Shelter: N.D.G. Home Showcases Warmth of Wood and Woven Rugs

Sarah Dougherty has had an eclectic career. She earned a degree in English literature in Vermont. Following that she came back to Montreal to do a law degree, after which she worked for many years in a private practise. Dougherty then decided to become a student once more, earning a master's degree in journalism. For 10 years she worked as a freelance writer, specializing in business and sports and contributing to major newspapers and magazines.In 2009, her career took yet another turn. This time, Dougherty combined her two skills - journalism and law. She now works for a non-profit called éducaloi, which helps people through the tangle of legalese that tends to confound the lay person. Éducaloi does not take on actualcases, but merely simplifies procedures for the average Joe. Dougherty's title at the organization -plain language specialist -says it all.Throughout the various changes in her life, Doughertylived for the most part in Notre-Dame-de-Grce, an area she loves. Seven years ago, however, she had to move from her apartment when the landlord wanted to take back the building. As luck would have it, she found another, similar apartment on the very same street.Her current home is the upper floor of a 1931 duplex. It has three bedrooms and two balconies. It has the architectural features typical of its era -hardwood floors (with contrasting inlay in the living room), french doors at one end of the hallway, original wood trim, multi-paned leaded windows and a fireplace,which now harbours a wood-burning stove. The interior is warm and welcoming -an effect created by the glow of Dougherty's antique furniture and the many rugs and decorative fabrics that adorn the rooms.I have an Iranian friend who sells kilims and other things, like the cushions in my spare bedroom and the strip of fabric with the tassels that hangs above my own bed. That was once a decoration for a nomad's tent.My mother tells me this was called a "captain's chest" because it splits into two parts and can be stacked one on top of the other. Apparently, that was so it would fit more easily into a cramped cabin. The owner could leave half of it behind when he went to sea.I did, and everything fit! In fact, I even have a few extra pieces, because when my mother sold her house, she distributed some of her belongings to her children. I inherited quite a few things but I've also been collecting antiques for years.The butterfly table gets its name from the way the extensions pull out and up.Different places. Two came from Cuba, and they're made by hand. I saw the person making them with straw. This tightly woven piece -I think it's a sieve -came from Africa. The hat I bought in Chinatown in Vancouver, but whether it actually came from China itself, I'm not sure.Shelter is a weekly series featuring a conversation with tenants or condo owners.Sarah Dougherty, 55 N.D.G. 1,300 square feet (plus two balconies and storage space in the basement) $1,225: Since 2009