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Help! I inherited a beautiful, huge oriental rug that fits perfectly in my master bedroom. I am so happy to have a nice area rug in there but the colors are horrible. The rug is primarily olive green and also has tan, burgundy, and navy in it. I hate the color combo and also can't stand the prominent olive color. The walls were originally (and still are) a creamy, medium brown ("coconut shell"), trim and blinds are bright white, floors are dark hardwood, furniture is dark, curtains are tan and brown plaid silk, and my bedding is white (had bright blue accents to make it all look modern and fun but they no longer work). What can I do? I am young and hip - the rest of my house is bright and current but my bedroom looks like an octogenarian's cave! How can I work with the rug? (My husband will die if I tell him we're repainting, too!)

The good news is that your current bedroom scheme is neutral. If the rug can only work in this private space, then echo at least one color (such as navy perhaps) around the room to make the rug look intentional. A bold contemporary print in navy and white might do the trick and can come via pillows, new bedding, a window topper, art, lamp bases, art, etc.. Optionally, painting or papering one wall, the one behind the bed, in a color or colors that repeats one or more in the rug might also do the trick. Marrying traditional patterns w/ contemporary patterns (abstracts, geometrics, block prints, etc.) is the way to go. Vary the print scales. The object is to repeat a color or colors so there's a degree of unification and the rug makes sense. Keep in mind that this is a private space that need not follow the flow or feel of public spaces. Keep in mind too that an eclectic vibe can give you the contemporary feel you seek w/ pattern and textural mixing and sleek modern shapes. Adjust your lighting if need be to keep things on a brighter feel. Use more mirrors, metals or metallic finishes to reflect light also if need be. I think you can make this rug work.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

Listen, I hear you. I too see those colors as heavy and certainly not particularly bright and "young looking".
But you are stuck with them so try to make Margueritas out of salt.
I think I would opt to use a lighter version of that olive green on my headboard wall.
Then, (tell hubby to look away), paint the other walls creamy white. That's right, let's get some light and bright along with all that heavy stuff. I think the biggest offender is not so much the carpet as the creamy brown walls.
The curtains also sound a bit fancy and heavy and again more of the brown/beige look.
What about modernizing them a little bit with the same olive color in maybe a raspberry/olive/cream stripe?
In other words, instead of ignoring the colors of the carpet, play them up with lighter, brighter versions of the same.
Then throw pillows of combos of the brigher colors (white, light olive, raspberry) can dominate on your bed.
Just another thought.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: arepo,

I have learned over the years to avoid freebies that aren't exactly what I'm looking for. They start an entire scheme in motion that is contrary to your taste, and before you know it, you have wall colors, bedding, and window treatments you just don't "love". Sometimes nothing is better than the wrong "something".

Had the same thought when I read the original post. I'd probably consider the wishes of the individual who left it to me and possibly any other interested family members. Hopefully, they wouldn't mind if you sold their beautiful (but taste specific) rug to another owner who will love it for many years to come.

Then, you could use the **$ (if you so desire) to purchase a new, contemporary rug and think positively about your loved one whenever you see it.

Sorry for your loss and best to you -

This message has been edited. Last edited by: blueday,

I echo Charles D's sentiments exactly. It may seem good to use the rug, but not if you start a whole color scheme that you don't like and end up with a room that isn't what you want.