One of the easiest ways to make your house feel more like a home — and also make it more appealing for showing — is to decorate the walls with framed art and photographs. It can seem like a daunting task to frame and hang art, but it’s easier than you think.

In most cases, you can do it yourself. Ready-made frames are usually available in standard sizes at stores everywhere. Odd-sized artwork, however, often requires a custom frame from a professional shop. It’s generally a pricier option, but it can be a worthy investment. To find a reputable framer in your area, go to the Professional Picture Framers Association’s Web sites: www.ppfa.pmai.org or www. findapictureframer.com. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, keep these tips in mind:

• When deciding on a mat and frame, select the mat first and then find a frame to complement it. Be sure that the subject and tone of the picture are enhanced by mat and frame selection.

• Get creative with mats. Don’t look just at color, but at texture and size.

• To make a picture look bigger, use a darker-colored mat. Lighter-colored mats draw attention away from the frame and allow the viewer to concentrate on the image within the frame.

• Consider using wide mats (greater than two inches) for prints and photos to create an updated look. Mats wider than prints give greater importance to small images.

• Layering mats can create a unique piece of custom-framed artwork. Using two or more mats is also a good way to accent colors in a room.

• Frames and mats can create a theme for your artwork, so make sure you choose frames and mats that correspond with what you want to convey.

• When choosing a frame, make sure the color of the frame doesn’t overpower the colors in the art.

 source: HGTV.com