White and gray outdoor lounge furniture from Cost Plus make this front deck the perfect entertaining space. Pillows from Janus et Cie add pops of pattern and color to finish this lounge area. A white faceted side table and white and brass planter are the finishing touches to this space.

West Roy Condo

SkB Architects

Originally built in 1955, this modest penthouse apartment typified the small, separated living spaces of its era. The design challenge was how to create a home that reflected contemporary taste and the client’s desire for an environment rich in materials and textures. The keys to updating the space were threefold: break down the existing divisions between rooms; emphasize the connection to the adjoining 850-square-foot terrace; and establish an overarching visual harmony for the home through the use of simple, elegant materials. The renovation preserves and enhances the home’s mid-century roots while bringing the design into the 21st century—appropriate given the apartment’s location just a few blocks from the fairgrounds of the 1962 World’s Fair.

Mid-Century Modern Entry - Cedarburg, WI

Ginkgo Leaf Studio

The new stone column and fence look as if they were created when the house was built. Mixed perennials soften the edge of the sidewalk. Westhauser Photography

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Colonial Transformation

Molly Bachelor Architect

Photography by Jeff Garland
Mid-sized 1950s rooftop second story cable railing deck photo in Detroit with a roof extension

Mid-Century Deck

Visual Jill Inc.

A gorgeous deck right off the master suite. Photos by Peter Lyons
Example of a 1950s rooftop deck design in San Francisco with no cover

Gordon Wang Photography

Gordon Wang © 2014
Example of a small mid-century modern rooftop deck design in Seattle with a roof extension

deck awning baltimore

A. Hoffman Awning Co

Mid-sized 1960s rooftop deck photo in Baltimore with a pergola

Leon Townhomes | Bankers Hill

SD Design Studio

Outdoor kitchen deck - large mid-century modern rooftop rooftop mixed material railing outdoor kitchen deck idea in San Diego with a roof extension

Mid-Century Deck

Visual Jill Inc.

Decks run along the back of the house, looking out over the entire Bay. Photos by Peter Lyons
Deck - mid-sized 1950s rooftop deck idea in San Francisco with no cover

Metropolitan Modern Whole Home Remodel

ReNew Creations LLC

Grant Mott Photography
Photo of a mid-century modern rooftop landscaping in Portland.

John Lautner Carling House

DBGC Inc.

Deck - mid-sized mid-century modern rooftop deck idea in Los Angeles with no cover

Santa Monica Mid-Century

Joel Reis Architecture and Real Estate Photography

Large mid-century modern rooftop deck photo in Los Angeles with no cover

Oakland Hills Modern

Coddington Design

Beech Knoll

Trinity Builders & Design, Inc.

Deck - large mid-century modern rooftop deck idea in Los Angeles with no cover

Major Renovation with Universal Design Elements

Irons Brothers Construction Inc

We remodeled this unassuming mid-century home from top to bottom. An entire third floor and two outdoor decks were added. As a bonus, we made the whole thing accessible with an elevator linking all three floors. The 3rd floor was designed to be built entirely above the existing roof level to preserve the vaulted ceilings in the main level living areas. Floor joists spanned the full width of the house to transfer new loads onto the existing foundation as much as possible. This minimized structural work required inside the existing footprint of the home. A portion of the new roof extends over the custom outdoor kitchen and deck on the north end, allowing year-round use of this space. Exterior finishes feature a combination of smooth painted horizontal panels, and pre-finished fiber-cement siding, that replicate a natural stained wood. Exposed beams and cedar soffits provide wooden accents around the exterior. Horizontal cable railings were used around the rooftop decks. Natural stone installed around the front entry enhances the porch. Metal roofing in natural forest green, tie the whole project together. On the main floor, the kitchen remodel included minimal footprint changes, but overhauling of the cabinets and function. A larger window brings in natural light, capturing views of the garden and new porch. The sleek kitchen now shines with two-toned cabinetry in stained maple and high-gloss white, white quartz countertops with hints of gold and purple, and a raised bubble-glass chiseled edge cocktail bar. The kitchen’s eye-catching mixed-metal backsplash is a fun update on a traditional penny tile. The dining room was revamped with new built-in lighted cabinetry, luxury vinyl flooring, and a contemporary-style chandelier. Throughout the main floor, the original hardwood flooring was refinished with dark stain, and the fireplace revamped in gray and with a copper-tile hearth and new insert. During demolition our team uncovered a hidden ceiling beam. The clients loved the look, so to meet the planned budget, the beam was turned into an architectural feature, wrapping it in wood paneling matching the entry hall. The entire day-light basement was also remodeled, and now includes a bright & colorful exercise studio and a larger laundry room. The redesign of the washroom includes a larger showering area built specifically for washing their large dog, as well as added storage and countertop space. This is a project our team is very honored to have been involved with, build our client’s dream home.

Beech Knoll

Trinity Builders & Design, Inc.

Inspiration for a large 1950s rooftop deck remodel in Los Angeles with no cover

Infusion

Oasis Architecture & Design

Deck - mid-sized 1950s rooftop deck idea in San Diego with no cover

Mid-Century Modern Rooftop Design Ideas

Even though outdoor spaces are often overlooked, yard renovations and redesigns frequently pack the biggest punch. Your mid-century modern outdoor living area is your first chance to inspire and make an impression on neighbors and guests, so sprucing it up can give your blah house a much-needed boost. When browsing 1950s outdoor decorating ideas and remodel inspiration, keep in mind the following advice to make the most out your great outdoors: Because such dramatic changes can cost a pretty penny, it’s important to carefully consider all 1960s outdoor ideas before delving in. Set your budget ahead of time, and work carefully with your designer to make sure you stick to it. Research materials and landscaping techniques that are appropriate for your location and style, and don't forget add the plan for the final touches, like outdoor decor and furniture, to complete the space.

What are my mid-century modern outdoor design options?

When making changes to your 1950s front yard or backyard, be sure to consider what makes sense for your home and the local weather. For those in dry desert climates, avoid water-thirsty grass and opt for less-thirsty alternatives, then invest in a pool that will keep you and the neighbors cool in the heat. For more mild climates, a pool may not be the most practical of outdoor ideas, but a hot tub or unique water feature could be just the right element for you. On top of thinking about climate, consider maintenance as well. If you have the time and energy to work outdoors every weekend, a flower or vegetable garden would be a worthy investment. If all that effort isn't in your future, consider a nice rock garden, pond or intricate hardscaping instead. Finally, think about what works for your family. Some plants and flowers are poisonous for pets, and kids should have plenty of space to run around and play with friends, whether it be grass or pavement. Ultimately, yards should act as 1960s outdoor rooms, so plan them that way.

How do I create an mid-century modern outdoor room?

During the summer, your outdoor designs become key for entertaining and should flow like an extension of your indoor space. With a few key components, your patio, porch or deck can easily be turned into an entertainment haven; after all, when the weather is nice, most people don't want to be stuck indoors. To make your 1950s outdoor living space really feel like part of the house, create an outdoor kitchen, complete a grill, prep station, countertop and mini fridge. To become the neighborhood party house, you should also invest in a fire pit and hot tub, which are both great outdoor ideas for those cooler nights. If expensive renovations are out of your reach, new outdoor furniture and accessories are great for a cheap yet effective end result. A typical concrete patio or front porch can get a major makeover by simply implementing a few easy 1960s outdoor decorating ideas, such as new furniture cushions and string lighting, or some brightly colored pots and accent statues. Take a look at a variety of pictures and mid-century modern outdoor design ideas to draw inspiration for your own space.

275 East 7th Street

Jeffrey Cole Architects

Deck - large mid-century modern rooftop deck idea in New York with no cover