A Clear View

A Clear View Low banquettes around the dining table along with a wraparound glass railing were used to preserve the water perspective with this all-white Miami rooftop. "Flameless candles in the lanterns and votives run on a remote so there's no issue with the wind," says Sofia Joelsson, owner of SoJo Design.



Pop in for the Movies This San Diego penthouse, using its 360-degree views of the bay and ocean, is the best spot for movie viewing. "A screen magically appears out of the wall by a hydraulic elevator," says Paul Roberts, manager of nice homes at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, "while a genuine pizza oven means you're never go thirsty watching your favourite flicks."



Go Greek This Florida rooftop is reminiscent of something you'd find on the island of Mykonos, with its limestone flooring, marble-topped dining table, blue cushioned seating and stone planters filled with vivid red flowers. "The best aspect of the penthouse -- even past the bathroom, heated Jacuzzi and full kitchen must be the sail-like canopy," says Nancy Batchelor of EWM Realty International, "that is reeled in or outside depending upon the direction of the sun."



Add Living Privacy Weight limitations on this pre-war construction forced its New York City homeowners to construct an inside shelf inside the two-foot, wall-to-wall planters, necessitating just a foot of soil, says Amber Freda of Amber Freda Home and Garden Design. The containers were then filled with rugged plants and flowers including spiral junipers, evergreens, boxwoods, arborvitaes, Alberta spruce, petunias and geraniums.



Chess? Twelve-inch travertine tiles have been painted black and white to create a giant chessboard on this Miami rooftop. "Having something amusing close to the bar keeps guests participated," says Sofia Joelsson, proprietor of SoJo Design. Vinyl chess pieces were full of sand to prevent them from toppling over from the end, while artificial grass was added to the wood trellises on the walls and ottoman to warm up the all-white space. A large rectangular mirror, centered behind the pub, reflects the water perspectives.



Create Indoor-Outdoor Connections The glass-enclosed living area on this oceanfront California home blends seamlessly with the outside rooftop. "Limestone flooring conveys through from the interior to the outside to fully integrate the two areas," says Horst Noppenberger of Horst Architects, "while the retractable glass doors open to make one big space." Also flawless: a gas fireplace pit that is relaxing and pit.



Pick a Pool Stick Up Examine your billiards skills while enjoying the mountain views under the enclosed region of this 3,000-square-foot rooftop (the largest in Las Vegas). The custom-built pool table sits near the rooftop's other notable features: a picture theater, bedroom, wet bar, spa and hot tub, states Zar Zanganeh of Luxe Estates Collection.



Float to the Edge In designing this particular pool, the California-based homeowner wished to reinforce the idea that it had been sitting in the edge of a continent, '' says Horst Noppenberger of Horst Architects. The pool decking is meant to seem like a floating stage, although the limestone flooring mirrors the native rock of this coastal setting.



Make Waves Strong pumps within this infinity pool produce a manmade current and a vigorous exercise. Tired of doing laps? Flip a switch and the pool transforms to one large spa. "With amazing views of the Boston Public Garden and the Boston Common, it's one of the only real rooftop pools in Boston," notes John Neale of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate.



Gather 'Round the Fire Pit Cannonballs put on black lava rocks help circulate the heat with this granite-topped gas fire pit, '' says Christopher Brandon of Brandon Architects, Inc. "Custom turquoise cushions and a built-in, 48-inch television enable guests to watch films under the stars," he says.



Make It Rain Inconspicuous pipes placed over the pool release water, making a soothing rainfall effect, states Nathaniel Pitchon-Getzels of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Red bulbs in the light fixtures give this Los Angeles rooftop its Hollywood glow. You may even close the grommet drape panels for extra privacy.



Welcome to Miami Treat yourself to the gorgeous views of downtown Miami while sitting in this rooftop bar. The floor below is illuminated by vibrant LED lighting, giving the room a disco feel, says realtor Janne Keskinen of Kendall Gables Realty. No room at the bar? Grab your beverage and visit the nearby fire pit or enjoy a dip in the pool.



Warm Up a Big Space Tons of indoor components were used to cozy up this 7,000-square-foot Dallas rooftop such as a dining table, lounge chairs, barbecue, TVs and even a refrigerator and dishwasher. Overhead pergolas and planters full of boxwoods also help to define and decrease the space, says Sofia Joelsson, owner of SoJo Design.



Green With Envy The owners of the cozy 800-square-foot rooftop used reclaimed bluestone pavers, Ipe wood decking and low-maintenance native plants -- such as grasses, climbing vines, black-eyed Susan and Echinacea -- to make their New York City hideaway, says Andrew Franz of Andrew Franz Architect.



Live Outdoors The aim was to design a yearlong living space so the homeowners may spend more time enjoying the mountain views, '' states Kyle Tage of Locati Architects. Seating created from branches and twigs, a stacked stone fireplace, a wrought iron chandelier and an area rug function together to give this particular rooftop a rustic elegance. "Plus, each piece of wood -- the timbers, flooring, mantel and handrail -- were repurposed with the goal of bringing credibility to the space," notes Tage.



Kick Off Your Shoes. . .And Cook! To optimize storage space, the homeowner shops her footwear behind glass below the rooftop's covered atrium, '' says Christopher Brandon of Brandon Architects, Inc. "There is a ladder to get the best shelves" The adjoining full-service kitchen comes with a microwave, dishwasher, barbecue, ice maker and fridge with a designated spot for wine. The small guy? "A knife holder," notes Brandon.



Cozy Up to the Tavern The homeowner wanted to create an intimate nook where guests could enjoy cocktails and watch films with this Miami rooftop, says Sofia Joelsson, owner of SoJo Design. The artificial wicker and galvanized aluminum stools and bar are made to withstand salt air and high winds, while hibiscus trees from black planters provide solitude.



Get Cooking The full size kitchen makes it easy to pull off parties with this Chicago rooftop. It features a sink, refrigerator, commercial grill, ice manufacturer and self-serve drink centre. A TV based on the wall allows the homeowners and their guests to catch their favourite sports without leaving the roofing, states designer Vanessa Slivinski of Chicago Roof Deck and Garden.



Party On the Toilet To expand their home's living space, this Chicago family decorated their garage rooftop with furnishings normally found indoors: curtains, classic ceiling fans, upholstered furniture and a pub (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.



Chill by the Fountain Water flows from six rebounds and into a basin where it is upcycled, states designer Vanessa Slivinski of Chicago Roof Deck and Garden. Glass Cabinets and fiberglass planters dress up the rooftop's fountain, even though a TV plays movies and videos. The custom made concrete fire pit was designed to match the waterfall's zinc patina finish, adds Silvinski.



Swing From the Treetops You have the feeling you are drifting in the atmosphere, says Leslie Piper, customer home specialist for Realtor.com. An artist's representation of the yet-to-be constructed penthouse rooftop overlooking Central Park in New York City displays amenities like a stainless steel table with seating for ten, a full kitchen, bar and fire pit. (The flat could be yours for $60 million, but the rooftop build-out is sadly not included.)

Versatile Gravel

Versatile Gravel Pea gravel is useful for paths, work areas and social spaces. Additionally, it fits easily among plants and shrubs and will remain attractive for a long time. Combine pea gravel with ornamental grasses for a stunning design.



Checkerboard Groundcover Create a checkerboard design utilizing wood, gravel dividers and low-growing, streamlined Acaena and sedum.



Pebble Swirl Use pebbles of various colours and shapes to construct creative patterns into pathway layouts.



Path With Low-Growing Sedum Low-growing sedum makes an interesting pattern among coarse gravel.



Utilize Slate Chips Slate chips can be used to mulch pathways between plantings in a garden.



Woodland Course A path created with bark chips and log rounds blends perfectly into a woodland setting.



Form Pebbles into Measure Sculpture Small pebbles have been formed to provide an interesting circular measure pattern in rocks.



Meandering Soft Pebble Path Retain a soft pebble pathway by employing brick edging for support. Soft surfacing for garden paths is made up of pure materials which include mixtures of stone, shell and wood.



Pebbles Offer Allergic Interest Bricks and pebbles arranged in a structured design add visual interest in this example of a pure paving choice suited to a large landscaping layout.



Shredded Bark Mulch Used to Line Garden Pathway Try shredded bark to mulch pathways lined with stones and plants in a backyard.



Terraced Cottage Garden This cottage garden involves a lesser and main terrace combined with brick measures and a graveled principal entry that ties the space together.



Larger Rocks Paired with Smaller Stones as Mulch Blend bigger rocks with smaller ones to mulch around garden trees and shrubs.



Natural Materials Insert Feel Deep borders with layers of taller plants make this yard seem bigger than it really is, and organic materials like gravel and stone give the garden a soothing texture.



Just Beachy Cut sleepers have been laid among pebbles to provide a shore look for this pathway.



Wood Strips Path Powerful with Ornamental Grasses Narrow wood strips create an effective route when placed along grasses but could be slippery when wet.



Little Pea Size Gravel Employed on Garden Pathway Pea-sized gravel is a great selection for soft pathways in a garden.



Sea Worthy Gravel is raked at a maritime pattern with this soft garden pathway.



Linear Plan This formal design uses an abstract design with boxwoods and dirt.



Shapes and Texture Lend Zen Appeal This stone and gravel garden is quite zen-like with a very simple and sleek design. The textures and shapes create visual play.



Dressing Up Weed Control Use decorative gravel, pebbles or slate chips to disguise a weed-preventing membrane covering the soil in a courtyard area.



Drainage Solution Gravel makes a great mulch. Spread around plants that require excellent drainage, such as sedums.



Gravel Risers Gravel risers type shallow steps within this contemporary landscape design. The outcome is practical art with great visual impact within this shaded garden.



Stone and Gravel Mixed Stone and gravel are used in combination to get a rustic path within this garden.



Use Gravel for Contrast Gray gravel is popular for soft palate, especially when contrasted with organic fibers and texture, like this fiber ottoman.



Pebble and Gravel Edging This pathway features pebbles and dirt put in concrete for a visually-interesting edging.



Gravel at a Mediterranean Design This Mediterranean garden layout is made with gravel paths, terra cotta pots and a sunny website.



Slate and Gravel Create Natural Appearance Inside this garden with a pond, bits of slate combine with gravel for a natural appearance.



Landscaping as Practical and Sustainable Art A rich, modern landscape design style employs gravel along with grass and steel to create sustainable and functional art.



Narrow Garden Space of Townhouse This very narrow space on the side of a townhouse is made more interesting by using an interesting paving pattern using tiles and pea gravel, and a variety of plants in baskets.



Tiered Gardens Paved with Gravel and Tile A graveled area is fundamental to this two-tiered town garden apartment that contains a terrace placed using random rock paving, and lower and higher pools combined by a waterfall.



Marble Mulch Marble mulch covers the beds within this contemporary garden featuring glossy bamboos underplanted with white peonies.



Peaceful Setting A water feature surrounded by pathways covered with little gravel produces a natural-looking feeling great for relaxing.