
We know you're still cleaning out cupboards and organizing pots and pans as part of the Cure. Decorating may be a ways off. But we thought we'd give you a little jolt of colorful inspiration. A pretty rug is a quick way to add life to a kitchen (and perhaps cover up ugly floors). The problem is that it's bound to get dirty. So all of these choices are either made of a durable outdoor fabric that's easy to clean, or they're cheap enough that you can toss 'em when they get nasty.
Most of these rugs come in multiple sizes. A small 2x3 would be perfect for a tiny spot of color; a runner would work great in a long galley kitchen.
1. Negril Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Dash & Albert, $34 for a 2x3. If you read Apartment Therapy regularly, you're probably familiar with this company. They make colorful, beautiful, won't-break-the-bank rugs that we love (we have one in our bedroom). Their indoor/outdoor rugs are made of a slightly spongy polypropylene that can be scrubbed with soap and water and holds up to lots of traffic. We love this bright, summery stripe.
2. Diamond Denim/White Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Dash & Albert, $34 for a 2x3. Another option, in a more muted color and pattern.
3. SIGRID Rug from IKEA, $24.99 for 8'2" x 2'7". This reminds us of watermelon and popsicles. And it's inexpensive enough that you could switch it out after summer.
4. Zigzag Rug from West Elm, $39 for 2x3. Do you have a more neutral palette? Not so big on pink or green? This rug gives you just a hint of red, and the black should hide dirt pretty well.
5. Clover Outdoor Rug from Pottery Barn, $49 for 2x3. Another outdoor material, this time from Pottery Barn. The pattern makes it feel a bit living room-ish, which might be nice for a kitchen that opens up into the rest of the house.
6. Graphic Cotton Mat in Yellow from Pottery Barn, $14.99 for 2x3. Get it while you can... This rug is on sale, and we couldn't resist the bold yellow. Yes, it may show more dirt, but it's reversible, so you can flip it over to prolong its life. And, hello, it's $14.99.
7. Celia Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Ballard Designs, $55 for 2x3. A wee bit more expensive, but this is another indoor/outdoor material that's meant to hold up to heavy use. It's thicker than the others--almost like a wool pile--but the graphic pattern felt appropriate for a kitchen.
8. Lollipop Blossom Dhurrie from Anthropologie, $78 for 2x3. This rug is definitely not a throwaway, given its price. But it's a flat dhurrie that can be cleaned (although they recommend having a professional do it), and we think the busy pattern would hide dirt pretty well. We first spotted this rug in this post, and we've been thinking about it ever since. Wouldn't that get you energized to cook?
Related: Product Review: Gel Pro Chef's Mats
(Top image: via This Young House)








Floral Drink Dispen...

These are gorgeous! It really adds a nice amount of warmth and depth to the room.
The dilemma with my floor is that while it is incredibly old and nasty (lino tile from the 50's that never looks clean), I use a portable dishwasher that I drag across the kitchen floor. I suppose I could lift up a rug, but does anyone have suggestions for a material that is durable and stiff enough that it would withstand the wear?
Ok, but where is the yellow striped rug in the photo of the white kitchen from?
I recently got two Ikea rugs for $2.99 apiece and stitched them together to make a larger rug for the kitchen. They can get tossed in the wash when they're dirty and are super cute (and supercheap)!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30052399
I got a yellow/black striped one - not pictured.
Niamh, I realize this may be 4 years too late, but I think the rug in the white kitchen is this one - http://www.dashandalbert.com/product/view/sunflower-ticking-woven-cotton-rug--PRSSL#pch_gallery_14160
I think I may actually like it enough to get it!