The interior of your home should be designed as an interrelated unit. Think of it as a whole rather than a series of unrelated spaces. Rooms open into other rooms. The textures, colors, and patterns of your carpets can create a pleasing, harmonious effect or one that is jumbled and visually disturbing.

Your floors are the “fifth wall” of a room, connecting all the design elements. When choosing a color scheme, consider the walls, window treatments, and other furnishings, as well as any special effects you wish to create.

For example, wall-to-wall carpet tends to expand the space of a room. An unbroken sweep of color, especially a light color with a smooth texture, fools the eye into seeing more space than really exists. In very small rooms, paint the walls the same light color as the carpet. Cover the sofa or bed in fabrics of the same hue, varying the texture for visual interest.

Conversely, larger rooms can seem more intimate with a rich, deep-color carpet in a sculptured texture. Upholstered pieces can be covered in contrasting or bolder colors or patterns that a large area can accommodate.