ROOFTOP RETREAT | BOSTON, MA

This historic brownstone -- in the heart of Boston’s most desirable neighborhood -- was a gut remodel in 2016. That’s when our clients acquired it after selling their Andover property. This stunning, 3-story residence combines luxury living with all the conveniences of city life, but lacked the outdoor space they’d become accustomed to at their suburban home. French doors in the third floor master bedroom led to a rooftop with a ton of potential, but none of the charm necessary to create a meaningful outdoor space. Russell considered the best way to incorporate the copper parapet wall and dark, composite decking into his design.

First on the agenda was adding a verde green patina to the copper wall. By doing this, the conflicting brown tones of the deck and wall were transformed into the grayer shades of the overall design. A low, clean-lined couch and matching armchairs and coffee table from Restoration Hardware anchor the outdoor living room. Two more stackable chairs add more seating if necessary or store out of the way when not needed. Weathered lead planters with lush plants of varying color and texture add a softness to the rigid lines of this fourth floor retreat. The birch trees -- planted in large, cube shaped containers -- help enclose the space and give a sense of security and scale. Three strategically positioned planters afford privacy from a neighboring rooftop patio while adding the soft texture of the grasses planted within. Smaller planters are positioned around the area with seasonal displays to add splashes of color for year round interest.

This project was featured in Boston Home Magazine, Summer Escapes.