Our kitchen has continued to evolve since the 113-day renovation that left us dreaming of a working sink and begrudging our reliance on takeout. It’s worth remembering the cringe-worthy “before” photo:
And here’s our renovated kitchen right after the countertops were installed and the sink was finally hooked back up. The lighter, brighter look felt fresh, but the extra counter space left the room feeling a bit sparse at first.
We gradually added a few simple touches to warm the space: glass storage jars, potted herbs on the windowsill, a thick wooden cutting board, and other small accents to soften the clean look. The most dramatic change, however, came when we found a striped jute rug on clearance for $34 and laid it down in front of the sink.
It’s the same jute rug we also use in our third bedroom — another clearance score at the same low price — and it has transformed the kitchen’s feel. While it would be nice to link directly to the product page, the rug tends to go in and out of stock. If you keep an eye on it, it often reappears and sometimes returns at that $34 price.
I was initially hesitant about putting a rug in the kitchen, but jute performs surprisingly well. It’s naturally low-absorbency, so spills tend to roll off, and we’ve had this one down for over a month without stains — even with two adults who sometimes stand and sip juice straight from the bottle. The rug adds texture, warmth, and a lived-in feeling that made the space feel complete.
So that’s what’s cooking in our kitchen: practical updates, a few decorative accents, and an inexpensive rug that ties everything together. What about your kitchen? Do you like rugs in the kitchen, or do you avoid them? What objects do you keep on counters or windowsills to make your space feel welcoming? Share your tips and favorites.