12 outdoor shower ideas from rustic to semi-luxury!

At our summer cottage, the garden is one big open space waiting to be converted into a series of 'rooms'. I have so many dreams of how to make the most it, from flowerbeds and a vegetable patch, to an outdoor kitchen and hot tub. But where to start? 

I know exactly where! One of my biggest dreams is to be able to shower under the open sky. For those of you living in warmer climes maybe this is something you enjoy often. In Scandinavia, where the weather can be, shall we say, temperamental, it's something of a luxury! 

But wherever you call home, isn't the idea of washing off the sand from the beach surrounded by bird song or, if you live in the city, showering away the stresses and strains of the day in the evening sun wonderful?

Here are 12 outdoor showers I am using as inspiration for our summer cottage, some rustic, some more substantial! Do you have a favourite? 

The unshielded shower 

Sometimes, it's enough just to make use of what you already have, a tree, the garden wall, side of the house, or a simple shower surrounded by greenery!

Sometimes, it's enough just to make use of what you already have, the garden wall, side of the house, or a simple shower surrounded by greenery! 

The semi-shielded shower

This type of shower uses the structure you already have - whether it'a the side of the house or a garden fence, but also includes an added section to create an L-shaped space.  Notice how the soil directly beneath has been dug out and replaced with simple pebbles, topped with a small wood decking for comfort. 

The shower above uses an upturned pot for towels and other items. 

I love the use of a wooden ladder to hang towels.

A bench provide s a nice spot for shower gel, a lantern and other bits and pieces. 

Here a section between the main house and guesthouse has been used as an outdoor bathroom complete with a bench, hooks and wind-chime for the ultimate in relaxation! 

The private shower

While it's lovely to be able to see the shower from a distance, you might also value some privacy - in which case these ideas might be more your style! 

A spiral structure is great for stand-alone showers - while the lovely natural wood blends in with nature and serves as a place to hang towels. Here are some dimensions to follow if you're thinking of building something similar. 

This stand-alone shower has a full structure more like a cubicle - with space for a small bench and towel hooks. 

This structure makes clever use of the garden fence to create an ivy covered alfresco shower. 

I love the idea of an outside mirror - it's taking the outdoor bathroom idea to the next level! Plus it will reflect the surrounding nature and sunlight! Whether you go large or small (like the mirror below) is up to you! Both are lovely though! 

I hope you've enjoyed this round-up! Is there a style that stood out to you in particular? 

Are you thinking of building an outdoor shower this spring? If so, check out this DIY guide by Better Homes & Gardens. 

There are a variety of outdoor showers available online from off-grid solar to fully plumbed hot water. I'll let you know which one I find for our garden when we get nearer the time. 

Maybe you already have an outdoor shower? If so, please do share your tips and experiences with us! 

You can find more outdoor bathroom inspiration here today: 

16 beautiful outdoor bath and shower ideas

10 summer cottages with inspiring outdoor spaces

An idyllic swedish summer cottage with outdoor shower and kitchen

Stor kram! 

Niki

1. Dwell 2. anon 3. AAL design 4. Birgitte Wolfgang Bjørnvad / Bolig  5. Frederikke Heiberg / Femina 6- 9 Anon.10. Birgitte Wolfgtang Bjørnvad / Bobedre 11. Employee shower at the Grounds for Sculpture 12. Sibella Court

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A Back-to-Basic Swedish Lakeside Cottage with a Wild Bathroom

While the snow falls here in Malmö, I am aware that those of you in the Southern hemisphere are basking in warm sunshine. So, today I'm pressing the pause button on my wintery posts and taking you on a journey to a little Swedish cottage by a lake in summertime. 

The little red and white cottage near Västerås, Sweden, truly embraces a back-to-basics lifestyle - and the great outdoors is as much a part of the living space as the indoors. Life here is all about switching off and enjoying a simple summer by the lake - just you, the trees, the occasional curious moose and a book by the water. 

Ready to dream? 

The main cottage measures a mere 20 m2 (215 ft2) and comprises a charming kitchen and sitting room area.

Remarkably simple, the cottage doesn't have any running water (you need to bring it with you - which is not unusual, I have a few friends that transport their own water to their cottages, some even located miles away on an island in the archipelago). It does however, have electricity! 

The charming kitchen has open shelving to display prettier items, which a chequered curtain covers the plumbing and pots and pans. An IKEA unit provides extra storage under the window. 

A placard behind the sink bears the words: 'For those who have good friends, the simple cottage becomes a castle'. Truer words were never spoken, do you agree? 

The cottage also has a fireplace for colder days (hey, this is Sweden - you never quite know what temperatures you're going to get come summer!). 

Notice how a curtain has also been used in lieu of a cupboard door - adding to the relaxed look of the space. 

A sunroom has been added to the front of the cottage, providing a perfect spot to entertain friends while looking out over the lake. An oil lamp overhead emits a warm glow at night. 

Blue and white is a classic theme for Swedish waterside summer cottages. Here a chair, runner and bowls draw the lake indoors.  

A stone's throw from the main cottage is a smaller one-room dwelling where you'll find the bedroom. A simple chair serves as a bedside table. 

The wild 'bathroom' comes in the form of a table, mirror nailed to a tree and the lake. There is also a compost loo nearby. 

To me, this picture embodies everything I love about the Swedish approach to summer, where even the most simple daily ritual becomes an event and brings you closer to nature. The perfect antidote to daily life in the city!

A lounge chair offers a place to relax and njuta* after a 'morgondopp' (morning dip) with a coffee.

Is this your kind of summer getaway? 

If so, perhaps this cottage is for you! Check out the listing here. 

Would you like to see a few other back-to-basic dwellings today? Feel inspired by:  

Before and after - a tiny off-grid swedish cabin in the woods

Anna and Martin's tiny hand-built floating cottage

An off-grid getaway in the Helsinki archipelagos

Happy Lillördag (little saturday)!

Niki

Photography courtesy of SvensktFastighetsförmedling, with thanks

*advert for my own work

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A Cosy Cabin Where the Outdoor Space Takes Centre-stage

I've gone a little off piste this week. OK, majorly off-piste, with not one but TWO cabins Down Under. The first: a garden hideaway, was on Wednesday, and the second - today! But who can blame me when they exude relaxed charm? 

The Woods Ocean Grove is made up of two cosy cabins nestled in the woods in the Ballerine Peninsula, Wadawurring, Australia. With the roar of the ocean and calls from the bush forever present, the property has been designed to embrace the great outdoors with an al fresco dining area, kitchen, bathroom and fire pit. 

Living in Sweden, I understand the allure of embracing the great weather when it arrives - and love the idea of carving out zones in the garden (or even a little balcony). Don't miss the snapshots of the interiors too - full of easy vintage style as well as colours and materials inspired by the ocean and bush beyond, drawing the outside in. 

Lovely inspiration for a balcony. I really like how they've added bar stools and a bar for coffee... wine.... If your balcony is covered, a swinging chair is a great idea too! 

The tiles in this outdoor bathroom give the space a complete look and an air of permanency. And you can never go wrong with a clawfoot tub, right? 

Outdoor curtains add a whimsical, soft touch to spaces which could otherwise come across 'hard'. In this instance, it's a perfect way to ensure privacy in the bathroom too! 

Anyone for tennis?

I actually used to play college tennis (many moons ago)! My serve is so bad these days though I prefer Padel. But I'd be happy to pick up my racket for a swing on this court! 

Could you imagine staying at The Woods Ocean Grove too? Find out more here. 

How great is the outdoor space? I know we don't all have gardens as big as this - but it's still amazing what you can do with a balcony or even a windowseat - and by adding lots of blankets, cushions and oil lamps you can enjoy it long into Autumn, maybe even winter! 

I've also always loved the idea of using colours that reflect your surroundings. Granted that in a city this can be tricky - but there's nothing to stop you from bringing in chestnut browns, rust and burnt orange come autumn, and vibrant green shades in the spring, storing and brining out items is such a quick way to refresh the home and embrace each season - and means you'll appreciate what you have even more. Do you like to update your home for the season? 

Have a fabulous weekend! I'll be back on Monday with a Scandinavian home tour! 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography by Marnie Hawson, styling Belle Hemming Bright. Shared with kind permission. Last picture by Nikole Ramsay. 

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10 Scandinavian Summer Cottages with a Little Extra Alfresco

The Scandinavian summer is all about making the most of the great outdoors, especially after the long, dark winter! Summer cottages are therefore designed to capitalise on the outdoor space. Alfresco living room areas, kitchens and bathrooms are a popular choice, while others might have anything from an outdoor pool to a more simple bathtub! For chillier days there's a sauna, and for everyday there's the lake, fjord or sea for morning, afternoon and evening dips! I hope you'll feel inspired by these ten wonderful Scandinavian summer homes. 

1. A dreamy Danish cottage with a simple outdoor bathroom

2. An idyllic Swedish cottage with an outdoor kitchen and bathroom

3. A Swedish pool villa with aw wonderful outdoor seating area

4. Before and after: A rundown house becomes a dream Danish summer home with an outdoor bath

5. This danish cabin has a lovely outdoor kitchen and living room

6. This idyllic swedish island hideaway has a wonderful outdoor shower! 

7. A charming Norwegian cabin with a relaxed outdoor living room and fjord side views 

8. A Danish hideaway which is close to nature inside and out. 

9. A pared down Finnish cabin with a cosy sauna

10. A Swedish country home with a floating sauna / tiny cottage! 

So many wonderful ideas here. Could you imagine incorporating some of these into your home / outdoor space? 

To be honest, the weather has been decidedly bad this summer so I think I'd opt for a sauna right now! Anna's floating one is really fabulous, don't you think?

With the holidays in full swing, I'm taking a couple of weeks off to be with my family. I hope you have a relaxing fortnight and the sun shines for you! 

See you on Wednesday 9th August! 

Niki

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