They say there’s no place like home, but once summer rolls around, our space’s four walls suddenly feel restricting. Where the action’s really at is, of course, our backyard. The sun’s shining—and the pool’s right there—so we want to do just about everything outdoors. While some homeowners are decking out their decks or patios with weather-resistant furniture or al fresco kitchens, others are zeroing in on outdoor showers.
When most people think about outdoor showers, they might envision a dinky shower head near the entrance of your town’s public beach or nearby beach. Somewhere to rinse off before you go home, but not necessarily where you’d take an actual shower. However, with the help of an interior designer, it’s possible to make these setups functional, fashionable, and effortlessly relaxing.
“An outdoor shower reminds us of being at the beach, even when we’re not,” explains Lindsay Anyon Brier of Anyon Atelier + Design, which has offices in Dallas and San Francisco. “It’s a wonderful way to add an outdoor experience to our summer wellness routine.”
From finding the perfect place for your outdoor shower to installing the proper plumbing, incorporating this element requires thoughtful planning and patience. While you should hire a professional to take on the heavy lifting, you don’t have to look far for design inspiration. To help, we tapped some of our favorite West Coast designers to share their favorite outdoor showers—and tips for recreating the look in your own backyard.
Add Dapper Doors
When it comes to your shower, first impressions matter. Los Angeles designer Kevin Isbell added a curvilinear wall and set of blue swing doors to bring a sweet touch to this setup. But while colorful doors and whimsical silhouettes are important, don’t discount your shower’s location. “Tucked into a quiet corner off the pool, this outdoor shower pairs crisp architectural details with weathered coquina stone for a look that’s both timeless and unfussy,” Isbell reveals. “The perfect end to a day spent at the pool.”
Adopt an Artful Edge
The backyard might be the last place you’d think to incorporate art. However, if you ask Raili Clasen, it is the key to cohesion. “In all of our homes with outdoor showers, we hang a vintage art piece to make it feel like a room connected to the house,” explains the Southern California-based designer. Here, a desert-inspired piece and blue surfboard pack on the visual intrigue. This outdoor shower has no shortage of style, but Clasen also designed it with practicality in mind. “We built a small fence showing the backside exposed open planks to house soaps and brushes to brush off the sand after surfing,” she shares.
An Open-Concept Oasis
Outdoor showers are typically concealed behind a partition wall for the ultimate privacy, but why hide great design? In this backyard, courtesy of a Newport Beach-based landscaping firm called Garden Studio Design, the open-air shower blends in nicely with the rest of the home’s exterior. The area’s whimsical printed tile and matte black hardware ties the space together—delivering a stylish shower in the process.
Pack on the Pigment
Most outdoor showers have a relaxed, neutral color palette, but Tantalus Studio is proof little color can’t hurt. Here, the Honolulu-based design studio covered this area with verdant tiles. Not only does the green color pop, but it also complements the lush landscaping outside. Sorry Kermit, but this nook is proof it’s actually very easy being green.
Double Down on the Details
As the saying goes, the devil lies in the details. Don’t believe us? Just ask Blackband Design. When designing this Santa Fe home’s outdoor space, the Orange County-based design firm incorporated thoughtful details like floral tiles and pantinated hardware to find the perfect mix between old and new.
Mix and Match
Believe it or not, wide, open spaces can still feel cozy. The secret, as evidenced by this space from Garden Studio Design, is juxtaposing materials. In this relaxed retreat, undulating tiles are cleverly paired with a smooth concrete bench. Plus, when nestled in front of a white brick wall, this casual spot takes on a lived-in luxury.
Raise the Roof
If you want to tow the line between the great outdoors and indoors, take a cue from this outdoor wet room from Michelle Boudreau. “The retreat features a freestanding soaking tub and an outdoor shower,” the Palm Springs designer shares. “It seamlessly blends into the landscape and promotes a sense of calm.”
To create a spa-like oasis, Boudreau added open-air clerestory windows as well as a sun-drenched skylight. “The geometric white wall tile reflects sunlight, creating a subtle, interesting pattern that dapples with patterns of light,” she adds.
