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Have you ever needed to redecorate a room on short notice? You might have been contemplating a change, or circumstances could have thrust you into the designer role, ready or not. From minor changes to a major overhaul, you can accomplish a room re-do in record time, without busting the bank. Here's how.

First, make a list of what needs changing or updating. It could include flooring, walls, window coverings, lighting, seating and furniture or accessories. Keep in mind your time frame, budget and priorities. Maybe you could wait a bit on the new sofa or crystal chandelier.

Next, decide on a theme. It could be a modernized color scheme, based on a favorite hobby or just a whole new style. My recent weekend room makeover involved switching from a contemporary theme to Safari, complete with animal prints, warm wood accents and feathers. Lots and lots of feathers.

I know you are itching to begin, but take a moment to plan. It will save headaches and budget busters later. Decide exactly what you need to buy from your first list and be as detailed as possible. Do you need a rug? Decide what color, style or theme it should be. Narrowing it down first saves shopping time.

Pick up the phone. Calling stores to locate the items you need and get an idea of prices before you leave the house eliminates as much legwork as possible. Shop around for price as well as quality. When your shopping list is complete, hop in your car. Group errands at stores that are nearby to save both time and gas.

For extraordinary deals on furniture, unique accessories, lighting, soft goods like curtains, pillows and throws, pictures or wall decor, check out your local thrift stores or consignment shops. Someone with a discerning eye can score fabulous finds for your totally new room.

My sudden switch in decor started innocently enough. My mother-in-law decided to buy us a new recliner, bless her heart. Unfortunately, the model we ended up picking totally clashed with our existing living room theme. Time for an emergency re-do!

The new theme was simple - I chose Safari because it is prevalent in other rooms in our home. The earthy tones and exotic accessories will blend with the new tan chair, scheduled for delivery in three days.

To make the Safari look a reality, I needed a new area rug, wall decor including pictures, window treatments and accessories. Fortunately, our black leather furniture, black wrought iron tables, black lamps and cherry bookshelf will work.

With a maximum budget of $150, I itemized my shopping list. The area rug would be the most expensive item, so I looked for one first. I called eleven stores and located a leopard one at Target for $69.00.

Pictures were another challenge - with our cathedral ceilings, our oversized walls needed large pictures. No one had any I cared for, and then I remembered a used office furniture store carried large animal prints in wooden frames. The owner had to dig through crates of stored pictures, but managed to find four large pictures and one smaller one for $25 total.

I had some cream, cheesecloth-like material with an India pattern for long drapes, but needed a liner for light control and privacy. I purchased a white sheet at Wal-mart for $4.85 for an instant liner. The bottoms and sides were already hemmed, so all I had to do was sew a line at the top to hold the rod.

Drapery hardware can be quite pricey. At the interior design store where I work, a typical rod and brackets runs upwards of $300. I found wonderful black and copper holders and matching rods at The Dollar Store for $5.00.

To update our black lamps, I purchased feather trim for $8 at Michael's Craft Store. A little glue and it instantly transformed modern into Safari. For another exotic touch, I painted a gold square on our largest wall to frame the two large pictures. I measured six inches all around with a ruler and level. When the paint dried, I glued long pheasant feathers all around for the finishing touch.

Accessories were the most fun. I found an eclectic mixture of brass candlesticks, vases, container boxes, wood items and all kinds of funky Safari items all for less than $10. I shopped at all of our discount and thrift stores for my incredible bargains.

On the last day of my room re-do, I splurged at Gordman's for a giraffe mask, a wood and brass treasure box, two leopard sheet sets and a cool metal container. Total: $17.00, leaving me with five whole dollars from my budget.

I whipped up a feather and stick arrangement in the new metal container, using the leftover feathers. I modeled it after a $600 arrangement I'd spotted in a furniture store. My cost: $3 for the container. I put the leopard sheets on the cushions of our matching black loveseats to instantly warm them up and make them even more in tune with the emerging look.

I arranged the accessories and brought leopard, zebra and tiger patterned pillows from the bedroom. I hung several smaller pictures, formed from discarded wallpaper samples and garage sale picture frames. For a last touch, I incorporated five of my teapots into the mix: a leopard print, zebra print, two copper ones and an oriental teapot.

The doorbell is ringing: the delivery van is here. After my weekend whirlwind of planning, shopping and decorating, the new chair will fit right in. Now our family can relax in an exotic jungle Safari, without leaving our living room.

Even with little time or money, you can still perform a room re-do in record time. All it takes is a plan, some creative shopping and fun decorating to transform your room. Happy decorating!