Clean, bright spots lift spirits

DEAR DEBBIE: I have always dreamed of doing laundry somewhere that isn't beside the furnace on a hard concrete floor. It seems that the lowly laundry room is finally attracting attention. What can I do to join the modern set? -- Barbara.

DEAR BARBARA: You're right; there's a big emphasis being placed on making everyday chores easier. From the kitchen to the laundry room, you'll find the focus is on clean, bright, organized spaces that are welcoming. It's time you got out of that depressing spot. I suggest you either change the location or invest in some upgrades -- both if you can swing it.

Start with the floor; put down some modern tile, and lay it in a contemporary brick pattern. Oversize tiles look amazing, and rubber tile is very soft and warm underfoot. If your budget is small, there's new wood-laminate flooring.

Build shelves so that cleaning products are easy to reach. A great investment is a large sink and countertop for hand-washing and folding.

I've just converted a 5-foot-wide hallway into a cheerful laundry space. Washer and dryer on one side, and I installed a Wilsonart solid-surface counter and sink on the other side. The 100 percent acrylic-based surface is nonporous and naturally resistant to heat, mold, mildew and most stains. Inconspicuous waterproof seams give you a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that always looks great. I finished the backsplash with aqua glass brick tiles, and this little room sparkles.

Have fun decorating this well-used area; what about a small TV or stereo to keep you company?

DEAR DEBBIE: A good friend of mine is moving into a basement apartment with only two very small windows. It has all been painted an ivory color, but my friend suffers from S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder), and I worry that the lack of sunlight will make his condition worse. Do you have any decorating tips? -- Anton.

DEAR ANTON: During the short winter days, sunlight is at a premium. S.A.D., also known as winter depression, is a mood disorder caused by lack of light. Without the natural energy we get from the sun, many people suffer from feelings of lethargy. There is treatment available; S.A.D. light boxes are designed to provide safe exposure to bright light, and when used daily, preferably early in the morning, they have proven to be effective.

Although I can't say that your choice of decorating will cure the winter blues, a bright environment will certainly help. The ivory walls are a great start. A glossy sheen will provide even more reflective light, so you could apply stripes of high-gloss varnish to the walls.

Cover the tiny windows with long curtains in a brightly colored, large print. It will make the room look bigger. Choose yellow and orange as accent colors for cushions. Glass and mirror are reflective and will also add a light, spacious mood. Try arranging ambient light that can be turned up for a while and then dimmed, and invest in a good reading lamp.

Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis.com.