When it’s time to select an area rug, a little forethought will help you make just the right choice. This rug pulls all of the colors together to create an island in the middle of the room that really suits its style. With a few simple decisions, your rug can be just as integrated and effective as this one.

To start, determine the right size rug for your room. In this case the homeowners chose a rug that would add warmth to the space while still allowing the beautiful hardwood floor to appear. If you want to cover a floor that is not as lovely, consider a rug large enough to cover the entire conversation area. Of course, the larger the rug the more expensive it is, so be sure to factor your budget into your decision.

The second issue is color. This room has a lot of warm tones between the floor, the fireplace and the walls. The rug is primarily warm too, but it grabs the cool colors of the sofa and loveseat as well as the lamp bases and echoes them in the rug’s central design. The grey stripes in particular link the two seating elements together across the room.

Third is design. This room is fairly contemporary and the rug is a style match for that. Its central motif works because the coffee table is airy and simple. Many tables would hide that central design. In those cases, look for rugs with a border pattern or an overall look that won’t be hidden.

An area rug like this one can really pull a room together and provide the final element needed to make a room complete. Spend the time you need to find the perfect rug for your space.

Question: I’m thinking of having a vinyl floor installed in our kitchen because I like the way it feels underfoot, but my husband doesn’t think it will work with our high-end cabinets and granite countertops. Is he right?

Answer: You may want to take your husband on a visit to our showroom to see the truly beautiful choices you have in vinyl today. New designs really stand up to more expensive flooring options. This kitchen shows one vinyl choice that closely resembles porcelain tile. The upscale design easily works with this kitchen.

Vinyl floors are also gentler on the feet in a room that involves a lot of standing if you like to cook. Vinyl, laminate and wood floors are considered “soft” flooring as opposed to tile and stone’s hard surfaces.

Vinyl is also an easy clean floor. Just a damp mop or cloth keeps it looking its best. This particular pattern and color combination will keep the every little spot from showing dramatically, keeping the room looking nice even after a major cooking extravaganza.

The other major advantage to vinyl is cost. With its reasonable cost per square foot compared to tile or stone, you can select a higher-end vinyl flooring while still staying in your budget.

As you make choices for your home, be sure to pay attention to your personal preferences. This is not a model home; it’s the place you will be living in, probably for years. When you combine your design goals with the functionality you really want, then you will have a home that is both livable and beautiful.