Conquer Boredom!

If you're like me, I bet you're looking for a major project to warm you up for the holidays! Actually, the holidays are enough of a project on their own for me, but how about something to set for a New Year's Resolution project. Here's one you might try.

Adding your own decorative moldings to walls may seem daunting, but it really is a much simpler undertaking than you might think. The necessary tools would be a miter box and sharp saw, sandpaper, finish nails and hammer, caulk and paint. Oh, and of course patience, and careful planning. This is one of our design suggestions that appeared in our Expert Advice column recently, in the St. Pete Times.

Start by measuring your walls and mapping out what you would like the finished design to look like. Then, calculate the sizes, based on overall wall measurements. Don't forget to measure twice, and use a calculator to check your math. Careful measurements here can assure project success.

The cut-to-size pieces of molding can be nailed right to the existing wall with finish nails. There are many profiles and sizes of moldings available at your home improvement store, and mixing one or two together is never a bad idea. Here is what can be achieved with an afternoon's work.

Once all pieces are cut and attached to the wall, fill any cracks and nail holes, then prime and paint. You will instantly have the look of expensive paneled wainscoting. Hey, if you get really confident, you might even try a faux-wood finish! Ya know, it just feels good to create something with your very own hands once in a while!