Metal note board, splash of color invigorate office

DEAR JUANITA: Times have changed and so have the choices available for office furniture and accessories. I recently redid my office and was excited to discover metal bulletin boards from Umbra (www.umbra.com).

These perforated metal note boards suit a contemporary office layout; you can create a pattern on the wall, line them up to make a wide metal strip or simply hang one like a modern piece of art. I have tried to keep my cards, photos, paint and fabric swatches within the confines of the boards so the metal creates a clean line, but this is a struggle. Umbra also has magnetic metal storage containers that stick to the board, which gives you the option of clearing your desktop — both practical and modern.

If you are going to paint, think about a splash of color for one of the walls. Whether you work alone or meet clients at the office, the right shade will invigorate you. Pick a feature wall and try yellow, orange or even bright green. Leave the rest of the walls white or the palest stone gray, as too much color can be tiring. Have some fun when you decorate; you spend a good many hours at work, and the right environment will brighten your day.

DEAR DEBBIE: I’m heading off to college at the end of August and need your help. I know I can’t do much with my tiny dorm room, but if you know about anything that’s trendy I’d appreciate hearing about it. Thanks. — Julia.

DEAR JULIA: You are embarking on some of the best years of your life, well, perhaps the most fun years. Congratulations and remember to study!

Over the next few years, you will be moving around a lot. It is a challenge to make a small dorm room feel welcoming, but you will be surprised how quickly you’ll adapt with a few personal touches. I suggest you work on bed linens first. You need a great blanket, duvet cover or bedspread that will set the tone for your room no matter where you are.

Take time to shop around; there is a big enough selection that you’ll hit upon a color and/or pattern that you love. Your bed will double as a couch, so hard-wearing fabric is practical — denim and other heavyweight cottons or wool.

Pick one of the colors from your bedding and match up some drapery panels. They are not expensive and will fit any size window, so you’ll get years of use out of them. They also work well to cover closet space if there’s no door. And stock up on stackable storage containers for everything from books to clothing. See-through containers are convenient.

Your best investments apart from electronics are a comfortable office-style chair for studying and a good desk light. There are many stylish alternatives that should fit your budget. Personalize with black-and-white framed photos, and you’ll have the makings of a cheerful room that’s ready to move when you are.

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