Although I am a huge fan hard surface floors (tiles, stone, wood, laminate) because they’re low maintenance, I find myself always shopping for the perfect area rug to soften up certain living areas in the home. The kitchen often poses a particular challenge because you need something that looks good and is also easy to clean. That’s where indoor-outdoor rugs come in! They are fade-resistant, wear-resistant and stand up to the traffic and abuse we give them in the kitchen. What a great way to add a touch of softness underfoot without extra work. Just place one in front of the range or sink, by the door, or underneath the kitchen table.

Animal patterns pack a graphic punch. The Mali Giraffe Rug has the soft feel and look of a wool rug, but it’s designed for elegant indoor-outdoor living because it’s made with a plush, UV-protected poly-acrylic pile. To clean, just wash with mild soap and water and rinse. Sizes start at 2×3-feet for $59.

The Marrakesh rug features a washable sisal weave made of polypropylene, which is resistant to mildew and fading. The patterns echo printed fabrics you might see throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Use a rug pad with the rug to keep it from slipping. A runner is $66!

This elegant poem rug design was created with words from famed 17th century French writer of fables, Jean de La Fontaine. La Cigale et La Fourmi, “The Cricket and The Ant,” tells the story of an industrious ant and a carefree cricket and the end of summer. Hand-hooked of washable, poly-acrylic pile that’s soft underfoot, this rug works indoors and out! Sizes start at $59.