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12/22/2010 11:00 PM

Quick Fixes to Beat the Winter Blues


This live-edge slab table brings the outdoors inside.

I want to make my house feel better for the New Year, but I can't spend a lot of money. What are some quick fixes to lighten and brighten the atmosphere in a home?

-K.K. from Guilford

I took a page from the extensive research on medical interior design, an area developed to make workplace environments healthier. I've translated some of the findings for everyday use in our homes and to start off the New Year with a fresh, inexpensive way to feel better.

Light: We all know that daylight makes us feel happier and more energetic, but did you realize that natural light has been linked to a greater than 20 percent reduction in patient medication use? That's a very impressive statistic.

I would start by pulling down all excessive window treatments and letting in as much light as possible. Devices that emit the full spectrum of sunlight are available for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)-depression brought on by diminished exposure to natural light. If privacy is a problem, use the new solar shades. They provide privacy while preserving the view. Sometimes called "sunglasses" for your windows, they cut glare, protect you and your belongings from damaging U.V. rays, and help control heat loss and gain.

Sheers-that old stand by-work similarly, but aren't good for looking out. Always try to hang them off the window-up and on the sides, where possible-for maximum glass exposure.

When planning new construction, orient the kitchen to the rising sun. It will do wonders when you start the day. Bathrooms outfitted with skylights also make a huge difference. Add lots of reflective surfaces (i.e. mirrors, glass tiles) that maximize sunshine and give a real lift to the spirit.

Art and Living Things: Artwork that represents landscapes, forests, Great Plains, and coastlines; flowers; or a collection of shells are tangible reminders of trips to the beach or walks in the woods.

Trees like ficuses or palms give green where it's needed and "clean the air" by using up carbon dioxide. Fresh, colorful flowers in winter make you smile. Force some bulbs-it's easy to do and the rewards are big.

A simple bowl with some lively little fish swimming around will set the tone by bringing nature inside and don't require the investment in an elaborate aquarium.

Sound: Environmental sounds are soothing and relax the soul. Have you heard the "waves" or "bird chirping" audios? They're used as sound blockers for sleeping, but a broader use would provide a subtle and pleasing undertone of sound in a room, night or day.

Play your favorite music on the radio or stereo. The right music triggers emotional connections to make us happier and, hence, healthier.

Color and Wall Treatments: Forget the tons of literature on colors that create specific moods-we're all very partial to our own personal shades of color. Grab your favorite sweater and head down to the paint store-that's the right color for you.

Add an earthy dimension with wall coverings in grass designs, raffia, and micro-thin, wood-veneer wallpapers. I prefer tones that are most authentic to grasses and wood. Keep it "green" or punch it up with bright accessories if you prefer a jolt of color.

Furniture (that's still breathing): "Live-edge" furniture brings the woodlands right into our living spaces. Live-edge technically means the bark edge of the log is left in its original state.

Finished with oils and urethane to completely protect it, live-edge is lively and durable. George Nakashima's reverence for wood and his immense talent made him the master of live-edge designs.

Refresh and Restore: The simplest, surefire way to give yourself a spiritual lift is to toss out clutter. Clutter actually holds you down and saps your energy. Sometimes we need a cleaning buddy, someone you trust to say, "Time to go!" and who helps you pop all that stuff you don't need into bags for Goodwill, a tag sale, or the trash, depending on its condition. After it's gone, you'll feel lighter and happier.

Make it your New Year's resolution to start one step at a time-and seek professional help as needed-and I guarantee you'll immediately begin to see and feel the difference as your home becomes a place you love to, well, come home to.

Jennifer Walker is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Her design/consultation business is located in Stony Creek (call 203-488-6856 or visit www.walkerinteriors.com). Email your design dilemmas and questions to jennifer.walker@snet.net for publication in the column. And don't forget to check out our online website, Zip06.com, for more tips from Jennifer. Log in, click your hometown, and select Discuss it With the Designer from the Living pull-down menu.