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My best friend has a gift, a real knack, for creating home. Both the house she lives
in through the school year and the cottage she rejoices in all summer are places that everyone wants to visit. After years of enjoying her bounty and studying her ways, I think I know the real secret: she has made these buildings into places that delight her, body and soul. She does what feels right for her, and her comfort and enjoyment radiate outward. She is sensible of this, and so takes measures to keep it going.

How? First, she has integrity, so her home shines with that. She never lets a passing architectural fad or decorating trend undermine her lifestyle. That's why she surrounds herself and her family with the things they love- a painting by a friend might grace the living room, despite it's imperfections, because it's still beautiful and makes her happy. You need never search to find what is meaningful to her- it's all around the minute you walk in her door.
Books are important to her, so books have a prominent place in every room, including the dining room.
You'll also find photos, humorous or heartwarming, in most rooms, because my friend J. likes to see her favorite people often. The furniture she keeps is both comfortable and attractive, and is always placed to help encourage conversation. There are many beautiful objects in her home, but most are also useful and put to use often in daily life- they are enjoyed rather than worshiped from afar.
Instruments cozy themselves in corners everywhere, because music is life to her. One of the first things you'll likely hear, as you come to her door, is her carefree singing. And you'll hear it well, because there is always a window or door open to let in air, sunshine, clouds, guests. If you've called first, you'll get a smile of welcome. If you haven't, you'll get a smile of surprise and welcome.
I could talk about the colors of the walls or the clever armoire that houses a media center- but these are just expressions of the quality J. has and spreads throughout her home. The walls change color, the curtains rip, furniture wears out and gets replaced. The sense of welcome, of a deeply contented life eager to be shared, of hearth and home and generosity, never fade. My friend has a knack for it- by pleasing herself and giving of her own passions and treasures, she makes a home of every house she occupies.

Learn more about this author, Mari Lee Kozlowski.
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