Before & After: A Roof Deck Transformation

Nate and Michelle’s Greenpoint roof deck had a gorgeous view — but not much else going for it. They wanted to turn this bleak space into an outdoor room, one that would feel like an extension of the rest of their home.

Through Sweeten, an online resource that matches New York-area homeowners with architects, designers and contractors, Nate and Michelle found Corey Hutson of Hutson Landscape Design, whose experience crafting urban outdoor spaces made him the perfect fit.

The finished space is exactly what Nate and Michelle wanted: a relaxing outdoor room that’s as perfect for parties as it is for lounging around with a book during the summer months. Kid, their Labradoodle pup, approves as well.

One thing that makes the space so inviting is its judicious use of plantings. A Japanese maple, lavender, and feather reed grass are easy to care for, and soften the space without blocking out the view. The tall feather grass helps to provide a little privacy, and when the wind blows the rustling grass sounds like palm trees, which Michelle loves.

A couple of sofas and an end table from Room & Board round out the space, giving the feel of an outdoor living room. There’s even a fire pit (not pictured) to extend the use of the space into the fall. Michelle says her friends’ reactions have been “Jealousy. Envy. Disbelief.” We’re jealous too!

To read more about the project and see more photos, check out the project page on Sweeten.