By Christina Wallace, Metro Boston Senior Reporter | June 3, 2005
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As an accountant in a downtown firm, Troy Quimby spends most of the week at his desk.
His first priority when he bought his two-bedroom loft in a former gumball factory in East Boston was to create a sanctuary away from the office.
"I wanted it to be inviting," said Quimby, who has dimmers on his collection of eclectic lighting throughout the apartment and installed a Jacuzzi with a waterfall in his renovated master bathroom.
Although Quimby wanted to maintain the modern décor of a city apartment, he strove to create a comfortable home where it was easy to kick back and forget the hustle and bustle of his job.
"A lot of modern apartments are cold and crisp and sterile. I wanted a feeling of warmth," said Quimby. "Sometimes on the weekends I don't even leave."
Quimby's fifth floor unit centers on his view of the Boston skyline. The back wall of his apartment has large picture windows built into the exposed brick so guests can easily spot the Zakim Bridge. Only rarely does he pull down the wooden blinds.
"When you watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve its like they are doing the show for you," he said.
He ripped out the low ceilings to create 16 ft. loft-style ceilings, with exposed wood beams and pipes, which open up the 950 sq. ft. space. He chose dark cherry floors in the main room and blue Italian tiles for the entry way.
The kitchen, with maple cabinets, sapphire granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, is warmed up by the dark green paint on the walls.
The living room, with a large flat-screen television and Bose stereo system, has a wall display of country-scene prints from his hometown of Machias, Maine.
One painting features a famous battle during the Revolutionary War. Another is of a lobsterman in the Machias Bay. The traditional paintings are a stark contrast to the navy blue walls and modern furniture.
"This is part of my heritage," said Quimby, referring to the small town of 500 people. "I spent two-thirds of my life there. It's home and I wanted to remember it."
The doorway to his bedroom features cherry stained moldings with traditional rosettes on each corner. Inside the room, the cloud blue down comforter is contrasted by the butter cream painted walls. A large mirror creates the illusion that the room is bigger and the potted plants hung on the walls warm up the dark, mahogany modern furniture.
Right now, Quimby is in the process of renovating his second bathroom and bedroom and keeps the two rooms closed off to guests.
When you are obsessed with detail and creating the perfect home to fit your lifestyle it takes time, he said.
Christina Wallace
