Question: how do I distract the eye to look everywhere but my ugly carpet?

If a room is put together well the eye will naturally be drawn around the room from start to finish. The colors should work together with the textures and the lines of the room to make the room completely fluid. However; if there is a certain aspect of a room, such as ugly carpet, that you want to keep from the viewer, the best thing to do is to draw the eye up.

Making the walls come alive, is the *best way to keep the attention from the flooring. The correct lighting of artwork can turn a room from drab to fab. Another easy way to attract attention elsewhere is to bring pops of color into your throw pillows on the couches, or in your drapery. Even better; find a focal point in your room and make that the center of attention. If these tactics are used the eye will be so distracted by the fabulousness of the room, it will refrain from wandering down to your less than desirable flooring.

*These strategies are best for flooring which is not absolutely unlivable, but rather undesirable. For issues with flooring that is unlivable, I say a good rug is always in style. Some would say that having a rug on carpet is a lost cause. I agree heavily, as it adds dimension, texture, and color to a room. While it is not a traditional solution, if the correct rug is used, it can be a quick, cost effective way to cover up a floor you aren't crazy about. (also great for stains in carpet)

* For information of wall coverings, furniture, rugs, etc used in this post please email me.*