You can change the whole appearance of a room just by adding wainscoting to the walls. For centuries, wainscoting has been used to provide richness and warmth to homes. Originally, the paneling used was costly hardwood extravagantly carved by the craftsman on site. Nowadays the options are much more affordable and easy to install.

Wainscoting is a combination of paneling and bead board and is installed on the bottom forty inches of the wall. Use your imagination or let the style of your home dictate the wainscoting pattern best suited for your needs. Be sure to check out your local home hardware supply store or search the internet for design ideas as well.

Take time to plan your panel layout to improve the overall appearance. To calculate the number of wainscoting panels required, simply measure the perimeter of room. Divide the perimeter by 48' (standard panels come 48' wide and 32' high). And be sure to allow for 10-15% for waste. Mark a chalk line around the perimeter of room at desired panel height. Allow an extra 1/2' for uneven floors. Standard height on most panels is 32' high. Height can be lowered by cutting down the panel, or raised and the space at the bottom covered with a wider baseboard. Electrical outlets may also influence panel placement. Move outlets so that they do not occur on the machined out area of the wainscot panels. Locate and mark studs.

Attach each panel to your wall with finishing nails or counter sunk screws. Be sure the top edge of the panel is perfectly aligned with the chalk line. A long straight edge placed along the top of the panel will help make this task more accurate. One nail in each stud at the top and bottom of the panel is sufficient. To join the next panel, apply glue to the biscuit slots and edges of both panels. Nail your next panel into place while a helper applies lateral pressure to tighten the joint. Use a pry bar near the corners to apply adequate pressure. Gently tap with a hammer to flush up the joints.

Inner or outer corners may be mitered, butt joined or done with 3/4' x 3/4' molding. If joints are not perfectly flush, level with a cabinet scraper and/or a sander. Using a putty knife and spackle, fill the joints and allow to dry and then sand. Two or more coats of spackle may be required to ensure joints are not visible when painted.

Do-it-yourself installation of wainscoting to any room or hallway in your house can add the luxury and Old World charm for a fraction of the expected cost. From the Greek influenced Classical design or the quaint charm of the English Pub design to the traditional Colonial or Presidential designs, wainscoting will introduce atmosphere to any room.

Placing art in your home is an art in itself. Where do you start? Framing, lighting and the furniture all play a part in the proper placement and display of artwork. A few rules and some suggestions might help you show off your artwork to maximum advantage.

Art should always be at eye level. If you're hanging a large piece over the sofa, place it about three inches above the back of the sofa. It should not be floating somewhere near the ceiling. And art doesn't necessarily need to be centered. Consider the entire grouping, including the lamps, candlesticks and other parts of the arrangement.

A single small framed piece will look better if hung on a narrow wall, close to a door frame or over a small table or dresser to anchor it. A smaller piece left stranded alone on an otherwise barren expanse of wall will look lost and incidental.

Little framed pieces look nice on the wall below the line of the lampshade. The grouping draws attention and they'll be well lighted too. Lighting adds a finishing touch to artwork, yet illumination is frequently not where it should be. If you're building or remodeling, consider where art will be placed and install lighting accordingly.

Track lighting and recessed eyeball-style fixtures fitted with halogen bulbs are preferred for illuminating artwork. These fixtures bathe the work in just the right amount and right type of light. If possible, avoid the use of lights attached directly to picture frames. Heat and light so close to artwork can damage it.

Choosing the right frame is just as important as deciding where the artwork goes. Frames follow fashion trends. Equally important however to fashion trends is carrying through on the style of your home. Frame your artwork to compliment the general decor of your home.