By: Norma McGee

Think an “extreme makeover” project has to include a sledgehammer and general contractor? Well, interior design does not always have to include knocking down walls or expensive construction. Changing a few select items can bring new color and texture into an existing space, just the thing to brighten, lighten, and transform any room in your home. One of the easiest ways to change an interior is to start with new area rugs, which go far beyond merely providing covering for a floor. They can serve as the impetus for a new color palette and decorating scheme, changing the entire loo k and feel of a room without breaking the bank. From traditional Persians to transitional styles, to contemporary works of art, there are more styles to choose from at every price point than ever before.

“Today’s designs have a level of sophistication that just wasn’t available in the past,” says Joyce Lowe, a veteran industry design expert, and VP Area Rug Sales for Nourison, the world’s largest manufacturer of handmade area rugs. “Just about any design type is now available in nearly every construction, with textures, carvings, and fiber mixtures that create striking highlights and pattern details.”

Are you a traditionalist? Choose an heirloom quality hand-made rug from the Nourmak collection, handmade of rich New Zealand wool, or Nourison 2000, highlighted with pure silk-accented designs. Want a living room that’s sleek and modern? A designer rug from Calvin Klein home, rich in texture, color and style, can provide the starting point.

Color is of course, a huge component of a room’s décor and should be chosen with care. “A basic rule of thumb in interior design is to select one neutral tone and two brighter accent colors that combine in a pleasing way,” adds Lowe. Transitional and contemporary rugs from Nourison make choosing accent colors easy because world-class design teams have already selected colors that work well together. Simply pull and match colors from the field of design details.

“Your choice of accessories should complement the décor,” says Lowe. Wall colors, window treatments, and accessories are important to a good redesign, none of which need be expensive to change. Toss out old curtains, candles and other accessories from your old room and bring in high fashion pillows, and other accents in complementary colors and styles. You’ll be surprised at how dramatic the change will be.

Select a new area rug, change colors and accessories, and you’ve done a truly “extreme,” makeover in your home.

Norma J. McGee is the President and Owner of Colonial Branywine Rug. She has been selling rugs and flooring for over 35 years. First as a salesman at Brandywine Rug Co. in the Fairfax Shopping Center. Norma takes great pride in helping her customers make a house into a home. Whether it is the smallest guest room or the master suite, her experience and extensive product knowledge make choosing the right caret or rug a pleasure. She treats people the way she would like to be treated and that is reflected by the number of repeat customers and the referrals from former customers. She is a member of the Better Business Bureau, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, and the Alternative Board (TAB), and she is a Lifetime member of the Talleyville Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary. Norma is a native Wilmingtonian and is married to Walter Hurst. They reside in Wilmington.

To view hundreds of choices in all styles and price points visit Colonial Brandywine Rug Co., 2107 Concord Pike, in the Fairfax Shopping Center, in Wilmington, DE. You can also call them at 302-654-1121 or visit www.colonialbrandywinerug.com