Forget the Open Floor Plan--It's Time to Bring Back Walls

  1. Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats give you more control over your home's temperature throughout the day, so you don't have to keep it at 68°F around the clock. Set it at a comfortable temperature while you're awake, then program the thermostat to automatically lower at nighttime or during other times of the day when no one is home. Schedule the temperature to return to normal before you wake up or return home so you're not stepping into a cold house. For even more control, choose a  smart thermostat  ($249,  The Home Depot ) that lets you adjust the temperature from your phone even if you're not home. It's an  easy DIY upgrade  that can save you tons on heating costs. "Smart learning thermostats self-program based on a combination of current temperature and your preferences and patterns while at home. As the weather outside changes, so will the temperature in your home, and depending on your patterns and settings, the thermost

  Spring might be around the corner, but February can still bring plenty of harsh winter weather. Some of the harshest of the season, in fact. So that makes this month the perfect time to knock out some more of those indoor tasks to get your home ready for warmer times. “I’ve been doing indoor tasks for three months now! Dear God, p lease let me out!”  you’re no doubt crying. Have patience, young grasshopper—we’re almost there. But first you have to prepare your home for spring by thinking “fresh.” A fresh house can help combat the cabin fever that can overwhelm you in the last month of winter. So how do you get fresh? We’re glad you asked! We’ve created a handy checklist of home maintenance tasks to give your home a lift in February. And if you’re struggling to muster up the energy to tackle these chores, we’ve provided tips for how to do them faster and easier—or with the help of a pro. Check these to-do items off your list, then sit back and relax for the last few weeks of winter. S

  With outdoor areas becoming more valuable and many people showing a renewed interest in protecting the natural world around us, our yards have to work harder than ever. Hedges are a great way to bring seasonal color and interest into your space and provide food and shelter for a wealth of birds, animals and insects, enriching not only your plot but the surrounding area too. Hutker Architects Reasons to Plant a Hedge “Hedges can make a wonderful contribution to the beauty of your [yard] as well as provide significant benefits for wildlife and the environment,” says designer Jane Ashley of  Jane Ashley Garden Design . In fact, some hedges can even help to improve air quality “by providing a barrier that traps pollution particles,” she says. Katy Fielding, Hedgerow Heritage project manager for  Surrey Wildlife Trust , agrees. “As a food source, it can provide a vital supply of early pollen and nectar in spring, right through to brambles in the autumn and everything in between,” she says

  1. Vintage and craft furniture Perhaps the only phrase we’ve heard more the past few months than “omicron” is “supply chain.” The shortage of ordinary household goods and building supplies has affected us all in one way or another. And if you’ve been looking to furnish your home or give your living room a makeover with a new sofa, you know what we’re talking about. With supply chain issues and shipping waits stretching to months, many homeowners (and designers) are turning toward vintage items they can find locally. “Unique pieces that can only be found in thrift stores and secondhand are sure to be a hit,” says  Stephanie Hearn Purcell , owner and designer at  Redesigned Classics . Keep your finds as is for that  trendy “grandmillennial” look , or refinish the pieces with a 2022 twist. “We are seeing some remarkable items using leftover scraps of materials to create something completely new,” Purcell says. “Did you inherit Granny’s old dresser or armoire? Then coat it with a glossy