Outdoor living has become an increasingly important part of home design, with kitchens, showers and even bathtubs finding their place beyond the traditional four walls of the house.
Whether it's a fully equipped outdoor kitchen designed for entertaining, a shower beside the swimming pool or a freestanding bath positioned to capture a spectacular view, these spaces are changing the way we use and enjoy our homes.
With an expanding range of tapware, sinks, showers and baths designed specifically for outdoor installation, there's no need to compromise on function or appearance. However, seeking advice on products suited to your particular environment is essential.
Photo: from left - Due basin mixer in brushed brass, Due shower mixer in brushed nickel, Splash Plus round slide shower in black finish.
The outdoor kitchen has come a long way from the traditional barbecue on the deck. Today's designs can incorporate generous preparation areas, refrigeration, storage, sinks and running water, creating a fully functioning kitchen that's as practical as its indoor counterpart.
Including a sink and kitchen mixer makes a considerable difference to how an outdoor kitchen operates. From preparing food to cleaning up after entertaining, having water on hand means fewer trips inside. A generous stainless steel sink accommodates larger platters and barbecue accessories, while a pull-out mixer makes washing and rinsing easier.
Photo: Valoré outdoor sink.
Just as in an indoor kitchen, the choice of sink and mixer can influence the overall look of the space, with styles ranging from sleek contemporary designs to more understated, utilitarian fittings.
Materials and finishes are particularly important. Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor sinks and tapware, offering excellent durability when the appropriate grade is selected.
Photo: FS3 thermostatic shower.
Once largely associated with beach houses and swimming pools, outdoor showers are increasingly being incorporated into residential landscaping and architectural design.
Their practical appeal is multi faceted. They provide somewhere to rinse away sand and salt after a trip to the beach, wash off chlorine after swimming, shower between the sauna and the cold plunge pool, or clean muddy feet and pets before heading inside.
Wall-mounted showers can be integrated into exterior cladding or stonework, while freestanding shower columns offer greater flexibility in positioning. A simple rainfall shower surrounded by planting can look just as effective as a more elaborate installation beside a pool or courtyard.
Photo: Neptune Classic shower in polished copper & brass finish.
Privacy, drainage and access to hot water are all worth considering at the planning stage, along with the shower's exposure to the elements.
Most importantly, the shower and its fittings need to be suitable for outdoor use. Standard indoor tapware may look the part initially, but exposure to rain, UV, temperature changes and coastal conditions can significantly shorten its lifespan.
Few things are quite as indulgent as a bath in the open air, particularly when the setting offers a beautiful view or a private garden.
Outdoor baths have become a feature of luxury accommodation and architectural homes, but they can be equally successful in smaller residential settings. A sheltered courtyard, secluded deck or landscaped garden can provide the perfect location.
Photo: Silvia outdoor round stone bath in concrete grey finish.
Certain freestanding baths are particularly well suited to outdoor spaces, where their sculptural forms can become part of the landscape. Natural stone and concrete offer interesting textures, while purpose-designed composite materials provide alternative options.
The choice of bath needs careful consideration. Some materials are specifically designed to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain and changing temperatures. Others are designed to provide excellent thermal tolerance in frosty conditions. However, some materials may require additional maintenance or protection and some finishes can discolour or deteriorate.
The accompanying tapware is just as important. Freestanding bath fillers can create an elegant, uncluttered installation, provided they're specifically approved for outdoor conditions.
It's also worth considering the practical details, including privacy, drainage, hot water supply and how the bath will be maintained when not in use.
Photo: Silvia outdoor round stone bath in white finish.
Perhaps the most important consideration when selecting products for outdoor kitchens and bathrooms is that they're designed for the environment in which they'll be installed.
Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials for outdoor sinks and tapware. Grade 316 stainless steel offers greater corrosion resistance than the more common 304 grade, making it particularly useful in coastal environments. However, even marine-grade stainless steel requires cleaning and maintenance, especially where salt deposits can accumulate.
Photo: Oli 316 collection. From left - Floor mount bath filler & hand shower, kitchen mixer and shower mixer all in brushed stainless steel.
Natural stone and concrete can be excellent choices for outdoor baths, basins and surrounding surfaces, offering durability and a distinctive architectural appearance. Their suitability depends on the particular material, finish and installation, with some products requiring sealing or ongoing care.
Tapware finishes deserve particular attention. While some are developed to withstand demanding outdoor conditions, others may be susceptible to fading, discolouration or corrosion.
In New Zealand, where strong UV exposure, coastal air and variable weather can place considerable demands on exterior fittings, selecting the right products from the outset is particularly important.
The best outdoor kitchens and bathrooms feel like a natural extension of the home, with the same attention given to product selection, layout and functionality as any interior space.
At Oakleys, we can help you explore suitable options for outdoor sinks, tapware, showers and baths, and advise on the materials and finishes best suited to your project. Choosing the right products from the outset will help ensure your outdoor space looks good and performs well for years to come.
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