Hi Everyone,

I’m so excited to officially kick off my posts for the One Room Challenge! If you’re not already familiar with this participant driven project, let me give you a quick overview. The bi-annual event showcases twenty designers/influencers as they take on the challenge of designing a space from beginning to end, all while documenting it with a weekly post on their blog and social channels. I first became familiar with it via Mandy of Waiting on Martha, who nicely made an introduction to Linda, the creator of the ORC and her team...and the rest as they say - is history.

Fast forward to today, I am beyond thrilled to announce my participation as well as offer up the first peek into my “room,” our third story roof deck.

BEFORE

As you can see, we have ample space to work with! For those following along, you’ve already had a chance to see my reveals for the house itself and the kitchen.

What you don’t know, though is that before I even set foot into the house, I was already captivated by a particular window that I could see from the street. I used to live down the block and would often walk my dog by the home while it was under construction. Since most houses in the neighborhood do not have a third story, it left a lot to my imagination.

When I first toured the home and saw the staircase leading to the large window I ran up it with total excitement and was beyond thrilled to discover a large rooftop terrace and outdoor kitchen! I was basically ready to sign the papers immediately.

With panoramic views, including the Hollywood Sign, downtown skyscrapers and plenty of palm trees for as far as the eye can see, I knew right away that I was going to turn this hidden gem into a fantastic entertaining space.

When it came to selecting it as the coveted One Room Challenge spotlight, it was a no brainer. It’s officially spring and I’m all about taking advantage of precious time outside...and a must to be finished in time for my favorite season of all, summer!

The INSPIRATION

For me, there is something unique about the new house that manages to seamlessly marry a colonial, coastal and grand style all in one. This notion has inspired everything I’ve done thus far in the house and the roof deck design direction will be no different.

With the east coast meets the west coast vibe in mind, I took to Pinterest and began pinning roof decks and terraces to find the right kind of inspiration I was envisioning for my own elevated outdoor space.

East Coast Mood Board

Having a roof deck is something you see a lot of on the east coast, especially in urban areas like New York City and Boston. It tends to be a city dweller’s primary way to incorporate a bit of the outsideinto their lifestyle. What I’ve always loved about these outdoor spaces is how they incorporate plenty of organic decor and accessories. I really like this idea of incorporating nature when it’s not always an option to simply be in nature.

West Coast Mood Board

From San Diego toSan Francisco, the motivation behind the coastal inspired roof deck is simple - maximize that ocean view. Whether you're enjoying it from a house, an apartment or a beautiful restaurant, this view is something to relish. I may not be in eye shot of the ocean from my LA home, but it's never out of mind. In fact, every night seagulls pass by our rooftop heading back to the ocean.

Having enjoyed an outdoor space in my previous home, I am especially excited to have one with a view this time around. Being able to see out over my city offers a vastly different experience, especially when it comes to sunrise and sunset.

So…. what's next? Well, as mentioned, it’s my goal to make this a truly fantastic entertaining space. Whether entertaining a group big or small, I want everyone to feel as relaxed as they would be on a roof deck overlooking the ocean. This will require ample furniture for seating and a layout that will make everyone feel included...I’m also bringing in a taste of the east coast with a very special green moment that I’m particularly excited about. Needless to say, the next 6 weeks are going to be very exciting ones! Stay tuned and watch it unfold week by week.

Cheers,

Xx

GM

Be sure to follow along with all of the other Talented One Room Challenge Participants:

Apartment34l Beginning in the Middlel Coco and Jackl The English Room l Ashley K Goldmanl Jenna Sue Designl Joanna Hawleyl Kelly M Rogersl Linda Holtl Marcus Designl Michelle Gagel Natasha Habermann

Angela Chrusciaki Blehml Jennifer Floresl Caitlin Flemmingl Shannon Clairel Sketch 42l Stephanie Kraus Designsl Style Me Pretty Living

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