This is from our Boston finalist, Melissa. Comment away!
Name: Stephen Gross
Location: South End, Boston
Own/Rent: Owned and run as a B&B
The Clarendon Square Inn is part home, part home away from home. In 1994, owner, Stephen, spent 11 months personally designing, renovating, and decorating a single family brownstone in the South End. We were so inspired by the transformation we had to share it with AT. We spoke to Stephen to gain insight on his experience and design sense, and find out what has been drawing people from all over the world to his B&B for the past 14 years...
AT SURVEY
Inspiration?
The decor is the summary of Stephen's travels around the world. Travel continues to be his inspiration still today.
Favorite?
The parlor. Stephen really enjoys the juxtaposition of the traditional Victorian shell with modern elements. He tells us, "Having an eclectic style keeps your eye awake."
Biggest Challenge?
Opening up the parlor to a floor-through. In taking out the supporting wall, Stephen had to replace it with a huge steel beam that went through to the basement.
Favorite Momento?
The two Russian prints in the library, purchased from a 20-year-old kid on the streets of Moscow.
Biggest Splurge?
Refinishing the wood in the dining room ceiling to make it a stunning ornamental ceiling.
Best Bargain?
The best bang for Stephen's buck was radiant heat in the floors.
Best Advice?
Do all the bones at once. Don't start until you're ready to do the whole thing or else you'll end up paying a lot more to go back and make changes. For decorating, take your time. Initially, Stephen bought inexpensive furniture as placeholders while he looked for permanent pieces. As he acquired new pieces, he was able to sell the old, and made back most of the original cost. Stephen loves the store Garage Sale on Waltham Street, which buys and sells gently used furniture.
RESOURCES AND DESIGN TIPS:
Light Power – Sells and rebuilds light fixtures and chandeliers. (Wareham Street, Boston)
Restoration Resources – Purchased 2 marble mantles here. Specializes in New England period remnants. (Thayer Street, Boston)
Pasek – Hardware, door locks, and security systems. (South Boston)
Harry’s Carpet One – Sells designer carpet, normally trade only, to the public. (Quincy, MA)
Sedia Inc – Little known store creating reproductions of classic contemporary furniture. (Albany Street, Boston)
Donghia – Stephen waits for the annual sample sales at this Design Center showroom. Selling furniture, textile, and accessories. (Design Center, Boston)
Garage Sale – Consignment store for gently used furniture, art, and home goods. (Waltham Street, Boston)
Restoration Hardware – The black vintage-inspired phone in the dining room.
Zimman’s – Where Stephen found fabric for custom headboards. (Lynn, MA)
Italian Design – Dining room chairs. (Brookline, MA)
Phillipe Stark – The two Cosi chairs in the dining room bay window.
Charles Tersolo – Local artist who created the small portraits on the mantle, the lion painting in entryway, and many other pieces throughout the house. (Harrison Avenue, Boston)
Kohler – Bathroom tubs and fixtures.
Porcher – Bathroom sinks.
Milord Antiques – Where the main chandelier in the parlor was purchased. An easy 5 hour drive from Boston, this Montreal store is on Rue Notre Dame, a street famous for great antique finds… especially when the dollar was a little stronger! (Rue Notre Dame, Montreal, Canada)
Benjamin Moore – Stephen used these paints throughout the house, but experimented by mixing them as he painted to get the exact shade he wanted.
- Melissa
(Thanks, Melissa!)
Reader Vote:
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Four-P...
On Saying No to Paleo: Why Eating Isn't One Size Fits All
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
I want to move in.
I think I have started to notice something with all finalist bloggers.... They are bringing a fresh new point of view to Apartment Therapy. Though I do not think AP needs a change, I think it is a nice addition. I hope everyone gives the new bloggers a chance and support them. Go guest bloggers!
Now I know what to tell people when they see my cheap crappy furniture: "Those are just place holders until I find the right piece."
Very nice space. It doesn't look like a B&B at all.
Absolutely stunning...I love all the play of patterns, art and colors. Great job on customizing the paint...Bravo! What element of putting this all together did you find the most challenging?
I really like the choice of carpet for the stairs...while I probably would never carpet the stairs if I could avoid it, it's a good choice!
no way! i can't believe this is featured on my fave blog. i just stayed here recently on a business trip. such a cute cozy place and the owners are so wonderful. highly recommended.
This is beautiful!
Memento.
Mantel.
Very nice post, and I voted three cupcakes. But please get the spelling right, especially if you're auditioning.
I believe mantle can be used - if you google it you find plenty of matches for mantle fireplaces...
The inn is beautiful and I love all the resources! Beautiful review.
Okay.
Fantastic post! Each room is filled with this wonderful eclectic energy and elegant characteristic. The collage of antiques, paintings, furniture, light fixtures, and carefully matched color schemes somehow all mesh to create this magnificent zen in this gorgeous space. Great find and well done Melissa!
What an inspiration!!! I like the take on the juxtaposition of the Victorian shell with the modern elements. I was looking for an example of this on AT, but this definitely fits the bill. The place has so much warmth to it!
What's up with the finalists and the crappy photo quality? It's driving me bonkers...
Because the lead photo is a little grainy, it doesn't seem as inviting as other house tour posts.
just wow
At first I'm like: "why does this apartment look like a super-classy hotel?" Then I realized it's actually an Inn. Fantastic at that. Still, I don't know how I feel about the Italian-flag shaped smear.
I like.
But what the hell is up with everyone having a Buddah??
As a fellow Bostonian (and a new owner of a South End brownstone myself), I am exstatic to find such a comprehensive list of local resources. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
The inn is absolutely gorgeous, and you have just convinced me to embrace my pale green parlor walls rather than repaint them!
I love this post so much I might actually have to drop by to see the place in person.
stunning! nothing else like it in boston. great design elements, but still reflects a comforting atmosphere. a truly inspring place!
Wow.. this is such a great house. This is what I hope I will live in when I'm older.
Gorgeous. I love how nicely the rooms compliment each other, while standing independently stunning on their own.
Swoon! I looove it!