I admit, I have had some remodeling ideas that may not have been practical. They were visually appealing, in my opinion, but maybe weren’t efficient. For example, leaving the beams exposed in the living and dining area of a little house we remodeled meant that there was no way to insulate and add supporting beams. After arguing with my husband and a couple of workers, I gave up; and we now have a Sheetrock ceiling — boring.
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Looking at the stacks of old doors we had after demolition, I proposed that we get the kitchen island built from the five paneled wood. Again, I was met with male opposition. The cabinet guy took my doors and, five months later, returned with an island — sanded and stained, built from long-leaf pine. I wanted a shabby chic paint treatment. Shoot.
So, when it came time to complete the bathroom, I had an idea (my husband is now allergic to ideas). We had traveled to San Antonio and purchased a clawfoot bathtub from Star — her real name — on Craigslist. The bathroom had two outside walls and we were on 80 acres, away from neighbors. So, why not put a garden door in the bathroom and put the shower outside on a porch with a fence around it? Turns out, I was the only one who thought this was a good idea. This time, I was met with arguments about the weather, the plumbing requirement, yada, yada, yada. I didn’t let it go because none of the arguments sounded insurmountable, and it turns out I was right.
For the last five years, I have taken a shower outside, looking at the oak trees and sky, every day. The fixtures and pipes are just now showing wear and will need to be replaced, but it has been so worth it.
Here’s why having an outside shower is the best.
I only have to clean it twice a year.
Otherwise, I rinse it with the hand wand while I shower. There is no glass to clean or soap scum to worry about.
I can water the plants while I shower.
The plants on my shower porch are the best looking I have ever had. They love it out there and they’re healthier than ever.
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Weather is not a problem.
The shower feels great when it is hot, but it is also really nice when it is cold. The hot water running outside makes a thick invigorating steam.
When it is raining, I rush out and wash my hair.
Rainwater is fabulous for hair. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. Trust me, that alone is worth an outside place to shower. I stand under the eaves of the roof — heaven.
It’s a beautiful feature to look at.
I love looking out the garden doors in the bathroom to see the shower porch.
You can use it day or night
It’s great on a sunny day, but it’s equally perfect at night in the moonlight.
I can smell the garden from the shower
My lemon trees are planted around the shower deck. The aroma of the blossoms are a great touch and the bees could care less about anyone using the shower.
It spiced the cottage up
I got to use one idea that made the place unique.
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