Gnomes are definitely in poor taste but the sound of falling water is very tempting to most people.

Gnomes have never been hot in my opinion, don't care for them. Fountains bird baths, ponds. I hate natural cement, so I would prefer color. But then I hate granite in kitchens for counter tops, reminds me of a cemetery.

I think it's all up to your taste. I have fairies in my garden but they are VERY tiny, and one would need to actually look for them to find them (which my 4 yr old niece does all the time). I know fairies are not "in style" right now, but who cares. It's fun, and the kids love it.

As for the fountain...who doesn't like the sound of trickling water? Although the maintenance can be a bear!

Not hot at all, extremely tacky. Trailer trash stuff we call it, including painted rocks etc. It seems the folks who like it can't cram enough in a small space. I hate it and in fact don't know anyone who does like it.
It cheapens a place.

When my nephew was little he loved them and got them for birthdays and xmas, and every shop he saw them in. There are loads out there so someone must be buying them. But as he used to play with them, they didn't last all that long, most now gone to the gnome graveyard. He has now grown up and he has moved on to other interests. It's your garden, so do as you please. We always smile when we see one somewhere tucked away in a garden. What harm do they do.
Ponds, waterfalls and fountains are lovely, there is nothing nicer than the sound of water in a garden.
We like to visit 'open' gardens in the summer and you would be surprised at what some people have in there gardens. Each to there own.

Gnomes shows a lack of taste, but a well designed fountain can make a garden. It will also bring bird life.
Laurie and Sue you are indeed appealing the the fantasia of children, you must be very nice aunts.

They should all be given a decent burial

if you tuck them in as if the gnomes are hiding it can be nice, but if you have a lot or they are too obvious then no skip on the gnomes