I’m curious as to why you think a runner will update your space. It won’t. Rugs in a kitchen are gross, and they’re a trip hazard. Besides, if you place one in front of the range you won’t see it. The island is in the way.

If you really want to update the space, consider new backsplash tile.

IMO they are a tripping hazard and lapped over just doubles the chance. I have never had a runner in my kitchen I never will and IMO easier to wipe up the floor than launder the rug.

What color backsplash tile would you use? Also...there is space on top of the cabinets to add color. Not sure what I would put there though

I would lighten and brighten it with a glazed ceramic tile in a cream color that plays well with your floor. I would avoid squares as you have square floor tile. This is Fireclay Tile but you can find similar glazes in any tile line.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the tile you currently have. It is dark, and its a lot of stone look in a small space, so there is the possibility of improvement. If you could find a similar color in a pretty shape that would be even cuter.

Whenever the question of rugs in kitchens arises, invariably some will insist that they are dirty and trip hazards. I'm not on board with those opinions. I've had a variety of rugs and runners in my kitchens for decades and they have never been "gross", nor have I ever managed to somehow stumble over them. Runners can add a bit of interest to the kitchen's hard surfaces, and if you want one, by all means, get one. I think I'd place one on the sink side. It doesn't have to go all the way to the bottom cabinets as your current rug is. I wouldn't use more than one runner or rug though.

Not suggesting this rug, but just to give you an idea for placement:

I have also had rugs and runners in my kitchen without issue. If you'd like to add one, go ahead. But I do agree that adding a runner would not update your kitchen. If it were my space, I'd install a different backsplash, possibly add some under cabinet lighting and update the hardware on your cabinets.

By the way, that little child's kitchen is adorable and must be making anyone who sees your photo smile. Cherish these sweet days. They do fly quickly. 💗

I had a small rug in my kitchen for years - 3 kids, large dog - no one has ever tripped, but it’s important it doesn’t slide.

Locate in sink area for sure, but I don’t think navy is a good choice as it’s too dark and won’t compliment counter. Most designs below would be complimentary and feel light, which I think is needed.

Jutes can be sprayed with the hose and hung outside and also reversed and other types can be carpet cleaned when necessary. Placed near sink vs stove also helps with food spillage issues. I don’t spend a lot and replace yearly - to me it’s worth my investment in time and money for the warmth, comfort and look.

To lighten up more, silver hardware would be a nice additional update

I like your kitchen already but maybe A couple of tweaks would update it. I like a rug in a kitchen too, even though maintenance might be a little challenge for some. I find they are easier on the feet than hard surfaces And a runner in front of the sink would draw the eye in to the space. The one thing I would do is change the hardware to something with a little shine and when time and finances permit maybe change out the backsplash but no hurry on that.

Y’all I just had my hardware installed yesterday 🤣🤣🤣

Calcy-
if you want to do something easy to brighten up your kitchen with a long runner in front of the sink I love @maureen beautiful rug! I know you didn’t ask about your backsplash but I have a travertine backsplash that I painted with homemade chalk paint it took me about a hour after I cleaned the tile and taped off the countertops and the cabinets. I did a topcoat of minwax polycrylic satin sheen sealer and I’m so glad I did it I think it looks great!

It’s probably reasonable to add that people have varying understanding of and tolerance for uncleanliness.

Carpeting is always dirtier than a hard surface. This is not an opinion, it is scientific fact. Whether your rug looks dirty or not is irrelevant.

How much it matters to you that your floor is as sanitary as possible is really up to you. I don’t eat off of my floor, so the fact that it is more sanitary naked than it would be if I had a runner might not matter. It just totally matters to me.

I would put the runner in the same place that IdaClaire suggested. I've always had runners and never had tripping issues. Except when the cat hides something under a rug. As far as dirt and spills and other grossness, I simply get a new inexpensive one (waiting for the latest $50 special to show up this week). My "good" runners are in the attic and will be brought out only if a) we ever have important company again or b) my house is on the market.

I, too, have always had a runner in front of the sink area because I like to protect the hardwood floors. I also like the look. Our current one is an indoor/outdoor variety which can be easily washed.

I have a rug in front of my sink as well. It's headed for the trash. I am going to replace it but I'm going to buy one from Ruggables. The pad stays in place and the runner goes right in the wash. They're a bit more expensive, but worth it IMO for the convenience of washing.

The only other discussion worse than runners in the kitchen ... is shoes or no shoes in the house!

Hey, we haven't had one of those in a while! 😬

Jink, I tried, but the kiddie kitchen comment is beating your amazing mock-up! 😄

What?! I want a recount!! What is wrong with you people!

Maybe everyone’s bulbs are too dim, instead of the T-5000 operating room brightness bulbs ... so no one could see what they were voting for?

😂

I don't want to appear as playing favorites, so I voted for the mock-up and the kiddie kitchen.

What grapefruit1 said and I forgot to say - the #1 function of my runners is to protect my hardwood. Beautiful decor, like jinx's mock-up, is #2.

I wonder if the sweet OP is thinking, “This board is nuts.”

😆

It's ok. Let's just let the disagreement go. I'm not apologizing nor expecting anyone else to, and would much rather get back to talking about rugs.

I didn't think I would do two rugs, but I do like Jinx's (very artistic!) mockup. It's actually kinda making me wish I had adequate space to use one more in my own kitchen!

I'm a red runner girl myself, but there is something about those runners with the slightly salmon pinkish ground that Maureen and Jinx shared that quicken my pulse. Those are art for the floor. Gorgeous!

Ida? I can mock-up rugs in your kitchen if you’d like?

For now, I’m doing free ones for all you here, but pretty soon I’ll start charging for my hard work. It makes my fingers very tired, and each work is emotionally draining.

What I’m thinking for Ida’s house is tabby cat striped rugs. Wait no, then she won’t see the kitties if they’re in the kitchen. Ok, I’ll think of something ...

So aside from ruggable.com, what are your favorite resources for kitchen runners? @IdaClaire? @Maureen? @Jilly? Can be washable, doesn't have to be.

My "good" kitchen runner is a thick hooked one with large fish. It makes sense when you see it. Kind of. Wish I had mock-up skills like jinx....

Although we just chased a rather large, dark, not-scaly lizard out of the kitchen. Where did that come from? I assume it strolled in through the open door of the screened porch on one of the very few days lately that it's been warm enough to crack the door a bit so the cat can go back and forth. Where was the Protector Cat during all this, you ask? Snuggled up in the new bedroom curtains as soon as we hung one panel - he made a straight beeline behind them to orange fur them asap.

So, my mock-up rug would require fish, orange fur balls and lizards, please. And a paisley border, I think.

Megs, in my last house, I had washable mats (in patterns) from World Market in front of the sink and stove.

This house we’re currently renting (the kitchen is square, no island), I bought a 5x8 thin jute indoor/outdoor rug from here at Houzz. I love it. I vacuum it daily ... it’s super easy to keep clean, but of course not very soft. It’s a boldly colored Suzani pattern.

Future house build someday, I want Persian runners. I’ll probably end up ordering online or buying vintage ones. I recently ordered a Kilim rug from eSalesRugs and am very pleased with the rug and experience. They carry a nice selection of runners, too. And I’ll just clean it like I do my other area rugs.

ETA: If I win the lottery, I’ll be ordering my rugs here. Swoon!

https://www.claremontrug.com/antique-oriental-rugs-carpets/

I'm pro-kitchen runner and I think you should just have one on the sink side. Other than adding interest and color to a kitchen, runners in the kitchen also are kind to the cook's feet. Through trial and error, I've discovered that my feet definitely appreciate periodic stepping on a soft rather than hard surface while cooking, loading the dishwasher, watching my husband cook, :-) etc.

This was my first post ever and I am thoroughly entertained :) thank you guys for the help, suggestions, and mock-ups. I wish you guys could decorate my whole house for me lol decorating stresses me out

Jinx, you know me well! (Maybe that should scare us both?) 😹😹😹

My kitchen runner came from esalerugs, I believe. One of the popular online rug retailers anyway. I've been very pleased with it. We aren't big kitchen spillers or droppers, but should anything land on the rug, it's a breeze to wipe up. Maybe squirt it with a shot of Resolve. No biggie.

lol, Here’s our kitchen runner—love it (as dirty as it might be) 😊—bought from our local rug importer—fyi—happy to do deals these days). Afghan made Kazak style rug.

Calci, so sorry I suggested a changeout of your new drawer pulls.

This is great! I'm a runner person and mine is a Tufenkian 15 footer...high end dirt and trip hazard, right?!? Nothing bothers it and I'm not a messy cook. I have hardwood in entire house and tons of rugs as floor art.

Haha no worries, Jay! I cracked up. I ended up going with a runner and will look into a cushioned rug for by the sink. The rug is washable too so we all win! 🙌🏾

Did you sign up with your email for a 10% discount? I've got one sitting in my cart waiting for me to pull the trigger.

Ida and Jay, your rugs look wonderful! And precious fur babies. :)

Calcy, you have to show us when it’s in there, I’m excited for you!

(Jay, I love that orange door!)

Jinx, I think your mock up would have received more "likes" if you would have linked to the source of those fabulous transparent flowered rugs.

Your kitchen had made the necessary accomodations. Doesn't require an interpreter to tell you you got it right!!!
Add the flipping fauna or whatever,. you did it.

Oly, you’re so right! Thank you! I forgot the link:

jinxestransparentdaisyrugs . com.

Ok, seriously, I think you and I need to start a transparent rug company. Kind of the same idea as glass coffee tables — let the world see what’s under there.

😂

Transparent rug? Is that like those clear plastic protectors that go under office desk chairs? I'm off to paint some flower on mine and will send in my patent in on Monday! 😄

Jinx, I have a rug from Claremont! We spent a few hours at both their showrooms, in the San Francisco area, a few years ago. The photos don't do the rugs justice and the owner and employees were very knowledgeable and friendly.

Ahh, I’m so envious, chispa! Fabulous rugs. :)