A private rooftop patio was high on the list of things we looked for when we were house hunting in Chicago. Today, I am sharing our rooftop patio design. This outdoor space is the center of our lives in the summer; we host movie nights or happy hours here at least once a week.
The Rooftop Patio Design
Roof season is the best season. You will find me on the rooftop on most summer nights. This space is one of the big reasons we chose this home—we love the large private outdoor rooftop.
We often set up a water table or kiddie pool on warm days. The first summer we moved in, Gwen and I spent a lot of time splashing around in our extra-large kiddie pool together.
Gwen and I play on the rooftop during the day, and I entertain friends in the evening. I host movie nights here at least once a week. A couple of Christmases ago, my husband gave me a Nebula projector, and I love using it to project television shows and movies onto the side of my home. This projector was an upgrade from the cheap one I used the first year we lived here; I used it so much that it was easy to justify an easier-to-use projector with a clearer picture.
Over the past few years, I have gained confidence as a gardener. This year, I added a trio of planters with limelight hydrangeas to the rooftop. They make the space feel complete.
One recent change that has made a big impact was getting a new outdoor rug and colorful coordinating throw pillows. The new rug adds so much color to the space (and it hasn't faded after a year). We love the comfort and versatility of the three couches on the rooftop, but they didn't come in any fun colors. But, the fact that two couches convert to super comfortable chaise lounges makes this a cozy spot for movie nights. My friend Amy says the chaise lounge is her favorite place to fall asleep. So we have couches for comfort and accessories for color.
Chicago Rooftop Patio Design Shopping List:
9 x 12 Outdoor Rug from Ruggable
1 Couch (similar)
2 Couches that convert to Chaise Lounges - sadly, Joybird no longer makes these
Blue and Pink Throw Pillows with Waterproof Inserts
3 Planters with each with two $27 Hydrangea plants from Lowe's
String Lights
Large Storage Box which we also use as a table
A note on cleaning the rug. Ruggable's rugs are machine washable, but this one is so big that it doesn't fit in the washing machine. I was able to successfully powerwash it.
Since this seems to be discussed frequently in Chicago, I don't put the cushions away when we aren't using them. I only put them away seasonally. In the fall, I pack cushions into giant outdoor furniture storage bags and then leave the storage bags on the rooftop all winter. After four years of use, the Joybird cushions are in great condition. They can easily be hosed off. I wash them in the washing machine and hang them to dry (or... let them dry out on our heated bathroom floors) about once a year.
The TV Lounge Beside the Rooftop:
We love that the top level of our home is half inside and half outside. It truly is the best of both worlds. Outside, we have a large entertaining space. Inside, we have the British pub-inspired TV lounge. We love the convenience of having a mini fridge, wet bar, and popcorn machine just inside from the rooftop.
The Balcony
The rooftop is one of our home's two outdoor spaces. We also have a long balcony off the kitchen. You can read more about the balcony design project here.
Want to see more of our home?
The British Pub-Inspired TV Lounge
