Prices start at $14.99. The store is a good place to find lava lamps, another popular item among those seeking tranquility.

Keeping an indoor fountain in good working order does take a little work, which is a turnoff to some consumers.

Susanne Wiggins, owner of Home Designs in Volusia Square Shopping Center, said she decided to get rid of the fountain in her store about seven years ago because of the maintenance.

"It was like keeping up a small swimming pool," Wiggins said. It stood about four feet off the floor, predating smaller ones available today.

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