Decorating + Renovation

25 Sky-High Rooftops and Terraces That Are Ready for Summer

These inspired outdoor spaces from the AD archives have seasonal style that’s as dazzling as their views

By Lindsey DeSimone and Jennifer Fernandez

March 28, 2017

When you think of alfresco entertaining or relaxation during the warm-weather months, homes at the beach or in the country immediately come to mind. But there’s also something undeniably appealing about summer in the city—and the unexpected outdoor spaces that come with it. After all, where else can you sit in a verdant garden while enjoying a view that’s dominated by a sea of skyscrapers, or take your morning coffee with a panorama of the land from higher than ground level? Equal parts grit and glam, these 25 rooftops and terraces from the AD archives feature all the amenities of a country retreat—outdoor dining spaces, cozy seating areas, planters filled with lush greenery and blooming buds—in an urban setting that’s all the more inspiring for its lofty perch. Read on for a taste of the high life.

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1/25
The rooftop terrace of designer Terry Hunziker’s Seattle apartment is frequently used for entertaining.
COPYRIGHT ©2012 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
2/25
This rooftop lounge in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, by Olson Kundig Architects and designer Terry Hunziker, features a pigmented-concrete fireplace, Jardin de Ville table and chairs, and blue and green pillows made with a Perennials fabric.

© Condé Nast
3/25
Architect Edward Siegel created the trellis and fireplace for this rooftop terrace in Manhattan, designed in collaboration with Ernest de la Torre. The slate paving is from Stone Source, the daybeds and glass-top tables are by Dedon, and the pillows are made of Sunbrella and Janus et Cie fabrics. The plantings are by Miguel Pons Landscaping and Matthias Kirwald Landscaping.
COPYRIGHT ©2010 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
4/25
In a home designed by E. Claudio Modola on the Kenyan island of Lamu, the rooftop baraza is where the homeowners and their guests retreat in the evenings for drinks.

COPYRIGHT ©2015 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
5/25
For the rooftop terrace of a Manhattan penthouse, Greg Dufner and Daniel Heighes Wismer of design firm Dufner Heighes devised a cantilevered mahogany awning and coordinating planters; the sconces are from YLighting, the tables and chairs are by Richard Schultz for Knoll, and the poufs are by CB2. The plantings were designed by the Brooklyn-based landscape firm Future Green Studio.
COPYRIGHT ©2012 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
6/25
Bougainvillea and an ocean vista enliven the Cartagena, Colombia, rooftop terrace of designer Richard Mishaan, which is furnished with outdoor seating by RH and Stark fabrics of Mishaan’s design.

Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna
7/25
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For her Naples, Italy, penthouse, designer Allegra Hicks created a serene terrace using beautiful greenery and a bamboo canopy.
Photo: Joshua McHugh
8/25
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The New York City terrace of antiques dealers Angus Wilkie and Len Morgan overlooks St. Jean Baptiste Church.

Photo: Roger Davies
9/25
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AD100 designer Juan Pablo Molyneux outfitted this Pebble Beach, California, terrace with cozy armchairs, creating space to relax and enjoy the spectacular ocean views.
Photo: Joshua McHugh
10/25
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Views of the New York City skyline can be glimpsed from the bluestone-clad terrace of this Shelton, Mindel & Associates–designed residence.

Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo
11/25
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A teak cocktail table and lounge chairs punctuate the airy terrace of Emily Fisher Landau’s oceanfront Palm Beach penthouse.
Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna
12/25
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This expansive Manhattan terrace offers a number of inviting spaces for entertaining.

Photo: Simon Watson
13/25
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Alfresco dining is done right on the roof terrace of a dazzling home in Essaouira, Morocco.
Photo: Björn Wallander
14/25
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Real-estate magnate Jorge Pérez’s oceanside terrace in Hollywood, Florida, is an example of breathtaking minimalism.

Photo: Pieter Estersohn
15/25
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Designer Ray Booth and TV executive John Shea devised a grand wraparound terrace for their Nashville, Tennessee, home.
Photo: Björn Wallander
16/25
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Lorry Newhouse’s charming terrace offers sweeping views of New York City.

Photo: Roger Davies
17/25
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At a Laguna Beach, California, residence, a guest room terrace looks out over the ocean.
Photo: Douglas Friedman
18/25
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Whimsical tile work adds playful personality to the rooftop terrace of a London townhouse decorated by François Catroux.

Photo: Joshua McHugh
19/25
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Hairstylist Guido Palau transformed the rooftop of his Manhattan duplex into a lush garden retreat.
Related: Outdoor Living & Garden Ideas
Photo: Roger Davies
20/25
Art patron Chara Schreyer commissioned the purple aluminum sculpture by Aaron Curry that graces an upper terrace at her Los Angeles home, which was renovated by architecture firm McRitchie Design and designer Gary Hutton.

Photo: William Waldron
21/25
At Dave DeMattei and Patrick Wade's Los Angeles home, Meyer lemon trees in custom-made planters by Modern Floristry ornament the balcony, which is decorated with a McGuire table and chairs; the antique sideboard is from Mecox.
Photo: Simon Watson
22/25
The roof terrace of the guest casita at designers Andrew Fisher and Jeffry Weisman’s San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, getaway provides stunning views of the town and its surroundings; the teak sofa and chairs are by Michael Taylor Designs, with cushions covered in a Sunbrella fabric.

Photo: Eric Piasecki
23/25
On a rooftop terrace at New York townhouse renovated by architect Peter Pennoyer and designer Shawn Henderson, Madison Cox and the Organic Gardener created an oasis with linden trees and boxwood in copper planters; the table and chairs are by Janus et Cie.
Photo: Anthony Cotsifas
24/25
At a Manhattan duplex designed by John Pawson, the stone-paved terrace, off the living/dining area, overlooks the Hudson River and New Jersey.

Photo: Joshua McHugh
25/25
At a Manhattan penthouse renovated by architect John Murray and decorator Elissa Cullman, Edmund Hollander Landscape Architects oversaw the terrace plantings, including an abundance of Russian sage in ipe-wood boxes; at the far end, Barlow Tyrie armchairs join a custom-made table by Oasiq.