DIY Interiors by Joseph Pubillones on Creators.com

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DIY Interiors

Weekend warriors are known for their physical prowess as they attempt missions impossible. Largely due to the influence of reality TV, these sporting groups have organized events throughout the world, with such names as Tough Mudders, Boot Camp and Extreme U. And in the home improvement arena, shows on HGTV (Home and Garden Television) such as "Designers' Challenge," "Divine Design" and "Color Splash" have empowered DIY types to undertake renovations and interior design projects with varying degrees of success. Do you have what it takes to become the next interior design star?

These DIYers are often found at garage sales, local auctions and the going-out-of-business sales of furniture stores. Some homemaking DIYers are even gaining notoriety with their insight and views on websites and blogs.

Technology undoubtedly has affected every industry, including interior design. The Internet has made virtually everything accessible to everyone. Cutting-edge systems now allow you to design your own everything. No longer is "design" confined to the walls of a studio space. Anything can be available anywhere; all you need is some inspiration and the desire to create something unique.

Designing something yourself sometimes costs a little bit more than off-the-shelf decorative wares, but it's well worth it because you get your own one-of-a-kind design. Make sure to start with a master plan or an inspiration board.

It will serve as a guide throughout your project.

If it's wallpaper or fabric that you need, spoonflower.com can make it a reality. Your inspiration could come from something as random as a sketch of a flower to the print on a dress. Your images are then digitized — and ta-dah, the birth of a new design!

How many times have you seen a lamp at a home decor shop and said to yourself, "If this lamp came in another color, or with a different shade, it would be perfect"? Mottega.com allows you to do exactly that: design your own lamps, from shape to color to shade type. Theperfectrug.com helps you give your floor coverings a personal approach. Custommade.com is a website that features furniture and upholstery goods that can be made in a variety of sizes and finishes, including some with COM (customer's own material).

Another way to customize your designs is to buy basic furniture or accessories from a furniture store or home decor shop and customize them on your own. This is one way to get exactly what you want and defray a bit of the custom cost. Thrift shops, yard sales and church bazaars are great places to find unique decorative vintage pieces that can be personalized.

Yes, it can be overwhelming. And you don't want to make mistakes. But that is part of the challenge and the price of DIY interior design. It takes a little bit of patience and a willingness to compromise, but the rewards are priceless.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.