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Take a Load Off, Lovely
Intentional interior elements with Allie

The classic chorus suggests, "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."

Whether humble or high-impact, it's not an abode's bricks and mortar that entice and enrapture, but the welcoming warmth found within the walls. The exterior extends the invitation; the interior does the entertaining.

Phrases conveying the importance of furnishings pepper our culture's conversation: Chairman of the Board. Knights of the Round Table. Treasure chest. Musical chairs.

Honor your household décor decisions judiciously. Would you snap up the first wedding gown you spied simply because you needed one? Dress or dresser -- deliberate with care.

As adults we would do well to heed the heroines of our childhood. Remember Goldilocks' pithily pronounced assessments: too hard, too soft, too big, too small? Clearly our fairy tales may have layers of intentional meaning we've left untapped. Succinctly put, contemplate the characteristics. Seek the superlative. Acknowledge artistry.

Follow the flaxen-haired intruder's example: never relax until you've discovered the item that is "just right."

To stand is grand, but a bravura place to rest is best.