New bedding and draperies introduce
a fresh scheme when carpet cannot
be immediately replaced.

Shift the Scheme

When carpeting is in good condition, use it as a starting point to develop a new look. Shop for fabrics that pick up your given hue but move the room's overall palette in a new direction.

Slipcovers, draperies, bedding, and paint will completely change the room's mood. If you find a source of inspiration in a catalog photo, fabric scrap, or piece of china, take it to the paint store and look for paint chips that are similar in hue.

Bring home your selections and lay them on the carpet to see which you like best. Also, test samples of your favorite paint colors on pieces of poster board to get a better idea of how everything will look in the room.

Next, look for draperies and bedding that relate to the new wall color and that include the carpet color as an accent. The fabrics don't have to match either the carpet or the wall color exactly; if the hues are similar and include a range of tones from light to dark, you'll have a more interesting mix and the fabrics will bridge the difference between the new wall color and the old carpet color.