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Photo: Yoshihiro Makino
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Pops of Playfulness
Fun is one way to describe this West Hollywood, California, rooftop, which includes an oversized disco ball, a quirky pink chair and hand-blown string lights. Designed by Tamara Honey, the space also features a custom fireplace and a goat hair throw for cooler nights and a row of potted Mexican fencepost cactus and Palo Verde trees for privacy.
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Photo: Evin Krehbiel; Evin Photography
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Patriotic Vibes
A cozy and functional outdoor living space with Americana vibes was what HomeGoods featured finder, Jenny Reimold envisioned when making over this rooftop in Clearwater, Florida. Red, white and blue pillows adorn the wicker sofa, while a blue-and-white patterned jute rug protects the tiled floor. The three-piece rattan bistro set provides a place for guests to rest their drinks as does the bar-height dining table with matching stools.
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Photo: Alberto Gamazo. Property by Brian Chancellor of Christie’s International Real Estate
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A Statement Fireplace
This modern Palo Alto, California, rooftop, designed by Coco Home, features a 12-foot-tall wood burning fireplace created out of sandstone tiles. Potted plants filled with mountain pines are illuminated by spotlights at night. Vignette seating maximizes the space, and a round pouf is the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee.
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Photo: Laurey Glenn
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Recycled Style
This relaxing rooftop setup is as sustainable as it is stunning. The manufactured composite decking is made from 95% recycled materials, and it's built to withstand the weather — from the blazing summer sun to freezing temps — so you can take in the desert views all year long.
See the Whole Space
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Photo: Irene Kalina-Jones
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Channeling English Gardens
Maximizing space and creating privacy was the goal for this Brooklyn-based rooftop created by Outside Space NYC. Raised custom Ipe planters are filled with flora inspired by English gardens and include orange, blue, purple and red perennials and annuals. Solar powered lanterns, cushioned orange club chairs and an all-weather rug make for comfy nights under the stars.
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Laidback Living
A colorful, geometric rug and a mix of patterned pillows on the outdoor sectional give this Brooklyn rooftop a comfortable, relaxed feel. A simple strand of string lights around the edge of the space makes every night sparkle.
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Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Roof Deck and Garden
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A Resort-Like Feel
Located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago, this rooftop, created by Chicago Roof Deck and Garden, includes an aluminum pergola with operable louvers that can be adjusted based on shade and weather needs. A wire mesh railing around the deck’s perimeter keeps sight lines open to the surrounding tree canopies, while gravel helps define and soften the area. A cozy firepit, TV, ceiling heaters and planters filled with shrubs and flowers add to the homey feel.
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A Lofty Fireplace
Designer Jennifer Mehditash created this East-Coast-meets-West-Coast rooftop in Newport Beach, California, with the intention of crafting a cozy outdoor space for entertaining. The towering whitewashed brick fireplace, with its playful ceramic tile, provides a warm and whimsical moment, while the cinquefoil-shaped (and weather-friendly) resin coffee table, ceramic green stools (discovered at a vintage market) and the custom outdoor sectional provide multiple spots to rest a drink or take a seat by the fire.
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Photo: EAST Miami
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A Living Green Wall
For a relaxed-yet-sophisticated vibe, this tropical-style rooftop at EAST Miami in Miami, Florida, pairs natural materials like teak, rattan, pine and stone and includes a vertical garden filled with clusia rosea, button mangrove, sea grape and tamarind plantings. Striped pillows pop against the beige cushions, giving the space a fresh dose of color.
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Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Roof Deck and Garden
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An Elevated Garden
To create privacy and more space on the ground, the designers at Chicago Roof Deck and Garden positioned planters along the upper perimeter of this rooftop then filled them with a mix of colorful perennials, vegetable plantings and trees. Steel framing and a wire mesh screen allow climbing vines and hanging plants to grow. For visual interest, the floor was constructed using multiple materials, including wood, porcelain tiles and turf.
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Photo: KURT LISCHKA; Courtesy of The Pearl Hotel
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Sail Away
The rooftop space at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach, Florida, was designed for both relaxation and celebration, combining European sophistication with coastal charm. A retractable black sail made of high-density polyethylene fabric provides shelter for the white picnic tables, stone floor and string lights below, allowing for alfresco gatherings no matter the weather.
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A Comfy Sleeping Nook
Designer Erica Bryen created this rooftop sanctuary for the Linda Cottage at the Lido House in Newport Beach, California, with a nautical and contemporary aesthetic in mind. A bright blue daybed covered in a mix of diamond, striped and solid blue and yellow pillows is the perfect place to sneak a nap while resting your drink and book on the matching glass-topped table or pouf.
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Photo: Conrad Los Angeles
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Posh and Polished
Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry along with the interior design firm Tara Bernerd & Partners, the rooftop on the Conrad Los Angeles is filled with luxury touches perfect for conversation and socializing, including a fire pit, plush seating and an oval-shaped dining table.
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Photo: Michael Mundy
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European Vibes
The rooftop at the Thompson Hollywood, designed by Bernadette Blanc, offers sweeping views of bustling downtown Los Angeles. The European-inspired pergola, woven chairs and polished white tabletops pop against a terracotta feature wall, along with planters filled with white roses and bougainvillea.
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Photo: Ryan McDonald
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A Serene Sanctuary
The founding partner of En Masse Architecture & Design created this rooftop space at his home in Chicago with a goal of drawing people outside. The cozy spot provides a relaxing escape during the day and a place to unwind at night, with a wood bench and planters filled with Algerian ivy, birch and hibiscus. A gas fire pit accommodates different seasons with the flip of a switch.
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Photo: Courtesy of Hôtel Swexan
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A Clear Moment
Perched atop the Hôtel Swexan in Dallas, this open-air retreat features a Moroccan vibe. Plush sofas, wicker bar chairs, colorful rugs and ottomans in sunburst hues create the perfect backdrop to the breathtaking views of the Dallas skyline. A chic glass railing keeps the wind in check.
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Open for Conversation
Designer Jaime Beriestain sought to engage the senses through texture, lighting and aroma when creating the rooftop at the Almanac Barcelona. Curved white sofas with bright red stripes along with modular poufs and marble tables are perfectly positioned for easy conversation and panoramic city views. Sculptural arc floor lamps create warm, ambient lighting, while planters filled with rosemary, dracaena and thyme provide an aromatic touch.
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Photo: Matt Kisiday
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Bluegrass Tradition
Designed by Jenny Bukovec, the rooftop at The Manchester in Lexington, Kentucky, combines nostalgic 1960s Florida glamour with Lexington’s equestrian heritage. The modern wood seating features an open, armless design with cushions covered in a Moroccan-inspired geometric pattern. Bamboo and teak materials enhance the natural aesthetic, while scalloped umbrellas, string lights and lush tropical plantings add to the breezy charm.
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Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
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A Statement Trellis
Drawing inspiration from the French Quarter's hidden courtyards, Joanna Kerr designed the rooftop above Louisiana’s The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, with elements of water, fire and plant life in mind. Star jasmine vines grow in a crisscross pattern against a neutral-colored stucco wall that also features a gas fireplace and brick planters filled with boxwoods and petunias. Gas lanterns and bollard light fixtures cast a warm, romantic glow.
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Photo: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
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Classic and Cool
Featuring a classic California vibe, the rooftop pool area on the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills was designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon and is the ideal spot for conversation and socializing. A striking Italian porcelain floor adds elegance to an already chic space.
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Photo: Courtesy of La Réserve Eden au Lac
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Throwing Shade
With stunning views of Lake Zurich in Switzerland, designer Philippe Starck utilized natural materials, like marble on the tables, to create warmth throughout the rooftop at La Réserve Eden au Lac. The space includes a comfortable and purposeful mix of seating options for relaxing and dining and a protective awning for all-weather socializing.
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Photo: Nikolas Koenig
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Wrapped in Greenery
Located on the Sunset Strip, the rooftop at The West Hollywood EDITION in West Hollywood, California, offers panoramic vistas that stretch from the Pacific Ocean to downtown Los Angeles. With its grass flooring, teak loungers and a pergola covered in jaboticaba (a Brazilian grape tree), this rooftop provides a foliage-filled oasis from the bustling city below.
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Photo: Courtesy of Perry Lane Hotel
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Southern Charm
A conservatory feel and garden theme was the goal for the rooftop at the Perry Lane Hotel, overlooking historic Savannah. Created in partnership with the innovation studio at the Savannah College of Art and Design, the lounge includes cozy chairs covered in a checkered fabric, round quartzite tables, scalloped umbrellas, turf flooring and planters filled with greenery, including English ivy, hibiscus and blue iris.
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Photo: Courtesy of Hotel La Palma
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Light Up the Night
Created by designer Francis Sultana, the Riviera-inspired rooftop on the Hotel La Palma in Capri, Italy, features statement lanterns and delicate table lamps to cast a warm glow. White ironwork and fencing frame the space, providing privacy while maintaining an airy, open feel.
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Photo: Nikolas Koenig
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Metal Shading
Marked by lush greenery, designer Ian Schrager wrapped columns in ivy and included a green wall covered in bamboo on the rooftop at PUBLIC in New York City. To add to the organic feel, drink tables and sofas are made of durable teak. A reflective metal ceiling is both chic and functional.
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Photo: HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHY SRL; Hotel de la Ville
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Italian Flair
The red-and-white striped cushions and wrought iron furniture give an Italian La Dolce Vita vibe at the Hotel de la Ville in Rome. Terracotta brick flooring, shade-giving umbrellas and olive and laurel trees evoke the charm of a traditional Roman neighborhood — this one with panoramic views of the historical skyline.
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Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Heron
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Set Up for Socializing
String lights frame the unobstructed, panoramic views of the nation’s monuments on the rooftop at the Hotel Heron in Alexandria, Virginia. The U-shaped seating arrangement creates the perfect space for social interactions while the round orange tables add playful pops of color. Planters filled with a variety of leafy greens add to the ambiance.
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Photo: Michael Kleinberg
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A Tropical-Inspired Escape
The sun-soaked rooftop deck at the Moxy & AC Hotel DTLA in Los Angeles has a Miami-meets-Copacabana vibe, with cushions covered in tropical palms and orange-and-yellow scalloped umbrellas providing splashes of color. L-shaped wooden tables provide a resting spot for sunscreen bottles and drinks.
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Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Roof Deck and Garden
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Home Team Advantage
This rooftop, created by Chicago Roof Deck and Garden in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, features a green wall reflecting the homeowner’s love of the Chicago Cub’s baseball team. An Ipe-clad veranda roof with operable aluminum louvers can be drawn for shade, while a grill station, wet bar, dining area and planters filled with low maintenance faux boxwoods set the tone for cheering on the home team.
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Photo: Courtesy of Beaches Resorts
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A Flowing Fountain
The rooftop at Beaches Negril in Jamaica features plush, modular seating and a dining area that blends into the natural tropical landscape. A cascading waterfall creates white noise for intimate gatherings, while string lights infuse a soft glow to complement the breathtaking sunsets.
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Photo: General Property Images
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Suspended in the Air
With striking and unobstructed views of the Dolomite peaks, the rooftop penthouses at FORESTIS in Bressanone, Italy, are protected by a wraparound glass partition and feature walls and ceilings made of spruce wood that create a cozy feel and emit a calming scent. Lounge chairs, a heated pool and an indoor sauna add to this floating spa experience.
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Photo: Courtesy of Almare
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Natural Coverage
Designed in a circular shape with an open-air layout, the rooftop at Almare in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, features a conical ceiling crafted from interwoven dried palm leaves and wooden supports — an architectural style deeply rooted in Mexican heritage. Handcrafted wicker and wood lamps illuminate the ceiling, symbolizing the sacred Mayan melipona bees and their honeycombs.
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Photo: Hotel Photography srl; Courtesy of Hotel de Rome
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Cabana Stripes
Designers Tommaso Ziffer and Olga Polizzi wanted to create an Art Deco feel on the rooftop at the Hotel de Rome, overlooking the Opera House in Berlin. Striped cushions and bright yellow pillows pop against the black rattan seating and cocktail tables, while potted olive trees and lavender add a dash of plant life to the space.
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Photo: Christos Drazos Photography; Courtesy of the Canaves Collection
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Mediterranean Beauty
This chic rooftop at Canaves Sunday in Santorini, Greece, features organic shapes and soft textures, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and socializing. The sculptural furniture’s rounded edges give off an effortlessly warm and harmonious vibe, while a sail canopy provides protection from the sun for anyone enjoying the views.
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Photo: Legendary Productions/The Nancy Batchelor Team
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A High-in-the-Sky Haven
Sitting atop an oceanfront residence in Miami Beach, Florida, this open-air, 3,500-square-foot roof deck blends Palm Beach elegance with a bohemian, beach-chic aesthetic. Created as an immersive experience, it features loungers for sunning, umbrellas and pergolas for shade, a kitchen and bar for meals and a hot tub for unwinding. Planters filled with clusia are dotted throughout the rooftop for a tropical feel.
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Photo: Courtesy of Gleneagles Townhouse
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Cozy Banquettes
Located in St. Andrew Square in Edinburgh, Scotland, the rooftop at Gleneagles Townhouse combines a mix of rich wood accents with a colorful blue, green and pink palette to create a vintage vibe. Cylindrical upholstered poufs provide additional seating options, while delicate lamps, positioned between the banquets, enhance the whimsical aesthetic, and create a warm, ambient glow.
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Photo: Courtesy of EWM Realty; Photo by Ernesto Mendoza and Jonah Gouin
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Go Greek
This Florida rooftop is reminiscent of something you'd find in Greece, with its limestone floor, marble-topped dining table, blue cushioned seating and stone planters filled with bright red flowers. "The best part of this penthouse — even beyond the bath, heated Jacuzzi and full kitchen — has to be the sail-like canopy," says Nancy Batchelor of EWM Realty International, "which can be reeled in or out depending on the direction of the sun."
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Add Living Privacy
Weight restrictions on this pre-war building forced its New York City homeowners to build an interior shelf within the two-foot, wall-to-wall planters, requiring only a foot of soil, says Amber Freda of Amber Freda Home and Garden Design. The containers were then filled with hardy plants and flowers including spiral junipers, evergreens, boxwoods, arborvitaes, Alberta spruce, petunias and geraniums.
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A Clear View
Low banquettes around the dining table and a wraparound glass railing were used to preserve the water view on this all-white Miami rooftop. "Flameless candles in the lanterns and votives operate on a remote so there's no issue with the wind," says Sofia Joelsson, owner of SoJo Design.
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Photo: Horst Architects via Zillow Digs
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Create Indoor-Outdoor Connections
The glass-enclosed living room on this oceanfront California home blends seamlessly with the outdoor rooftop. "Limestone flooring carries through from the inside to the outside to fully integrate the two areas," says Horst Noppenberger of Horst Architects, "while the retractable glass doors open up to create one big space." Also flawless: a relaxing gas fire pit and pool.
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Cozy Up to the Bar
The homeowner wanted to create an intimate nook where guests could enjoy cocktails and watch movies on this Miami rooftop, says designer Sofia Joelsson. The synthetic wicker and galvanized aluminum stools and bar are made to withstand salt air and high winds, while hibiscus trees in tall black planters provide privacy.
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Photo: Courtesy of Sprogis and Neale Real Estate; Photo by Boston Virtual Imaging
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Make Waves
Powerful pumps in this infinity pool create a manmade current and a vigorous workout. Tired of doing laps? Flip a switch and the pool transforms into one big hot tub. "With beautiful views of the Boston Public Garden and the Boston Common, it's one of the only residential rooftop pools in Boston," notes John Neale of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate.
39 Lap Pool Design Ideas
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Photo: Andrew Franz Architect, Photo by Albert Vecerka
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Green With Envy
The owners of this cozy 800-square-foot rooftop used reclaimed bluestone pavers, Ipe wood decking and low-maintenance native plants — including grasses, climbing vines, black-eyed Susan and Echinacea — to create their New York City hideaway, says architect Andrew Franz.
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Photo: Horst Architects via Zillow Digs
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Float to the Edge
In designing this pool, the California-based homeowner wanted to reinforce the idea that it was sitting at the edge of a continent, says architect Horst Noppenberger. The pool decking is meant to look like a floating platform, while the limestone floor mirrors the indigenous rock of this coastal setting.
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Photo: Chicago Roof Deck and Garden
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Get Cooking
The full-service kitchen makes it easy to pull off parties on this Chicago rooftop. It features a sink, refrigerator, commercial grill, ice maker and self-serve beverage center. A TV centered on the wall allows the homeowners and their guests to catch their favorite sports without leaving the roof, says designer Vanessa Slivinski of Chicago Roof Deck and Garden.
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Photo: Locati Architects, Photo by Roger Wade
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Live Outdoors
The goal was to design a year-round living room so the homeowners could spend more time enjoying the mountain views, says Kyle Tage of Locati Architects. Seating created out of branches and twigs, a stacked stone fireplace, a wrought iron chandelier and an area rug work together to give this rooftop a rustic elegance. "Plus, every piece of wood — the timbers, floor, mantel and handrail — were repurposed with the goal of bringing authenticity to the space," notes Tage.
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Photo: Chicago Roof Deck and Garden
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Party Over the Garage
To extend their home's living space, this Chicago family decorated their garage rooftop with furnishings normally found indoors: curtains, vintage ceiling fans, upholstered furniture and a bar (with keggorator!). "The granite-topped gas fire pit, along with ambient sconce lighting, makes this an inviting family hangout," says designer Vanessa Slivinski of Chicago Roof Deck and Garden.
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