Q: We want to finish part of the attic for our middle daughter (11 years old).

She loves the country look; we already have an old iron bed and a few other rustic pieces from downstairs, where she's been sharing with her younger sister.

Here's my question: We need a new floor in the attic, but just have a plywood budget, if you know what I mean. How would it look if we paint the plywood?

A: Plywood will work as flooring in a low-traffic area similar to your daughter's bedroom, as long as you're sure it meets code.

Painting plywood is possible, but you shouldn't settle for a plain paint job. Given your daughter's interest in a country-like habitat, you have several attractive options. Consider spatter-painting many cheerful colors over a solid-color background, or stencil painting a checkerboard pattern or a faux striped rug (use masking tape to paint the stripes; add painted-on fringe at both ends just for fun).

Another thought: If you can stretch your "plywood budget" a bit, you can give her the look of real wood underfoot at a fraction of the cost. The cozy country-flavored bedroom, we show here, is floored in a man-made laminate material that comes close enough to the real deal; it can fool a woodpecker.

Laminates are actually made of paper under a clear protective coating, but they're sturdy (resistant to scratches, dents and moisture), relatively inexpensive, and becoming more realistic-looking all the time — thanks to new technologies in printing and embossing textures. Plus, laminates are easy to install once you put in a smooth plywood subfloor.

Here, you're looking at "Antique Oak," a realistically embossed laminate from Pergo, a major manufacturer. For more about installation and styles, click on www.pergo.com.

Q: We think our old farmhouse has low ceilings, making it hard to keep warm when the fireplace was the main heat source. We love the house, but we're tall people! What can we do?

A: Evoke the laws of physics to wit: Light colors recede while dark colors come forward in the mind's eye. Ergo, a white or light-colored ceiling will look farther away; therefore, higher than a mid-tone or dark-colored ceiling.

In the same vein, flat surfaces look closer than shiny surfaces. Consider mirrored ceilings, or, if that idea shocks you, think shiny reflective finishes like gloss enamel paint or a high-gloss glaze.

Q: I was planning to give my husband a recliner for his 50th birthday, but my sister says it's a terrible idea; she thinks it sends the wrong message to a man who should stay active to remain healthy. Besides, I don't know if a recliner would fit into our contemporary home's family room. Please help. I'm conflicted.

A: Obviously, neither you nor your sister is up to speed on today's recliners. Big has always been the byword here — the whole point is to lie back, stretch out and relax, presumably after a vigorous workout.

If you've been declining reclining because you view the chairs as bear-like, hunky and ugly, think again. There's fashion news in recliner showrooms these days. You'd be glad to showcase chairs that are slimmed down, sleeked up, and even turned out in smart fabrics.

One of the latest fashion-forward touches: La-Z-Boy, the granddaddy of all recliner makers, has come out with customized styling to take the "Ugh" out of decorating a contemporary room around a recliner. They have even upgraded their trademark wood handle. Today's version is sleek, silver and ergonomically designed — less exertion is required, just don't tell your sister!

Rose Bennett Gilbert is the co-author of "Hampton Style" and associate editor of Country Decorating Ideas. To find out more about Rose Bennett Gilbert and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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