Article Courtesy of Shelly Ruddle :
Outdoor showers are the pinnacle of a luxury that can easily be added to homes. The shower can be designed for function, relaxation, or both. With the right landscaping, the shower can be an oasis in your backyard. Consider these elements when designing your luxe outdoor shower space.
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Privacy
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Landscaping around the shower provides more than just pleasant scenery. Tall plants and shrubs also give you an amount of privacy. But you need to be careful about the plants you choose.
One perk of an outside shower is that it prevents you from bringing dirt inside the house. Your plants and shrubs should be high enough to avoid soil from eroding into the shower area.
You also need to be careful about putting plants too close to drainage areas. Too much water could cause some plants to get root rot. And while you want pretty and fragrant flowers, this is one place you don’t want to attract bees.
Showerheads
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Choosing the right shower head is crucial. After a day in the sun, you don’t the water flow to be strong enough to remove any sand, but not so strong it stings. Look for a showerhead that will mimic a gentle rainstorm from overhead. Many options include rain-like flows in a wide variety of finishes to match any luxe outdoor shower area. If you really want to create an unforgettable outdoor shower experience, consider adding a waterfall element in order to relax even more.
Elements of Nature
Source: Permission from Tim Clarke Design
As long as you’re showering outdoors, why not enjoy what nature offers. If you have an area that’s secluded by shrubs or hedges, start there. Add tall palms or a living wall on the other side to enclose the area. Other options? Build the shower area around the trunk of a mature tree or put up a bamboo fence for a barrier. One current trend to consider is a vertical garden.
Keep Your Grip
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Many outdoor showers feature a concrete base with a drain, but that option can leave you standing in pools of muddy water. Consider raising the footing by building up a base made of wood, stone, or flat rocks. These elements will add a luxury look to your design and be less slippery for bare feet. A raised platform will also help drain standing water.
The ground around the shower is just as important. No one wants to step off the platform onto a pile of sharp rocks or prickly grass. We recommend Zoysia grass for its soft, cushiony feel on bare feet.
Insulate for Year-Round Use
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If you live near the ocean or a lake, you’ll appreciate a shower that’s available year-round to wash off sandy feet. Insulate your outdoor shower fixtures so your family (especially the kids) don’t track in sand and dirt after a walk on the beach.
Extras
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Who says a shower has to look like a shower? You’ll find DIY kits and ready-made fixtures that resemble palm trees or zoo animals. Consider upgrades such as seating options. A cedar bench or wooden stool makes it easier to dry off and put on your shoes. If you want to create the ultimate lavish experience, consider adding a faucet with a body spray that will massage muscles. Make sure to also include an area for fresh towels.
So if you’re tired of asking people to wipe their feet before entering your home, design a luxe outdoor space. There’s a good chance of showers every day.
By Shelly Ruddle
Shelly Ruddle is a fresh air enthusiast whose passion is decorating outdoor living spaces. Her patio includes an outdoor kitchen, pergola and enough seating to entertain the neighborhood. She lights up her garden at night to show off her native plants and flowerbeds.
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