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9 ideas for outdoor showers
By Allen B. Bunting of Coastal Living
Match the setting
Design pros recommend harmonizing a stand-alone shower with your home. "These showers are best when they look like a part of their site and take advantage of surrounding views," says Ethan Fierro in his book "The Outdoor Shower: Creative Design Ideas for Backyard Living, from the Functional to the Fantastic."
- Bing Cube: View more pics of outdoor showers
- Video: Tour a Manhattan home with an outdoor shower
- Coastal Living: 15 idea-filled patios and decks
9 ideas for outdoor showers
Mimic details
When selecting a style, mimic your home's architectural details, then incorporate the structure into the landscape with fragrant and colorful plantings. "If your shower will be used primarily at night, give some thought to lighting," Fierro advises.
- Bing Cube: View more pics of outdoor showers
- MSN Lifestyle: 6 ways to add color to your home
- Design Center: Get ideas for outdoor rooms
9 ideas for outdoor showers
Equip it with amenities
Provide comfy robes and sea-scented products to pamper guests with a spalike experience.
- Fill perforated storage containers with loofahs, back brushes and sea sponges. Keep some aloe vera gel on hand, too, for post-shower soothing.
- Bing Cube: View more pics of outdoor showers
- Video: Tour a Manhattan home with an outdoor shower
- Coastal Living: 15 idea-filled patios and decks
9 ideas for outdoor showers
Get creative
A running rail salvaged from the bow of a boat finds a new use as this shower's curved curtain rod. The homeowner crafted the shower head from a large seashell.
- Bing Cube: View more pics of outdoor showers
- MSN Lifestyle: 6 ways to add color to your home
- Design Center: Get ideas for outdoor rooms
9 ideas for outdoor showers
Design storage solutions
- Mellow out with music. Supply a waterproof MP3 or CD player for the shower area.
- Buy eco-friendly soaps and shampoos for a luxurious scrub that won't harm vegetation and wildlife or clog drains.
- Control water runoff. Cover the floor with rocks, bricks or stones. If the shower is elevated, make sure water drains through floorboards onto sandy or quick-draining soil.
- Bing Cube: View more pics of outdoor showers
- Video: Tour a Manhattan home with an outdoor shower
- Coastal Living: 15 idea-filled patios and decks
9 ideas for outdoor showers
Do your research
- Check local codes for building and drainage restrictions before starting your project.
- An outdoor shower may tax your hot-water system, so consider updating the system before installation.
- Bing Cube: View more pics of outdoor showers
- MSN Lifestyle: 6 ways to add color to your home
- Design Center: Get ideas for outdoor rooms
9 ideas for outdoor showers
Use smart construction
Treated wood, rust-resistant fixtures and an outdoor-fabric curtain withstand harsh coastal conditions.
- Choose materials that will survive the elements. Use pressure-treated, painted or composite lumber; synthetic decking; mildew-resistant fabrics; and rust-resistant fixtures.
- Stash rolled-up towels in a galvanized bucket to warm them in the sun.
- Bing Cube: View more pics of outdoor showers
- Video: Tour a Manhattan home with an outdoor shower
- Coastal Living: 15 idea-filled patios and decks
9 ideas for outdoor showers
Define the space
- When room is limited, create a niche with a corner shower or wall-mounted shower head.
- Use a trellis to define the space around a wall-mounted fixture. Plant a climbing vine to create an aromatherapy session for bathers.
- Bing Cube: View more pics of outdoor showers
- MSN Lifestyle: 6 ways to add color to your home
- Design Center: Get ideas for outdoor rooms
9 ideas for outdoor showers
Save room
- Hang shatterproof mirrors to reflect light and visually expand the space without the danger of broken glass.
- Mount boat cleats or hooks to hold wet bathing suits, robes and towels.
- Build a bench box for extra storage and seating.
- Bing Cube: View more pics of outdoor showers
- Video: Tour a Manhattan home with an outdoor shower
- Coastal Living: 15 idea-filled patios and decks
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