Think of your floors as the "fifth wall" of a room, connecting all the design elements. When choosing a colour scheme it is important to consider the walls, window treatments and other furnishings as well as any mood and effect you wish to create in the room. When it comes to carpet selection, colour can be the key to transforming space.

Colour affects the way we perceive space - it can, for example, create a mood, lower or raise the ceiling, square up a long and narrow space and make the most of interior architecture.

To cozy up a large room with a northern or eastern exposure, choose a dark colour carpet - particularly one from the warm red, orange and yellow end of the spectrum. Deep, rich hues absorb light which means they give the illusion of smaller, more intimate space.

Conversely, choose a carpet that’s light in tone to expand small space. Pale pastels and neutral colours reflect light, causing an area to appear larger. As well, light colours - particularly in the green, blue and violet end of the spectrum - help to cool sunny southern and western exposures.

The choice of colours available to you is virtually endless, making carpet an ideal tool that can enhance the beauty of any decor. Colour is a reflection of your tastes and personality so be sure to choose something that suits you and sets the right tones for your rooms. Green is one of nature’s most restful and restorative colours. Blue is also a wonderfully soothing colour. Vibrant, lively colours are good for a family room or kitchen. More formal rooms are flattered by pastels or traditional jewel tones.

In your final decision remember a floor is a large area - and a whole floor of carpet will intensify the colour, making it seem darker than the small sample. You may also wish to take some Richmond Carpet samples home to let you see how the colour will look in different lighting.