Let color be your guide.  Pick a palate that allows your rooms to maintain a uniformed and finished look.  Use the color wheel for guidance and be open to mixing and matching patterns and textures.  Cool tones compliment cool tones and the same philosophy applies to warm tones.  One color should dominate with others hues serving as secondary influences.

When mixing solids and prints, be sure that they share colors in common.  Also consider their respective scales (size) and add contrast.  For example, a stripe and a brocade work well together as do checks and florals or bamboos and tropical prints. 

Flow colors are those hues that work well with almost every scheme, taste, or decor concept.  Blacks, golds, greens, and neutrals serve well as colors that allow rooms to go together seamlessly.  Use these punches on picture frames, lampshades, trim, and accessories.  These hues offer the easiest way to transition a room into another.