Our new kitchen rug has arrived! We actually ordered it online, which can be a little nerve-wracking since finding the right rug for this spot has been tricky so far. We had success with online rug orders before, and after rehearsing a few contenders in our little rug fashion show we felt like we’d nailed the formula for this space. We were hopeful—and it paid off.
The rug we chose came from Urban Outfitters. The color, pattern, and price were all right for our kitchen, so we took the chance. With a spring discount code it came to about $69 including shipping, which is a much more budget-friendly option than a 5 x 7 wool rug that would likely cost $125 or more.
We deliberately picked a flatweave for the kitchen—no one wants to worry about food getting mashed into a plush wool rug. We also tested several sizes before ordering; we have a handful of rugs on hand and preferred this one in that spot. Larger sizes interfered with pulling out the stools, and anything smaller felt oddly tiny, like a bath mat in the middle of the room.
So, here it is!
We put a thick rug pad underneath (from Target, about $30). The pad keeps the rug perfectly in place—it doesn’t shift an inch even when Clara and Burger race around—and it adds pleasant cushion underfoot. These photos were taken a day after the rug arrived, so some fold lines are still visible, but like other flatweaves we’ve owned those should relax and soften over time.
We’re really pleased with how it looks. The rug defines the area as a living space without overwhelming it with loud color or an attention-grabbing pattern—especially useful since we plan to add color by painting the stools. The scalloped pattern is simple and subtle, not overly busy or in-your-face.
From the other side of the kitchen the pattern reads as soft and understated. That was the goal: a rug that layers into the space rather than demanding all the attention. We’d rather your eye land on the penny tile wall, the hallway of frames, the oversized pendants above the peninsula, or the open shelves by the stove.
The round scallop motif even echoes the gray penny tile backsplash across the room, which creates a nice visual balance in our long, 25-foot kitchen.
Kinda penny tile-ish, right?
Another reason we like having a rug here is that it gives Clara a soft place to play. These days a lot of her play involves running around, but she still sits in this area reading a book or dancing to the radio—sometimes wearing a tutu and multiple headbands—so the cushioned surface is handy without being so plush that crumbs or debris get trapped.
As for Burger, he’s happy as long as he has a pillow to curl up on and isn’t bothered by the rug.
Long story short: we’re sold. This is our kitchen rug.
We love a showstopping rug in rooms like the living room or bedroom, but for the kitchen this subtle, tone-on-tone option is perfect as a supporting element that helps the space feel layered and intentional.
As a little afterthought, we also made a quick update in the dining room. We finally hung the piece I made for John last Christmas—yes, about five months later. Here it is catching a reflection from the front window:
Ignore the baggy brown chair covers on the dining chairs for now. We put them on when we took the chairs outside for Clara’s party for an easy-to-wash surface and haven’t gotten around to removing or washing them yet.
Here’s a clearer view of the Christmas artwork finally hung on the wall:
The art hangs above a small cabinet—a nightstand we bought last year that has been moving around the house. It often returns to this wall, so for now we’re calling it home. The piece is a grid of scanned and printed boy scout badges I made for John, and I also framed a small key that explains a few of the badges, like “Personal Fitness” for running and “Rowing” for a couple of kayaking outings. That smaller framed key sits leaning below the main piece.
So that’s the update: a new flatweave kitchen rug that layers into the room, a rug pad that keeps it secure and cushioned, and a small dining-room art reveal. Next up: a big painted stool reveal—stay tuned. What have you been doing about rugs lately? Are you ordering online, hunting for something subtle that layers into your space, or choosing a bold statement piece? Both approaches can work well; we like having a mix of standout rugs and quieter supporting pieces around the house.