GreatSpace

FOCAL POINTS:

The Dolls Here are some of the highlights of Dorothy Ames’ kitchen.

This painting is by Toronto artist Michael Halliwell, whose career was taking off in 1975 when he painted it on a piece of masonite, using a router to score its grid-like pattern. Dorothy Ames paid him a small amount each month until the purchase was complete. “Michael and his wife, Kathy, were leaving to teach in Europe.... We had just bought a house in Toronto and were into serious renovations. Money was very budgeted at that time, but I had to have it! It has always hung in a place of importance for me and it gives me great pleasure to live with it, remembering those times.”

Circular windows

Circle patterns, including this small window and the detail on the armoire doors, play a key role in Dorothy Ames’ designs both inside and outdoors. “I’m very big on circles; they talk about harmony,” she says.

Dutch corner cabinet

“I don’t like everything to look brand-new. We’re not perfect, and nature doesn’t match,” Dorothy Ames says.

Chinese screen

The screen stands near the juliette balcony. “It serves no particular purpose, but it’s from another part of my life, hand-crafted by a friend from the ‘70s. I like to keep and carry with me the many parts of my life,” Ames says.

Outdoors

Dorothy Ames designed the iron railing, which was crafted by a local blacksmith. The yard includes an outdoor shower. Why an outdoor shower? “I don’t use it very much, but I wanted the romance of it,” Ames says.