I also think how "country" it reads depends on what you pair one up with. I have one in my den that I bought 3 years ago and I love it there. I have a fetish for all sorts of oriental rugs, but in that room, a braided rug felt right. The decor is a bit country (I call it my folk-art inspired room) but not the stenciled ducks and ruffled curtains variety! Goodness, at least I hope it comes across a tad more sophisticated than that. Anyway, I think braided rugs look great with simple pieces, furniture that has clean lines, and also as a "palate cleanser" between oriental rugs throughout the house!

I like the room as is. You could change up accessories and art if you're looking to freshen up. I should mention I like color and contrast. My first thought about a sisal rug is it could blend too much with your furniture. If you were keeping the braided rug (sounds like you're taking it up) my first thought was a pale blue or pale green gray paint like how the photo Onedogedie posted looks on my monitor. I also really like the rooms Oaktown posted (first set). I like your furniture, horse pic, and the ironstone! Are you honestly tired of your braided rug? Whatever you end up with, just remember to be true to your style. You could also take up the rug for now and maybe just use it in the winter months to change it up. It's very nice looking. I'd take the rug up and see how you feel and consider painting going the painting direction first since it's cheaper than a new rug.

Thanks so much for the ideas. I thought of crocheting or rag rugs but the way I want it to be is straight in front of the sink and then angled on both sides...to the pullout trash on one side and the dishwaher on the other. I am not good enough to come up with the pattern for the angles etc. And, I thought of cutting carpet. I have remnants from moves, but then it wouldn't be washable. Thats a great idea for someplace else though and I am thinking where I can use those. I am very interested in the "towel rug" and am going to use fabric to coordinate with other things in the rooms...maybe the valances I am going to make or black and white checked tablecloth....I have a lot of ideas now. The possibilites are endless, huh? Sounds fun.

We have hardwood floors in our kitchen, dining, and living areas. We have a runner in front of the sink/stove area and a Persian in the dining room and another in the living room. We have never tripped over any of these rugs, not even so much as stumbled a little bit over them. They aren't gross, but we don't feed a gang of food-spewing toddlers daily either, so YMMV. We do have cats, and as cats are prone to do, sometimes they hork on a rug. Big deal -- wipe it up and call it a day. The "rug in a kitchen naysayers" hold their opinions pretty strongly, but if you want rugs in your eating areas, there's no reason not to have them.