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

You finally found a house that checks all the boxes—well, almost. There’s just one thing that’s bothering you, but you’re not sure how big of a deal it is. Welcome to our take on the internet’s favorite trend: It’s a 10, But. In this column, we’ll explore common issues and ask the experts to weigh in. Today, we tap the pros to find out: Is an old or  damaged roof  a dealbreaker? Whether you’re repairing a roof or replacing it entirely, it’s likely to be a major investment. Just how much you’re looking at depends on the size of your home, the  type of roofing  you want, whether or not you have unique features (like  skylights , chimneys, or dormers), and more. Besides cost, you’ll also want to consider timing: If you need to replace the roof to move in, but it’s winter or a rainy season where you live, you might have a hard time finding a roofer, according to  Ken Sisson , a Realtor® in Studio City, California. And the same may be true in the busy spring and summer seasons. On the other

  How to Buy What you choose depends on your setting, of course, but there are also some universal rules of thumb when it comes to outfitting your outdoor space.  Invest in a good sofa. Haiman’s best advice? “Function first,” he says, adding: “You can always make it beautiful.” More specifically, Haiman recommends investing in a good sofa before anything else.  Consider artificial wood. Real wood will weather to gray unless you sand and oil it, says Freda. It also won’t last as long as an artificial wood piece. Know your lifestyle.  Do you have kids? Maybe don’t get white cushions or pieces with sharp metal corners. On a rooftop? Be sure to consider the wind’s ability to blow away cushions.  Where to Buy where to buy the best outdoor furniture Freda and Haiman have a handful of go-to brands they turn to again and again for quality pieces.  Both experts name  Restoration Hardware  as a favorite for outdoor furniture sets in a variety of styles and materials. Freda’s favorites include th

  1. Haphazard towels Corral your towels for a neater appearance. (Getty Images) When used towels are tossed over the shower rail or bathroom door, it creates a less-than-tidy visual. “Towels that are wet and hanging to dry in multiple locations feel damp and disorganized,” observes  Jen Dallas , design expert at her eponymous interiors firm. If you can rehang your towel bars in one area yourself (and then patch the wall), jump right in. Alternatively, swap in hooks or colorful knobs—because linens look neater there than in a messy clump on a longer bar. Dallas’ fix is to group hooks in one spot, so “when you walk into the bathroom, you don’t see towels everywhere.” 2. Dampness and humidity Damp conditions can lead to funky smells. (Getty Images) If you’re always itching to fling open your bathroom windows, you probably have a dampness issue. “Humidity here always communicates ‘unclean,'” says Dallas. You’re striving for freshness in this spot, so address the ever-present fog by ch