Considering the inevitable splashes and spills that come with a kitchen, this room may feel like the last place where you'd decorate with a rug. However, this controversial flooring technique is favored by some designers, including duo Piece & Ward, who are responsible for Dakota Johnson's kitchen.
While the actress's kitchen often makes headlines for its forest green cabinets (painted in Benjamin Moore's Alligator Alley, FYI), I am more distracted by how she's mastered this much-debated decor trick.
While all kitchen rug ideas can be controversial, Dakota's is one of the boldest – but most stunning – examples I've seen to date. Her rug covers almost the entirety of the space between her cabinets, meaning it almost doubles as a carpet in the most functional space of her home.
It's not for the messy, but with some added care and maintenance, following Dakota's lead is one of the most transformative things you can do for a clinical kitchen. It will instantly make your space feel warmer and more welcoming – like an extension of a living space. It's utterly beautiful and worth the controversy, wouldn't you agree?
Shop the look
Inspired by Dakota's rug: Bold diamond patterns give this rug its standout appeal, with each colorway designed to bring personality and charm to your space. Crafted with durable power-loomed construction, it’s built to withstand everyday foot traffic while maintaining its vibrant look.
You don't need green cabinets to tap into Dakota's green kitchen aesthetic. Instead, dishware can suffice. Expertly crafted by Bordall Pinheiro, these small bowls are sold here in a set of 4 to instantly brighten breakfast time. Hand-painted and made from durable earthenware, these are definitely a collector's item.
Simple striations on an off-white ceramic base bring a sense of tranquility to this vase, and the base is wide enough to display all your favorite flowers with ease. It's inspired by the beautiful scalloped lime holder seen on Dakota's countertops.
While some designers shy away from this kitchen flooring idea, others celebrate its surprising power. The latter of which includes Claire Garner, the director at Claire Garner Design Studio.
'I think a rug in the kitchen can be a really lovely idea. It adds colour, texture and a sense of warmth to a space that can sometimes feel cold or utilitarian,' she says. However, perhaps unsurprisingly, there's a method to getting it right.
'The trick is to pick something practical like a low-pile or flat-woven rug with natural fibres like wool or cotton. Alternatively, you could go for an indoor-outdoor style that’s easy to wipe or wash,' she says.
If you want to flirt with the idea but not go as bold as Dakota (for now, at least), Claire suggests trying a runner or a smaller alternative that will still introduce warmth without dominating the entire floor space.
'A runner along the prep area or in front of the sink works beautifully, or a small patterned rug is great for defining a breakfast corner. I’d stick to subtle patterns or warm, neutral tones that complement your flooring and cabinets, so the kitchen feels welcoming as well as functional,' she says.
As we seriously turn our thoughts to fall decor (and into the colder months beyond that), Dakota's rug trick is one of the best kitchen ideas we can follow. It'll keep your space feeling inviting, cozy, and always warm, if you dare to follow suit.
