Decorating on a Deadline? Get the Basics Down First by Rose Bennett Gilbert on Creators.com

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Decorating on a Deadline? Get the Basics Down First

Q: I need unusual ideas for my boyfriend's home office. He loves antiques and "guy" things, such as maps and ship models. The trouble is, I volunteered to decorate for him before I was called back to work full time, so I can't spend much time shopping for antiques like I'd thought I could. He needs his office up and running, and I need help, fast!

A: Quick! Focus on the basics first: desk, bookcases, files and lighting. Once you get the working furniture in place, you can devote a few leisurely weekends to filling in the etceteras that add charm — the "guy" things that will personalize the space.

As you're in a hurry, race immediately to your computer and check out your options.

Some likely sources include big names; they offer a variety of quality products, such as Ralph Lauren Home (ralphlaurenhome.com) for traditional looks — read, pseudo — "antiques" — with a sophisticated twist.

Find similarly traditional styling with a contemporary-twist at Barclay Butera (barclaybuterahome.com). Here, the "twist" has more than a touch of California. It's fresh, colorful and well, coastal.

Restoration Hardware is yet another likely hunting ground for the look you're after.

They live up to the name with a signature mix that's part Old World elegance and part Industrial Chic, overlaid with a little whimsy. The office we show here speaks of World War II ... of ancient Rome and a contemporary New York loft. Most of all, it's totally sophisticated. Best of all, it's available via one-stop shopping (restorationhardware.com).

When you're satisfied that your virtual shopping is complete, print out, say, three desks you think he'd like, three styles of bookcases and so on.

Three's a rather magic number: any more will only confuse your "client."

One further thought about accessories. Rugs, lamps and wall art are more necessities than accessories. As key room-makers, they belong on list No. 1. Imagine this office without that jaw-dropping "vintage" map of Italy, and you'll see why it's so important.

Q: Our master bedroom is so small my grandmother's double bed runs almost wall-to-wall. Is there a way to make the room feel more spacious? It's just big enough for one — not two — bedside tables and a small slipper chair.

A: Take a deep breath, and don't be surprised by what I'm going to suggest: consider wrapping all the walls with fabric. Light colors work well, but a toile could be smashing.

Gathered into graceful folds and stapled to the ceiling molding, the curtains will fool the eye into drawing the interesting conclusion that there is more space in the room than meets the eye. Moreover, your bedroom will become wonderfully warm, quiet and cocoon-like.

Carry the fabric over the windows, too, and then swag back on both sides of the glass so you don't lose the light by day. For privacy by night, simply loosen the tiebacks and let the curtains fall. In lieu of that second bedside table, mount a swing-arm lamp on the wall, and let it poke through the curtains for reading in bed.

Depending on the fabric you use, curtaining an entire room can be costly, yes, but still less expensive than renovating to gain more floor space.

Rose Bennett Gilbert is the co-author of "Manhattan Style" and six other books on interior design. 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.