Hi, Denze! We just published an article yesterday with many tips on rug selection and placement, including how much room you should leave between it and the wall (spoiler: 12 inches) - http://ourblog.atgstores.com/?p=9278 ... We hope you enjoy the rest of the tips and wish you luck on your decorating!

With your original pictures - I agree with larger rug. But I don't agree with comments suggesting the rooms are monochromatic. They are lively indeed. I think you are just missing some accessories! Art work on the empty walls - even just a single large dramatic piece is in order. In the bedroom on the white wall, in the living space behind the sofa, in the greenish bedroom behind the two beds. Those are instant areas where you can improve. But I think your spaces are lovely and well put together. Also I agree with the comment about table lamps - some of those would really add something, and your coffee table looks so empty - maybe just one gorgeous bowl, or stack some books. These rooms are 90% done in my opinions, just need a few finishing touches. Some of my rooms come out like this because the clients are not willing to pay for those last few finish items or feel they can do that part themselves...

I would get a coffee table similiar to the one in your other room. This area is small so I think a glass top for this room would be best. Try a round table with a pedestal. That would give you more leg room. Because all the cushions and the drapes have a pattern I think you should choose a rug with no pattern. A solid light gray would look nice. To contrast all of the smooth textures of the red upholstery and the dining chair's cushion, pick something with a high pile. Very soft! Change out the pillows on the sofas to a soft gray on gray pattern.

Do they have to be paint buckets? I would think they would not be good for gardening? Maybe others will know more about that. But in the U.S. you can get 5 gallon buckets from some local businesses like bakeries, food store chains, places like those that regularly use items they get in the buckets. For instance a bakery usually gets stuff in 5 gallon buckets and often has to throw them into a dumpster as they can only save so many. Some businesses now sell them for a small fee, maybe 1 dollar U.S. each and some just give them away. I think the cost of shipping them to India would be more than the cost of buying them. You could try setting up a fund on Kiva.org and possibly get enough donations to purchase food grade buckets instead of using ones from paint. Good luck with this project and please update us as to your progress.