January 2021

PROBLEM-SOLVING

There are always going to be issues to deal with-- but 2020 gave us a lot of them. My brain has been taking refuge in more immediately fixable problems instead of the long-range uncertainties we've all been navigating. And you seem to feel the same. Our readers tell us they've been paying extra-close attention to something they can control-- perfecting their home spaces.

Travel+Leisure Luggage

DIY Spice Organizer

STORAGE GOALS

Win $25,000

Healthier Desserts

Your Asked, We Answered WELCOME TO OUR SECOND ANNUAL READER Q&A ISSUE, BRINGING YOU REAL SOLUTIONS I TO DAY-TO-DAY DILEMMAS

Last year we introduced our first reader Q&A issue, answering some of the most common questions we get from readers about home design, cooking, gardening, health, and beauty.

"I want a great background on my video chat's. How do I arrange that in my home?"

Video meetings and virtual social hours aren't going anywhere, so it's worth investing a little time in adjusting your setup. "People can see your entire background," says Mike! Welch, an interior designer and TV personality.

COLOR-FORWARD STORAGE

"Form leads, but don't forget the fun," says Minneapolis interior designer Lucy Penfieid. Her clients wanted to turn their dark basement laundry area into a happy-looking, well-functioning space.

APPS THAT MAKE LIFE EASIER

SHARED CALENDARS "Our family relies entirely on syncing the calendars on our phones. If a conflict ever occurs, my husband says, 'Well, I didn't see it in the calendar!'" --AMY BRIGHTFIELD, health editor

Q COLOR "I want to update my home color. What's a more current palette than gray?"

There's a warming trend going on in neutrals. Grays are giving way to midtone browns that are just as versatile and create the coziness we crave.

Q "My bedroom is boring, boring, boring. No color, no style, no organization. How can I make it a space to escape rest, and unwind?"

We received so many questions from readers about how to create a relaxing bedroom retreat, one that's warm, tranquil, comfy, or zen. Although there's no one-size-fits-all solution where style is involved, there are designer-approved strategies you can use to fashion a calm space that suits your personality and lulls you into a serene state of mind.

I did it!

A first-lime homeowner gravitates toward affordable secondhand furniture for no-pressure facelifts. Two woven-back barstools came from one tinkering session.

The art of the still life

Ceramist Frances Palmer approaches photography in the same manner as her pottery: Embrace simple beauty and imperfection.

It's a dirty job...

But you've got to do it. Deep cleaning a few of the hidden, hardworking parts of your house can get really yucky. Hang in there; your grit will pay off Tackling these tasks regularly will help keep your home humming.

Diary of a first-time gardener

With big garden dreams but almost no experience, a homeowner learns by doing as she transforms her Southern California front yard.

She's got skills

Ursula Carmorta's four-year remodeling project has done much more than create a beautiful home for her family. It has expanded her DIY skills, self-confidence, and comfort zone-- not to mention her tool collection.

The beauty of boxwood

Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and endlessly versatile in garden design, this evergreen favorite earns its keep.

WORK (FROM HOME) GOALS

NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHER DANA GALLAGHER CREATED A HARDWORKING, TOTALLY AFFORDABLE HOME OFFICE WITH PLYWOOD AND IKEA HACKS. HERE'S HOW SHE DID IT.

WINTER BLOOMS

Smart money moves FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR CHANGING TIMES

You told us your biggest money concerns revolve around adjusting to possible shifts-- reduced income, a dip in the economy, a new job. We went to the experts for guidance that will keep you protected.

Virtual vet visits

Over the past few years, veterinarians have started to embrace telehealth visits, and since the pandemic began, they've become more popular. What you need to know if you're considering this option.

SARAH SHERMAN SAMUEL

FOR DESIGNING WARM, PARED-BACK INTERIORS USING UPSCALE DIY PROJECTS AND AFFORDABLE TRICKS.