To be frank, the area looks too narrow for a runner. Furthermore, runners in kitchens get grungy and matted, and now you've added a cleaning chore to send a runner to a dry cleaners to be cleaned, or live with it not looking fresh. I'd skip the runner.

I like to have a rug as well. I personally would do something dark brown with white in it possibly, but not a ton of white as it will show all the dirt. That would draw in the earth towns of flooring and the upper/lower cabinets as well. Plus something like this one is pretty inexpensive so can be replaced easily without much guilt. You could also run two... on front of sink area and another by range area.

Looks much like our kitchen except we have a wall between the dining and kitchen (we needed the uppers for our stuff). I was just thinking about maybe adding a rug in ours. I would encourage you to look at outdoor rated rugs. They are basically mats that you can clean. You might have to put down a non slip under. Something maybe like this THIS

You have plenty of room for a runner at 48" wide. Get a Ruggable runner. They sell them at amazon if that's easier for you. Washable. Great styles. Perfect for kitchen. I have one in my laundry room/mud room and love it. Ruggable rugs

It's nice to have a not too huge thing in front of the sink to catch the splashes.

I'm a splashy washer myself, and you can just throw it into the washing machine.

Just try to have it not too slippery so no one falls on it.

Too many people fall and break their hips and are permanently disabled or worse.

Or you can get a thick gel mat that is cushion-y for your feet and you can wipe it clean.

Gel Pro runners or Chilewich runners are pretty indestructible, neither is cheap. I recently had one custom ordered from Pottery Barn (2’ x 7’ ) in their made to order carpets , low pile.

Is the kitchen brown and white? A runner would be an easy way to add some cheerful colors. How about something w/ red (teapot) and a pattern/stripes so it won't show every spill?

I like a cushioned mat in front of the sink and nothing anywhere else. A runner will make that zone look even more long and narrow, and will emphasize the zone -- are either of those goals here?

I think acm has a good idea....just in front of the sink.....but a word of warning.....if you have an elderly person in your house, rugs are a hazard. I had to take mine out of the kitchen because an elderly person tripped and fell. Not hurt, thank heavens!

Thanks for the thoughts @Lil S, yes the lower cabinets are are ash gray and uppers a cream with glaze. Colors are hard to capture accurately with the window glare (a roman shade is on order). I love my new kitchen, but I think it needs a runner/something to soften all the stone elements.

Oh, that's why.

Then add accessories in the kitchen with warmth and texture.

Wood, wicker.

Basket of fruit.

A big beautiful cutting board.

Woven placemats.

You can sew up a cover for the seat backs at the counter, and have them match colored dishtowels.

Why not surf the web and see how the kitchens are styled to get some ideas how to accessorize your kitchen.

Your kitchen is lovely. I love rugs and runners in my kitchen. I like the soft feel on my feet when I walk in to make my morning coffee. This is the one I am going with... you can see my appliances are still being delivered and installed.

a few fun looking accessories and area rugs

DS Cali to Chi Town · More Info

Tudor Kitchen Renovation · More Info

Skidaway Island Kitchen Renovation · More Info

Bellevue Mid Century · More Info

VP Interiors 2010 · More Info

boxerpal I love that rug in the Bellevue Mid Century shot - thanks for sharing.

Chilewich makes some great non-skid runners. I've had one in most of my kitchens.

DLM2000, I love it tooo....So pretty.

DLM2000-GW

That company you referenced above, Hook & Loom, has BEAUTIFUL rugs. Do you use the cotton? Have you seen any of the wool?

A jute in a natural color would look nice. I have a wool rug in my kitchen - it is a flat weave that I take out broom in a little carpet cleaner, and rinse with the power washer. On a sunny day, washed in the morning will be dry by evening.

I wouldn't get anything with a nap or pile. Indoor-outdoor rugs are getting softer and more attractive all the time, and so easy to keep clean!

cluelessincolorado I have different cotton rugs in my kitchen and bathroom but have not seen the wool. I got samples of several before I ordered to check colors so I'm sure you can get samples of the wool.