Trend Alert: Kitchen Area Rugs

Are you looking for a statement piece in your kitchen? Most décor items can’t be changed easily, such as your backsplash or kitchen cabinet color. But, there’s a new trend emerging to get excited about; kitchen area rugs.

The same large rugs that you naturally incorporate in living rooms and bedrooms are now making their way into the kitchen. While this trend has some homeowners shaking their head, others are embracing it! Have you been looking for new ways to spice up your kitchen décor? This might be the right trend for you. See what you need to know about kitchen area rugs.

A new look for your kitchen might require a complete overhaul. Contact a kitchen remodeling contractor today for quotes from pros in your area, for free.

Kitchen Trends

When you think of kitchen décor trends, many think of the choice of colors or countertop material. But, you have plenty of opportunities to decorate your kitchen like any other room. Thinking about adding an item to your kitchen floor to make the room more stylish might not be your first thought, but with current trends, you should definitely make it a priority.

“Kitchen area rugs are definitely trending! I always love standing on a soft surface while working in the kitchen, especially if I plan to stand for a long period of time,” Heather Ann Kenny, designer at HK Commercial Interiors, said. “I will admit that there are definitely wrong selections for certain spaces given several variables, although, it should also not become overly complicated. Sometimes, there are many options that can be a good fit within a space! I believe this helps relieve pressure for the homeowners who are less visual.”

Pros & Cons Of A Kitchen Area Rug

Rugs are a great way to add a pop of color and texture to any room. With any new trend, there are benefits and drawbacks you must consider. One major concern homeowners have is the cleanliness of an area rug in the kitchen. After all, the kitchen is a space where you’re cooking, slicing and dicing. It’s natural that food crumbs and other debris might get stuck in the carpet, requiring more cleaning to keep it looking great.

However, the benefits include more than just style. As Kenny mentioned, it can be a soft place for you rest your feet while you cook. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing meals, this could be the perfect décor item to add. Kenny advises that some of the drawbacks can certainly be avoided if placed properly.

“The first few considerations would be where you plan to locate your area rug,” she said. “If it will be in a high-traffic area where you plan to carry hot pots and pans, you will want to make sure you are not creating a hazardous zone within your kitchen. Look into options with a low pile height that has slip, flame and stain resistant properties.”

You’ll also want to consider the style of your kitchen. A more modern and sleek kitchen may not benefit as much from a new texture. It could make the room look more cluttered than you like. Kitchen area rugs are great for rustic, whimsical and farmhouse kitchens.

Incorporate A Kitchen Rug

If you’ve decided this is a trend you want to try, the next step will be figuring out how you’d like to incorporate it into your kitchen. For kitchens big or small, you’ll need to measure the space first so you know what size rug to invest in.

“After getting a handle on the right properties your rug should have for your space, you can then consider size, color and pattern,” Kenny said. “Start with measuring your available floor space and consider the orientation of the room as well. If your available space is long and rectangular, a square rug might look out of place. Allow at least 6” on either side for proper scale.”

Rugs and carpets come in various shapes, sizes and patterns. Chances are, you may already have a particular style in mind. Rugs that add a bold pop of color is hot right now, as well as unique textures you may find with natural fiber hand woven rugs. Kenny suggests examining the look of your kitchen first.

“I always ask myself, ‘what is the focal point within this space?’ If it is not your rug, you will want your rug selection to compliment your focal point and point to it,” she said. “Make your focal point center stage, rather than adding a rug that will create tension and clash with what is existing. If your rug does happen to be the statement piece, have the other elements within your kitchen accent and point to your rug, allowing that selection to have all eyes.”

Kitchen Area Rug Care

As I mentioned earlier, kitchen area rugs may require more care than rugs in other areas of the home. You’ll want to be sure to vacuum your rug at least twice a week, eliminating any crumbs that could attract ants or make your rug look dirty.

Your risk for spills are greater in the kitchen, so you’ll want to be ready if stains occur. I always keep some baking soda and vinegar on hand for a natural stain remover. This is a great way to remove stains as soon as they happen without cleaning products.

If you have a spill in the kitchen that results in a large stain or one that just won't go away, you’ll want to contact a carpet cleaner who can help. Area rugs aren’t always cheap, so it’s a worthwhile investment to get the stubborn stain out. The average cost to clean carpeting is $168, with most homeowners spending $137 to $181.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new trend to try, a kitchen area rug might be right for you. It’s functional for any size kitchen, just keep in mind it does require some additional upkeep.

Are you looking for more trends to include in your home? Read Summer 2018 Home Décor Trends.