To install this package, run in Emacs:
M-x package-install RET minibuffer-line RET
This package lets you display various status information in the minibuffer window instead of the mode-line. Of course, this is only displayed when the minibuffer window is not already used for other things (e.g. a minibuffer or an each area message). The contents and aspect is controlled by the `minibuffer-line-format' variable and the `minibuffer-line' face. Their current default kind of sucks: suggestions for improvements welcome.