DeForest Architects is responsible for the design of this amazing urban getaway that is located in Seattle, Washington. This dwelling was created to maximize breathtaking views of the Sound and Olympic Mountains. An additional central focus of this project was to create art gallery walls to highlight the homeowner’s extensive collection of Northwest Art.

The architects conceived a dramatic central staircase comprised of steel and glass. This stairwell creates a “vertical gallery” filled with art and illuminated with natural light. On the upper level, the living, dining, and kitchen spaces share two decks. One is more secluded and captures the morning light. While the other opens up to sunsets and sweeping vistas.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT DeForest Architects INTERIOR DESIGN Jan Holbrook CONSTRUCTION Joseph McKinstry Construction STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Evergreen Design Company

Above: On the exterior facade of this urban getaway, the architects selected two different hues to create the home’s standout appeal. The beveled siding is Sherwin Williams 7504 Keystone Gray. The fiber cement panels’ color is Sherwin Williams 7505 Manor House.

Above: The paint color used throughout the interiors is Sherwin Williams SW 7638 Jogging Path. The color works perfectly in this home to display artwork, not your typical “gallery” white.

Above: The patterned area rug is Tufenkian, Tibetan Wool, Lagoon-Goldenrod. It was purchased from Driscoll Robbins in Seattle. The painting displayed in the middle is by artist Betsy Eby. The glass flooring above has a nice transparency, supplied and installed by Seattle Glass Block in Woodinville, Washington.

What We Love: This urban getaway is not only a beautiful showpiece for the homeowner’s exquisite art collection but a nice display of architectural design. Love the central steel and glass staircase and the material elements used throughout the home. Although this residence is contemporary in design, the wall color and use of wood infuse warmth into the home, making it very livable.

Tell Us: Please share with us what you admire about the design of this home in the comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of our favorite home tours from the portfolio of DeForest Architects: Postwar split-level remodel in Seattle: Zipper House and Tudor home features a stunning modern twist on Lake Washington.

Above: The flooring in the living room is custom precast concrete pavers with radiant heat. The architects wanted the indoor flooring to flow seamlessly to the decks, which have the same pavers.

Above: The coffee table was sourced from local furniture company Meyer Wells. The round “Taboret” table is from the Klazo collection of Peter Gutkin, purchased at Terris Draheim in Seattle.

Above: The windows and exterior swing doors are from Kolbe. The large lift-slide doors in the living room were made by Weiland. Motorized blinds by Lutron provide shade to this room when needed. The painting is by Michael Schultheis, which works really well with the mesmerizing water views!

Above: The Arper counter stools were purchased at Inform Interiors in Seattle. The custom-designed cabinets consist of Sapele wood. The paint color is Sherwin Williams SW 7683 Jogging Path.

The custom-sized black walnut dining table with a metal base is from Urban Lumber in Eugene, while the light fixture is the Knox Linear Suspension from Tech Lighting.

Above: In the bathroom, the countertop and bathtub material is Honed “Seagrass” limestone, sourced from Pental. The Solace Bath sconces are from Tech Lighting 700BCSL26W S. The paint color on the walls is Benjamin Moore—Tapestry Beige 975.

Above: Around the garage door is a cast-in-place concrete wall. A pattern of plywood panels was used to form the wall.

PHOTOGRAPHER Ben Benschneider Photography