Getting the right blend of style and colour for the décor in your living room, bedroom or bathroom is something that we might all find difficult. Perhaps the bewildering array of information and advice out makes you throw up your hands in the air and say “I give up!!”. While lifestyle television shows and magazines make everything look so easy we've all fallen foul of an ill-judged redecorating project.



But don't despair – changing the look of a room doesn't have to mean stripping wallpaper and repainting. And if (whisper it) buying a whole new furniture set is outside your budget you can still create a dramatic change through details in your room. I always look at rugs as an effective way to make such a change.

An easier and cheaper option than installing other types of flooring rugs are a great, instant way to add a splash of style and colour boost to a room.

Choose a rug that matches the colour and tone of your walls and furnishings and it will help to tie the room together. Often, expanses of bare wall and floors make a room look sparse and chilly. If your room is like this, a rug with a stylish pattern that draws on the colours from around the room can provide a visual focal point.

By contrast, in rooms that are decorated with bold patterns or are filled with ornaments, photographs or pictures a rug can help make the room seem more spacious. A plain rug in colours that compliment the otherall aesthetic of your room creates a feeling of space on the floor which can help ‘open up; the room and relieve the sense of clutter.

If you are are keen to express yourself through your décor, then rugs are also available in a calvalcade of quirky and fun stylings to reflect your personality. Bold geometric patterns in contrasting colours – even wild combinations such as green and orange – bring a sense of lightheartedness and experimentation.

Often modern homes – most especially rented apartments or flats which may have a proscribed colour scheme as part of your tenancy agreement – are decorated in a very neutral style, dominated by magnolia and off-white shades. This minimalist look, whilst easy on the eye, can be bland. With so many homes decorated according to the diktats of this style it is easy to lose your identity. A colourful or individual rug offers you a chance to stamp something of your own personality on such a property and declare: “this is where I live.”

If the range of colours open to you is restricted by a limited palette due to your overall décor if the ‘zany colours' look just isn't for you, you might want to consider the potential uses of texture and pattern when it comes to choosing a rug. Rugs are in a huge range of materials – from deep, shaggy sheepskin to the flatter styles of traditionally woven oriental rugs. Patterns vary from geometric styles that have been favoured since the 60s and 70s, to more traditional floral or decorative patterns of hand-woven rugs.

Choosing a great rug can be a brilliant means of bringing colour and personality to your living space. There's a practically infinite number of colours, styles, textures and patterns to choose from. Make a wise choice, and you will be able to find something that lets you stamp your personality on your house and create a living space that you're happy just to hang around in. Happy shopping!