It may sound like a cliché to say they have the world at their doorstep. But for Mandy Reed and partner Steve Washburn, the world—or at least all of Seattle—is steps away from their home. And they have their eyes on it all from their penthouse high above the city.

The couple began designing their condo in the Cristalla building in downtown Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood two years ago, after falling in love with the location.

“We wanted to be in the heart of Seattle,” Mandy says. “At the Cristalla, you get spectacular views, all the amenities you need, the security of a fortress and the location is perfect … we love being surrounded by all that Seattle has to offer.”

The couple also had a unique connection to the building: Mandy, an interior designer for the last 13 years, was hired to design the basic interior package for the new condominiums.

So while much of her energy within the Cristalla was professional, their private 2,800 square feet of the building is completely personal. “It’s especially dear to me, as it reflects both me and Steve and the way we like to spend time at home entertaining our family and friends, or just the two of us,” Mandy says.

The result is a home that’s contemporary yet timeless, tailored yet comfortable. “It has all the warmth and richness of a traditional home, yet cleaner lines and details,” Mandy says.

A stone slab inlay and a recessed ceiling define the entryway as its own space, from which visitors step into the great room. Dramatic views of Elliott Bay, Queen Anne Hill and distant Mount Baker shine beyond the walls of windows that enclose the room—the kitchen, den and family, dining and living rooms.

The intent was to use rich colors and textures to counter the coolness of so much glass. Every material—from polished granite counter tops to luxurious fabrics to heated fireplace benches—was selected to create warmth.

“We chose this palette because it felt inviting and luxurious,” Mandy says. “Very ‘penthouse’ and reflective of the way we like to live.”

Sapelli hardwood covers the great room’s floor and dominates in millwork by Stusser Woodworks, including column wraps, recessed hallway ceilings, kitchen cabinets, the entertainment center and custom doors. Contemporary furnishings in cream and rich reds, with touches of mahogany tones, accentuate the wood.
The kitchen is the classic working triangle at its best. “You can pivot from the cooktop to the refrigerator to the sink and feel like you’re dancing,” Mandy says. “During parties, everyone likes to hug up to the giant island—it’s where the action is.”

In a corner space beyond the kitchen, a Hugues Chevalier table and chairs and an area rug from Driscoll Robbins establish the intimate dining area; large windows with northwest- and northeast-facing views create the sense that you’re floating high above the city.

A two-sided fireplace separates the dining and family rooms; when lit, it creates extra ambience for romantic dinners.

In the family room, a Benson sofa from Inform Interiors and swivel tub chairs from Ralph Hays Contemporary Designs provide ample, comfy seating for entertaining. “This is our lounging space,” Mandy explains. “All the furniture and fabric choices were based on comfort and touch.”

In the living room, design choices are more formal. A curved Newman Studio sofa, Macassar ebony end tables and a custom coffee table by Milan Heger gaze into the travertine-surrounded fireplace. The Space Needle sparkles just beyond. A grand piano, Porta Romana table lamps and glass art further the formality of the space.

More luxury is found in the master bath. A custom vanity by Stusser Woodworks with his-and-her rectangular sinks from Statements floats above a heated travertine floor. The same stone surrounds a soaking tub and glass-enclosed shower, creating a serene material palette. “The master bath is our sanctuary,” Mandy says. “With the mass of stone you feel like you’re in an Italian spa.”

The master bedroom continues that Italian elegance. Contemporary furnishings find sumptuous companions in their textile accents—mohair upholstery, 800-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens and custom leather wall tiles from Ann Sacks. “Steve and I installed those ourselves,” Mandy says. “They were a very sensual, sophisticated choice that gave us the contrast we wanted.”

To top it off, the condo enjoys three private outdoor areas—a deck just off the bedroom and one beyond the family room with a spiral staircase leading to the third, a spacious upper patio with a hot tub—ideal for enjoying those sun-filled Seattle days on top of the world just beyond their windows.

Allison Lind is a contributing editor to Seattle Homes & Lifestyles whose work is also featured in Budget Decorating and other national magazines.

Get the Look

Interior designer Mandy Reed chose coppery tones and shimmery highlights for the condo she shares with partner Steve Washburn. Here are some hints for how you can achieve a similar feel at home.

Sheer curtains in the great room are made of subtly patterned Prismatek “Tapan” fabric,
available through Trammell-Gagné; for big parties, Mandy sets the table with amber-colored wine glasses from Pottery Barn.

The designer achieved a spa feel in the master bath by surrounding the soaking tub with Tuscany Stone travertine tile from Statements Distinctive Tile and Stone.

The kitchen features Juramento granite slab counter tops and backsplash from Pental Granite & Marble and cabinetry by Stusser Woodworks.

Mandy chose a champagne-colored sateen bedspread and pillows in Champagne, Chocolate and Sunset Orange (all by Calvin Klein) from Macy’s for the master bedroom.

French “Coffee Bean” table lamps by Porta Romana in the living room feature hand-blown glass bases and custom, chocolate-colored shades, from Studio G11.

Design Details
Interior Designer
Mandy Reed Interior Design
2033 Second Ave., Suite 2400
(206) 354-0707