Having something entertaining close to the pub keeps guests engaged," says Sofia Joelsson, owner of SoJo Design.

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

Pop in for your Films This San Diego penthouse, with its 360-degree views of ocean and the bay, is the best place for film viewing. "A screen magically appears out of the wall from a hydraulic lift," says Paul Roberts shower doors toronto . manager of nice houses at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, "while a genuine pizza oven means you'll never go hungry viewing your favorite flicks."

Go Greek This Florida rooftop is reminiscent of something you'd find on the island of Mykonos, with its limestone floor, marble-topped dining table, blue cushioned seats and stone planters filled with vivid red flowers. "The best part of this penthouse -- beyond 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 out depending upon the direction of the sun."

Insert Living Privacy Weight restrictions with this pre-war construction compelled its New York City homeowners to build an inside shelf inside the two-foot, wall-to-wall planters, requiring just a foot of dirt, states Amber Freda of Amber Freda Home and Garden Design. The containers were then full of rugged plants and flowers including spiral junipers, evergreens, boxwoods, arborvitaes, Alberta spruce, petunias and geraniums.

Chess? Twelve-inch travertine tiles were painted white and black to make a giant chessboard with this Miami rooftop. "Having something entertaining close to the pub keeps guests engaged," says Sofia Joelsson, owner of SoJo Design. Vinyl chess pieces were full of sand to prevent them from toppling over in the wind, while artificial grass was inserted into the wood trellises on the walls and ottoman to warm up the all-white area. A large rectangular mirror, based behind the pub, reflects the water views.

Produce Indoor-Outdoor Connections The glass-enclosed living area with this oceanfront California home combines seamlessly with all the outside rooftop. "Limestone flooring carries through from the inside to the outside to totally integrate the two regions," says Horst Noppenberger of Horst Architects, "while the retractable glass doors open to create one enormous space." Also flawless: a gas fire pit 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 biggest in Las Vegas). The custom-built pool table sits close to the rooftop's other noteworthy features: a picture theatre, bedroom, wet bar, pool and spa, says Zar Zanganeh of Luxe Estates Collection.

Float to the Edge In designing this 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 intended to look like a floating platform, while the limestone floor mirrors the native rock of the coastal setting.

Make Waves Strong pumps in this infinity pool create a manmade current and also a vigorous exercise. Tired of doing laps? Flip a switch and the pool transforms to a big spa. "With amazing views of the Boston Public Garden and the Boston Common, it's one of the only residential 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 along with a built in, 48-inch television enable guests to watch films under the stars," he says.

Make It Rain Inconspicuous pipes positioned over the pool discharge water, creating a soothing rainfall effect, says Nathaniel Pitchon-Getzels of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Red bulbs in the light fixtures give this Los Angeles rooftop its own Hollywood glow. You may even shut the grommet curtain panels for extra privacy.

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

Warm Up a Major Space Tons of indoor elements were utilized to cozy up this 7,000-square-foot Dallas rooftop such as a dining table, lounge chairs, barbecue, TVs and even a dishwasher and refrigerator. 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 proprietors of the comfy 800-square-foot rooftop utilized reclaimed bluestone pavers, Ipe wood decking and low-maintenance indigenous plants -- including grasses, climbing vines, black-eyed Susan and Echinacea -- to create their New York City hideaway, says Andrew Franz of Andrew Franz Architect.

Live Outdoors The goal was to design a year-round living room 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 rock fireplace, a wrought iron chandelier and an area rug function together to provide this particular rooftop a rustic elegance. "Plus, every piece of timber -- the timbers, flooring, mantel and handrail -- have been repurposed with the goal of bringing authenticity to the distance," notes Tage.

Kick Off Your Shoes. . .And Cook! To maximize storage space, the homeowner shops her footwear supporting glass under the rooftop's covered atrium, says Christopher Brandon of Brandon Architects, Inc. "There is even a ladder to get the top shelves." The adjacent full sized kitchen includes a microwave, dishwasher, dishwasher, ice maker and refrigerator with a designated place for wine. The small red guy? "A knife holder," notes Brandon.

Cozy Up to the Tavern The homeowner wanted to make an intimate corner where guests could enjoy cocktails and watch movies on this Miami rooftop, says Sofia Joelsson, owner of SoJo Design. The artificial wicker and galvanized aluminum stools and pub are made to withstand salt air and high winds, while hibiscus trees from tall black planters provide privacy.

Get Cooking The full-service kitchen makes it effortless to pull parties on this Chicago rooftop. It includes a sink, refrigerator, commercial grill, ice maker and self-serve beverage centre. A TV centered on the wall permits the homeowners and their guests to capture their favorite sports without even leaving the roofing, states designer Vanessa Slivinski of Chicago Roof Deck and Garden.

Party On the Toilet To expand their home's living room, this Chicago family decorated their garage rooftop with furnishings normally found inside: drapes, 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 out of six spouts 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 videos and movies. The custom made concrete fire pit was created to match the waterfall's zinc patina finish, adds Silvinski.

Swing In the Treetops You get the feeling you're floating in the atmosphere, says Leslie Piper, consumer housing specialist for Realtor.com. An artist's representation of the yet-to-be built penthouse rooftop overlooking Central Park in New York City displays amenities such as a stainless steel table with seating for ten, a complete kitchen, bar and fire pit. (The flat might be yours for $60 million, but the rooftop build-out is regrettably not included.)