k,
I've always found that the folks at the paint store are wonderful resources for choosing colors. Take a sample of your carpet with you, tell them what you are trying to do and ask for their help. I can't pick colors for anything...the lovely blue I envision turns out too bright; the "paper bag" brown is gold when it goes up. I've learned to depend on the folks who deal with paint colors every day and so far, they haven't failed me.

I don't have experience with BM colors, so I can't help you with the ones you listed.

In my gameroom I have a very large rug that's dark blue. That room is painted Lowes Sand 4(laura ashley). It's a very warm medium tan, very neutral. I can get a pic of it if you think it's something you might be interested in.

I think it's important with a dark blue carpet not to go too light, it can wind up looking garish.

Several thoughts based on the idea that not everyone loves blue carpets: First, don't do anything, depending on your real estate market. In many parts of the country it's a buyers market, which generally means that sellers should keep their prices low instead of fixing up the house. I defer to your local broker on this subject, of course. Second, what about painting the walls a very light blue that will go well with the dark blue carpet? A pale blue-gray can look very sophisticated. (Warning: even I don't like all-blue houses. You need to have some warm tones in there somewhere to balance out the blue.) If the carpet is navy, white or cream can look very good in a nautical way. Finally, lots of people, including me, like blue and yellow together.

Don't mean to contradict the comment about selling your home, but when trying to sell in a buyers market, painting isn't necessarily considered a returnable upgrade on a house, people paint to give the house a fresh clean look because dirty homes are a turn off to the typical buyer. In a sellers market, it doesn't matter buyers are fighting to win properties, but in a buyers market, you need to make it as presentable as possible.

In regards to your blue carpet it really depends on the blue, as to which color you need to choose. I agree with the suggestion that says you should take a sample to the paint store for help because they will be able to help you pick a beige or off white that has a matching base color.

Thanks everyone. I did go to a paint store and got some help. And then I had a designer give her opinion. I opted for Shadow Beige from Pratt and Lambert. Hopefully that will lighten up the house tremedously! Thanks for your advise.