The stone shower
Just as the warm bath serves as closure after a hard day at work, the shower signifies a new beginning. Considered an absolute must in our hurried society the shower now rivals the tub as the perfect tool for escapism.

Taking the ritualistic daily shower should be invigorating not only to the body but to the mind and spirit as well. Imagine wandering into a shower clad entirely in the masculinity of rugged slate. Likened to bathing in the outdoors or a tropical rainforest, you will surely linger in the gentle sprays of water a little longer than normal. When the look of soft femininity is the goal, a creamy limestone tile in a caramel or ivy tone is ideal. Because shower walls offer a large expanse in which to be creative, do not overlook the opportunity to feature a dramatic design. Choose to dress each wall, or the most prominent wall, with a long rectangular frame. Inside the decorative borders of the frame, introduce a field of contrasting mosaic. Within this field of mosaic, inset a vertical row of three unique tiles. If budget is a concern, clad the expanse of your walls in a large dark travertine tile and splurge on six decorative accents featuring an aged relief design to intersperse around the walls at eye level. Either look is simply stunning.

When designing your shower, there are more than just appearances to keep in mind, you must also consider a few necessary amenities. These include the small seat or bench and the recessed niche or exposed shelf.

The shower seat, as opposed to a bench, is most appropriate for the small walk in shower. Even the most miniscule of spaces can accept a triangular shaped seat where two walls meet. Creating this diminutive seat takes a little ingenuity on the part of the tile setter. Normally, they will laminate two pieces of stone together, bullnose the front edge for comfort, and insert the finished piece into the area where the two walls converge. When installed correctly, this seat can hold significant weight, appearances may be deceptive, although it may not look it, it is strong.

In an oversized shower, the bench seat is appropriate, and quite wonderful. Dress up this feature by bowing out the center or enveloping its surface in micro-mosaics. Consider designing a recessed arch within the space for the bench to rest in. Add a roof window or a low-voltage halogen light to illuminate to area. For those installing a steam shower, the addition of an incline to the full length bench will encourage a long relaxing stay.

When in the shower, you are faced with the inevitable question of where to place all of the required soaps, gels and shampoos, therefore, a recessed niche or exposed shelf will commonly provide the answer. Placing a large niche in the center of the most predominate wall is quite an eye catcher, especially when bordered with a contrasting tile or ornate trim.

The shelf is configured and installed similar to the seat, but on a smaller scale. Your installer may inset a laminated piece of stone where the walls converge and round the edge for a soft effect. Other options include a pre-cast stone shelf with a dressy edge, a jagged piece of stone slab for the rustic effect, or a thick piece of carved stone molding on which to place an item or two.

Ideas for the shower
Use a clear or lightly frosted glass as the shower door to show off any designs featured within.
Consider designing a shower space that requires no door at all.
Specify a small tile or mosaic on the floor for added traction.
Place borders above or below eye level for a updated look.
Consider laminating pieces of stone together for a dramatic crown molding, chair rail and baseboard effect.
Add a large stone bench just outside the shower area for drying.
Choose the same tile size and pattern on the ceiling as on the shower floor. This will marry the two nicely.
When installing a steam shower, slant the pitch of the ceiling so that condensation runs down the side walls, in place of annoyingly dripping on your head.
Avoid polished marble in the shower area if possible. The acidity of most shampoos, as well as the onslaught of steam, will eventually take their toll on its pristine shine.
When choosing a polished granite for the shower walls, just keep in mind that water spots are magnified on a polished surface. This problem can be resolved by using a squeegee as needed.
When choosing unfilled travertine for the shower walls, be sure to spray a penetrating sealer with a mold and mildew repellent into all of the open pores.