'Rug Rage': four tips for choosing area rugs Forty percent of women between the ages of 25 to 64 anticipate purchasing an area rug within the next two years, according to a recent study by Harris Interactive. This rise in popularity is due in large part to new technologies that are lowering prices while raising quality, as well as chic designs that are making rugs a central part of the decorating scheme, according to DuPont. As rugs become "all the rage," consider these tips for choosing an area rug that will complement your current décor: Consider whether you want the focal point of the room to be the rug or another design element, like a fireplace. If you want the rug to be the center of attention, choose one with a central medallion. If not, you may want to use a rug with a more repetitive pattern. Take into account the patterns on the upholstery and walls in the room, so they don't compete with each other. If your upholstery is ornate, choose a subtle pattern for the area rug. If the walls are subdued, you can choose a more vibrant pattern to add more interest. Choose a rug with colors that coordinate with your décor. Not all colors in the rug need match the room, but at least one color should coordinate with the existing décor. Remember that light-colored rugs make a room seem more spacious, while darker colors in a rug will bring a cozy atmosphere to the room. Also keep in mind the function of your rug, as light-colored rugs hide dust while dark-colored rugs hide dirt. When purchasing a new area rug, consumers look for both quality and style. According to DuPont Stainmaster, its rug collection is high-fashion, stain- and soil-resistant, and comes with the ease of cleaning that consumers have come to expect. "Consumer research shows that appearance, durability, quality, and stain- and soil-resistance are the most important features in selecting an area rug," said Carol Haslach, marketing communications manager for DuPont. "The DuPont Stainmaster rug collection offers all of these characteristics to consumers." In an effort to exceed consumer expectations, DuPont continues to advance its carpet and rug technology by providing protection against static, stains, soiling and crushing. To learn more about carpets and rugs, visit www.stainmaster.com or call 1-800-4-DuPont.