Making a Splash – Transforming Outdoor Spaces with Fountains

Locally, outdoor living isn’t just about function; it’s about creating spaces that feed the senses and soothe the spirit. Porches are gathering places, gardens double as sanctuaries, and the warm salt air seems to invite life outdoors. One design element that elevates these spaces instantly is the fountain. Whether it’s a bold statement in a courtyard or a whispering accent tucked into a garden corner, a well-placed water feature draws the eye, delights the ear, and sets the mood. 

Come, let’s take a photo stroll through some remarkable pieces from two of the most respected names in the industry – Campania International and Massarelli – whose work graces gardens and patios across the region.

Campania International is a blend of heritage and innovation. Since 1983, Campania has been crafting fountains that marry old-world artistry with modern sensibilities. Their cast stone collection, produced in Pennsylvania, bears the hand of dedicated artisans. At the same time, their Vietnam facility brings centuries-old ceramic traditions into play with contemporary glazes and shapes.

Imagine sunlight glinting off the sleek Square One Fountain in its dramatic Nero Nuovo finish, copper spillways catching the light as water flows in perfect, rhythmic streams. 

Creative Director at Campania, Peter C. Cilio, leads a team of artists whose passion shines in every design. Like this Girona Fountain. Dramatic in its simplicity.

For a dash of Mediterranean romance, the Casco Fountain fits beautifully on a sunny patio, its self-contained design making it as practical as it is pretty.

The Tall Sabine Planter, seen here in a deep sapphire glaze, becomes a disappearing fountain with a hidden reservoir, creating the illusion of water melting into the ground, perfect for smaller courtyards or entryways.

Other Campania standouts include the elegant Bebel Fountain.

And the Manzanita Fountain each with a personality all their own.

The regal Lion Wall Fountain turns a blank stucco wall into a scene straight from a European villa. It’s a space-saving option to create a stunning focal point.

The Del Rey Fountain remains a perennial favorite, its proportions and water flow balanced to perfection.

Since 1972, the Massarelli family has been telling a story in water and stone. What began as a teenager’s passion project has grown into a family-run legacy. Guided by founder Mario Massarelli and his dearly departed wife Christine, the company blossomed from a small operation in New Jersey to a leader serving nearly 2,000 dealers nationwide. Every piece is still crafted with the same love and attention to detail.

Step into a garden accented by the Tranquility Spill Fountain with Birds, and you may catch sight of feathered visitors stopping for a drink. Its tiers are scaled for intimacy. Available in 39-inch two-tier or 44-inch three-tier versions, making it ideal for spaces where charm is the goal.

For grand entrances or expansive lawns, the Vincenza 67-inch Two-Tier Fountain commands attention, its cascading water creating a luxurious soundtrack for outdoor gatherings. 

In November 2024, Stone Garden and Massarelli crafted a custom fountain for Tequila’s Waterfront restaurant in Wilmington. Now, guests waiting for a table are greeted by the cheerful tinkle of water, the sound mingling with sea breezes and the clink of glasses. 

For a more organic look, stone can be fashioned into a fountain. A Triple Basalt Column Fountain surrounded by river rocks can be as unique as its owner. Basalt is a dense, igneous rock created by lava flows. It provides a highly resilient centerpiece that doesn’t require special winter care. Homeowners can use these pre-drilled columns to build single, double, or triple-action fountains that require minimal maintenance.

Fountains are much more than decor; they add a living element. So, adding a fountain isn’t just about beauty, it’s about creating a sensory experience. The magic is in the way it changes a space. The gentle sound of running water soothes the mind, can soften the hum of traffic, carry across a courtyard on a still summer night, or provide a cooling note to a sun-warmed patio. It can even attract songbirds and butterflies to your garden.

Whether you’re drawn to the crisp geometry of the Square One Fountain, the Mediterranean romance of the Casco Fountain, or the playful detail of the Tranquility Spill Fountain with Birds, these designs prove that a fountain is more than a feature—it’s a focal point, a mood setter, and, for many, the heart of outdoor living. 

In Wilmington’s coastal light, water doesn’t just sparkle, it whispers a story. And the right fountain makes sure it’s one worth remembering.

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