Dealing with Burnt Orange Carpeting

 I have a house with burnt orange carpeting.  It's in great shape and I can't afford to get rid of it (there is no hardwood flooring underneath).  What colors look best in the way of accessories and furnishings with this color?  I can paint the walls any color and since the flooring makes the room dark, I don't want to make a stark contrast but I do want to lighten it up.  Any ideas?  Thanks, DJ

Generally, the best thing to do would probably be to replace it with a cheap nuetral colored carpeting. However if that is not an option, and if it is in great shape like you said, there are a few things you could try:

1. Paint with a neutral color such as eggshell that matches with it. (I would go with light/white unless you find a different color that matches better)

2. Offset it with matching/contrasting area rugs

3. Add artwork to the walls & enhance the window treatments to take the focus off the floor.

4. Add plants in corners (real or realistic)

They key is to make it look like the orange carpeting is part of the design and make sure it doesn't look outdated or in need of updating.

I have to agree that if you can purchase a lower grade neutral carpet that investment will give you the most return on your dollars. Burnt orange is a very personal, often dated choice (whether yours or previous owner's) and can be a deal breaker or no deal at all.

I'd say you may not be able to afford to NOT replace it.

Is sitting on your home month after month an option? Do you have the time to wait for a buyer to see beyond the carpet and make an offer? Or low ball based on the work they see that will need to be done to replace the carpet?  Many buyers cannot envision the house the way they want it with such a bold rug under their feet. Even with furnishings (and you'd really be spending a lot of money to purchase furniture - why do that rather than replace the carpet instead?) they will probably not be able to look beyond the carpet.

What is underneath the carpeting? If it's a concrete slab there are some really neat ways to buff and seal it for a modern look that won't break the bank.

Good luck!