Our new kitchen rug has arrived! We ordered it online, which felt a little risky since finding the right rug for this spot has been tricky (though we’ve had success with online rug shopping before). After our little rug fashion show, we felt like we’d figured out the right formula for this space, so we went for it.
The rug came from Urban Outfitters. The color, pattern, and price all worked for us, so it seemed worth a try. With a spring discount it came to $69 including shipping, which is a lot less than a comparable 5 x 7 wool rug, which would likely run $125 or more.
We chose a flat weave for the kitchen because it’s easier to keep clean—no worrying about food getting mashed into plush fibers. We also tested different sizes before committing: anything larger blocked the stools when they were pulled out, and anything smaller felt oddly tiny, like a bath mat in the middle of the room. This size struck the right balance.
So without further ado—here it is!
We put a thick rug pad under it (from Target, about $30). The pad keeps the rug from slipping—even with kids and dogs racing through—and adds a comfortable layer of cushion. These photos were taken a day after delivery, so some fold lines are still visible, but flatweaves usually relax and flatten over time.
We think it looks great. It does exactly what we wanted: it defines the seating area without competing visually with other elements. The scallop pattern is subtle and simple, which is perfect for layering without dominating the room.
From across the kitchen the rug reads soft and understated. We wanted something that blended in and added texture rather than shouting for attention. The goal was to let other features—the penny tile wall, the hallway of frames, the oversized pendants, and the open shelves—remain the focal points.
The rounded scallop motif actually echoes the gray penny-tile backsplash on the other side of the room, which helps create visual balance across the long, 25-foot space.
Kinda penny tile-ish, right?
Another practical reason we like the rug is that it creates a soft play space for Clara. She often sits here to flip through a book or dance to the radio, sometimes in a tutu. The flat weave provides a comfortable surface that’s still easy to keep clean—no deep pile to trap crumbs.
As for Burger, he’s happy as long as he has a pillow to curl up on.
Long rug story short—we’re sold. This rug fits the kitchen perfectly.
We love showstopping rugs in other rooms, but for the kitchen this subtle, tone-on-tone option is exactly right. As a small update, we also finally hung a piece of art in the dining room that I made for John for Christmas—about five months late. It’s catching a reflection from the front window in this shot:
Ignore the baggy brown chair covers on the dining chairs—we put them on the chairs for an outdoor party to protect against stains and haven’t taken them off yet. We’ll eventually wash and remove them, promise.
Here’s a better view of the Christmas art that finally made it onto the wall:
The artwork hangs above a small cabinet that’s been moving around the house for months; it keeps coming back to this spot, so for now we’re calling it home. The main piece is a grid of scanned and matted Boy Scout-style badges I created, and the smaller frame below is a key that explains the badges—little, playful nods to things like “Personal Fitness” and “Rowing.”
Not sure how this turned into a post about kayaking, but there you go. Next up: a big painted stool reveal—coming soon. Have you ordered rugs online? Are you looking for something subtle that layers into a room, or a bold piece that becomes the focal point? We like a mix of both: a few showstoppers and some supporting rugs to create a layered, flexible home.