Q. We are going to make an offer on a home that has beautiful wood floors.

We have always had carpeted floors (kids, dogs, etc.) and my husband want tot cover the wood with carpeting. I prefer the wood grain. What would you suggest?

A. I vote for the wood floors, at least in some areas. They give a space character and charm and allow for a patterned rug to serve as an anchor to the room.

Avoid using light, plain colored rugs with wood floors or you will defeat the purpose of the effect you are trying to achieve with the wood floors.

My advice is to look at design magazines and pay attention to what the designers use on their wood floors.