Instant Decor by Joseph Pubillones on Creators.com

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Instant Decor

Designers are superheroes! This is what the general population believes. It might seem a bit pretentious, but really this is what most ordinary folk think. It is not uncommon for designers to get that frantic phone call, "My mother-in-law is coming next week; can you redecorate our guest bedroom suite?" or "My husband's firm has temporarily relocated him to Timbuktu. Is there any way you can help make his rented place feel more like home? And, by the way, can you do it in a week?" These are the kind of unrealistic expectations that are placed on designers. Can we do it? The answer is sometimes ... yes.

Like short-order cooks, we have to be able to get simple ingredients and mix them in a palatable way. In most parts of the United States, it is possible, with the aid of the Internet, video cameras and courier services, to do a project most anywhere, even in a week or two. For those who are completely inept at creating home or holding a hammer, most designers will travel for a fee. But if you have a little chutzpah, designers can formulate a master plan, which can guide you through the process of redecorating your guest suite or creating your home away from home. Here are some tips:

—If a small-scale floor plan is available, make sure to give this your designer. It will cut down on redrawing time or worse yet, having you measure the space and draw it out. Your designer can quickly draw in furniture as he or she sees or imagines the space.

This layout is most important, as it will serve as a prescription of what you will need to buy.

—Find out from your landlord if you are allowed to paint the walls. If you are ... great! If you are redoing a room in your own home, paint away. Paint is the easiest and most effective way to customize a generic beige or white interior. Even painting one wall in a small space will make an incredible impact.

—If you are not able to paint, adding drapery is the way to go. Find ready-made drapery, which is available in most home decor shops and some department stores. I would suggest picking a bold color that will liven up the vibe of the place. A nice set of drapery hardware will make your home lose the temporariness. Insider secret: Pillows and drapery can change almost any room.

—Most furniture catalogs offer quick-ship programs that can be prove to be heaven sent when you need a lighting-fast interior design. Neutral upholstery is the best way to go and easiest to get rid of when it comes time to close down the pad.

—Even the most plain Jane furniture can get a boost when paired with a statement area rug. This item can be added to your guest bedroom to remove the blahs.

—Framed posters can double as art when in a rush, as they are colorful and usually light spirited.

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.