I use an indoor/outdoor rug inside my entry. I like to have a big one - I think it's nearly 4 x 6, so that if it's raining/snowing/etc, my kids and their friends have enough room to step around the swing of the door w/o stepping onto the hardwood floor and can easily remove their shoes on the rug and leave them there to dry. I can't remember where I bought my last one, but I need to replace it (my recently deceased dog peed on it and I can't get the smell out). There are many that are decorative - Ballard Designs, Home Decorators and Overstock all carry them. I love them because you can literally take them outside and rinse them off if they get muddy. They aren't plush, but they do have pretty designs so they look nice. I just use a rug pad/grip underneath it. I suppose it's all up to you how decorative you want it to be. The one I'm getting matches my decor perfectly and does not look like an outdoor rug but certainly not as nice/fancy as an Oriental rug. If you have concerns about cleaning the rug given the winter climate in Chicago, you might not want to get anything that requires expensive cleaning.

I havent asked for advice on whether or not my kitchen cabinets match my flooring. I didnt select them this is the house we moved into and as a “pro”, you must know everyone has a budget they work with and priorities and I’ve only asked which rugs of the ones I selected are good choices not for you to change the look, color and style that I’m going for.

There are plenty of neutral rugs out there that might work well in your space. We agree, the current rug might be too small for your space, so definitely try it in the entryway and see if you can get a bigger one for the seating area. Here are some ideas from a few designs of ours.

Thank you so much, Flo!!!! These mock-ups are amazing. I love your ideas so much. These pieces are great- especially love the writing desk and chairs you found. Looks like with or without the desks, you’re suggesting the console move to the long wall. So then would you put anything else on the short wall other than art? (Furniture?) We considered a tv in there too but maybe that would be too many things going on in one room? THANK YOU!