The modern bathroom is quickly assuming the shape of a stylish and soothing retreat that is right at home. Many homeowners are more than happy these days to invest both the additional time and cash that takes in creating a lavish bathroom that allows them to refresh and rejuvenate after a long, bust day. And in this quest for the fabulous spa-styled bathroom, the conventional walls have been brought down quite literally to bring blur the line between the interior and the outdoors. A beautiful outdoor bathroom blends complete privacy with an affinity with nature that is simply unmatched.

Take the bathtub into the private yard for a serene dip [Design: Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes]

While some bathrooms on display here will leave you spellbound, others offer a practical and stylish way of taking the shower or bathtub outside without any major makeovers. If you thought that taking a relaxing dip in the backyard was not your thing, then think again!

Luxury and Serenity

Taking the bathroom outdoors brings with it a wide range of advantages and getting this done has become a lot easier in recent times. The outdoor bathroom offers the necessary privacy even while ensuring that you have complete luxury at your fingertips. There are plenty of different configurations you can choose from varying between extensive designs that include a hot tub, freestanding bathtub and shower area to smaller and simpler designs that incorporate just a shower and a bathtub. Converting the private garden or porch that is accessed from the master bedroom into an outdoor bathroom also makes perfect sense in terms of ergonomics

Gorgeous tropical outdoor bathroom with spa-styled brilliance [From: Ethan Tweedie Photography]

Rain shower above the bathtub in the patio! [Design: Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes]

Semi outdoor bathroom with its own Zen nook [Design: Iwan Sastrawiguna Interior Design]

Remember that an outdoor bathroom that is standing just outside the master bedroom needs to feel like an extension of the space indoors. The style and theme of the outdoor bathroom are defined by the decor that you use and the canopy that surrounds the area. If you have a backyard filled with tropical plants, then that is a good theme to go with. Others might prefer incorporating an Asian-look to mimic the aura of a relaxed spa setting.

Fabulous outdoor Mediterranean bathroom with plenty of blue [Design: Exteriors by Chad Robert]

Contemporary Ensuite Bathroom With Cutting-Edge Design in Sydney

Luxurious master bedroom and bath that connects with the outdoors [Design: Raymond Forehand]

Outdoor bathtub and shower adjacent to the bathroom indoors [Design: Concreteworks]

Outdoor shower area is simple and stylish [Design: Terra Rubina]

Flowing Indoor-Outdoor Connection

While the trend of outdoor bathrooms is catching on quickly, most designers are turning towards bathrooms that connect visually and architecturally with the rest of the home. The idea here is to turn the deck, patio or terrace into a natural extension of the floor plan of the house and to ensure that you have the best of both worlds. Glass walls and drapes are among the most popular choices in bringing the outdoors inside. But splitting the shower area and the bathtub space between the interior and the outdoors is another cool choice. This also lets you work around any issues with space and gives the bathroom an airy atmosphere.

Give your existing bathroom a stunning extension outdoors [Design: Smith Brothers]

Glass roof gives the outdoor bath a unique look [Design: MMM Interiors]