Decorating Advice
June 14, 2016
Why Your Cottage Needs An Outdoor Shower
Assistant design editor Jen Masseau shares her must-have cottage accessory this summer.
One of the best things about escaping to the cottage in the summertime is being able to spend all day outside. Last summer, in order to extend that luxury even further, my in-laws installed an outdoor shower. It’s far from fancy — just a pipe and showerhead rigged to a tree, with a wood platform to stand on and a wraparound curtain for privacy — but it’s since become my favorite place to wash off after a dip in the lake.
There’s something extra relaxing about rinsing off in the open air and breeze, sunlight streaming through the leaves and birds chirping all around. If you’d like to get a little more connected with nature this season, here are five outdoor showers from the pages of H&H to spark your imagination.
I love the simplicity of this setup. It shows that you don’t need to build an elaborate shower stall: you can just mount fixtures against a fence or post. A row of utilitarian wall hooks and a stylish woven basket are just enough to define this pared-back space.
This tucked-away alcove takes the concept a step further by adding a full vanity. A seashell-shaped vessel sink and antler-adorned mirror underscore the outdoor theme, while a mix of unfinished materials keeps the look rustic and casual — just right for a cottage.
A rain showerhead fitted into pebbled walls puts a luxe spin on the outdoor shower. A natural wood bench, bamboo towel rack and lush potted trees complete this soothing private oasis.
Okay, so this clearly isn’t a Canadian cottage — but there’s no reason this dreamy tropical shower can’t serve as design inspiration! To build your own spa-like escape, set your shower at the end of a path of smooth pavers and surround it with lush greenery. A slatted wooden deck beneath the shower will let water drain away instead of pooling underfoot.
Showering doesn’t get more al fresco than this! If you’re lucky enough to have a property tucked away on your own private bay or island (or if you’re a bit of an exhibitionist — no judgment!), mounting a shower fixture onto the trunk of a live tree allows you full freedom to take in the natural beauty of your surroundings.