By Christina Wallace, Metro Boston Senior Reporter | August 5, 2005
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When Steve Griffin moved to Boston from Providence in 1999 he had "sticker shock" looking at condos in the South End and Back Bay.
But set on having a spacious home, he bought a two-bedroom 1,400-square-foot unit in the "up and coming" section of Charlestown at the end of Main Street. He began renovations a year-and-a-half ago, and a small project to spiff up the wood floors spiraled into a full gutting job, said Griffin.
"I walked into the kitchen and saw that they had to move the old kitchen island to do the floors and I said to my contractor "Gut the whole thing," said Griffin, a real estate attorney.
The result is an airy, open unit that houses his law firm, his dog, Sydney, and is spacious enough for his three nieces to visit.
"I wanted a place that is comfortable and practical and I wouldn't have to worry about my pooch jumping on the coach," said Griffin.
Room for three
The two-floor unit has high, slopping ceilings with recessed lighting, skylights and ceiling fans. Griffin blew out several closets, including one in the hallway on the second floor leading to a second bedroom. By eliminating the closet, he was able to create an open living room which has a huge flat-screen television and a plush hunter green velvet coach.
The second bedroom was turned into an office that he now uses full time since he left his downtown firm last year and started his own practice. He also tore down another closet that was attached to the office and created a nook where he has a desk for two employees who work for him.
The major construction work was all done to create a better flow in the apartment, which was broken up by narrow hallways and large, unfinished closets.
The living room leads into a sprawling new kitchen with a sitting area and a large island with several seats. He wanted the island, which has a grill, to be a focal point for friends to gather around when he hosts dinner parties.
Airy, comfortable setting
Griffin chose light taupe granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and maple cabinets. The walls are a powder blue and the floors are a shiny cheery wood. The design choices and wall colors, made with the help of his sister-in-law and neighbor, were all aimed at creating an airy, comfortable setting.
The bedroom is on the first-floor. Although he's not crazy about the layout, Griffin has created a large sanctuary away from the busyness of his office. There's a large maple bed, with a plush cream duvet and maroon pillows.
There are velvet window treatments hanging above his window seat and a large master bathroom with a Jacuzzi and two sinks.
His next major project is erecting a deck on the roof so he can enjoy the beautiful view of the Boston skyline.
"I think there's still some appreciation to be had around here," said Griffin.
Christina Wallace
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