After a dip in the pool or a day working in the yard, the best respite from the summer heat is a refreshing shower surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature and fresh air.

one: Wildwood pool house outdoor shower, by Upchurch Architects, Inc. Photography by Hester + Hardaway.

two: Patio shower, by Osborne Architects. Photography by Polly Osborne.

Here is what they had to say…

CLASSIC:

Create the ultimate outdoor experience with furnishings and accessories. Don’t sacrifice style and comfort just because it’s the outdoors. Equip your living space with items that are as tasteful as your indoor décor.

one: Iron candleholder, available at Gifted Gardener.

two: Teak lantern, available at Gifted Gardener.

three: Cocktail table base, Aviano collection, by Tommy Bahama for Lexington, available at KDR Designer Showrooms.

Many homeowners don’t dare tackle the planning and research required when purchasing a teardown, but a St. Louis couple knew a teardown was just what they were looking for as they made the move from central St. Louis County to the hub of the city in Clayton.  Previous residents of University City and Creve Coeur, Clayton appealed to them for its proximity to the Metrolink, restaurants and retail.

Serve up refreshing drinks, savory snacks and fireside s’mores on a summery tray. The perfect accessory to brighten up your outdoor living space, trays can be functional to serve or decorative for an ottoman or table.

one: Courtly check serving tray, by MacKenzie-Childs, available at B. Davis Design.

two: Copper tray, available at The Porch.

It’s a bright, breezy day, but the chickens are nervous. A hawk’s screech is stressing them out, far more so than the blowtorch roar or cement mixer growl that usually booms from Marci Davis’ workshop. We drop everything to guide the hens to safety, and I can’t help but notice the metaphor. Whether we’re talking about her unique art medium, “Ferrocement Faux Bois” or her agitated poultry, Davis is singularly, fiercely focused on preserving nature’s beauty.