If you're anything like me, you've been turning to Ayesha Curry — actress, influencer, and television host — for design and fashion inspiration for years. I first discovered her by way of her husband, NBA player Steph Curry, but she's long been in a lane of her own.
Perhaps you're a casual Instagram fan. Maybe you watch her cooking show, Ayesha's Homemade, on Food Network. Or maybe you're an avid consumer of her skincare line, Sweet July. Whichever it is, there is no doubting her influence and excellent taste in everything from fashion to makeup to interiors. I, for one, am always combing the best home decor brands for new pieces I can use to replicate her look.
To that last point, Ayesha recently shared a photo on her Instagram that, to me, highlighted one of my favorite pieces of advice in home design.
Though the photo itself is quite casual — probably one Ayesha snapped not thinking some style editor would write an article around it — I do think it illustrates the importance and versatility of a rug, particularly in your kitchen. Automatically, it cozies up the space around her counters and provides a soft layer underfoot.
'Rugs have a huge role in completing a room, anchoring furniture and adding warmth and depth,' says Rosa Glenn, Chief Merchant at Ernesta Rugs. 'They can make a statement through color, texture, style, and precise sizing, ultimately grounding the space and defining its aesthetic.'
Now, the best part of Ayesha's set-up? You can easily replicate it on your own; you just need to find the right runner. 'Try to experiment with different styles and textures using samples, discovering unexpected favorites and creating a cohesive space that goes beyond mere color matching,' Rosa says of buying a new rug.
So her advice in mind, try perusing my quick edit of fashionable runners below. It's time to transform your kitchen!
9 rugs to cozy up your kitchen
Price: $39.99
Not only is she affordable, but this sweet, patterned rug from H&M features versatile neutrals and a delicate pattern that would work just as well in a kitchen or entryway as it would in a child's bedroom. Definitely one of the best rugs on the market now.
Price: $40
You can always count on Target's Threshold line for trendy styles at a budget price point. This wool/cotton runner is soft and cozy, but also durable enough to survive high-traffic areas.
Price: $299
Though available in a few different colors, this olive-toned runner looks undeniably luxurious — the other varieties just couldn't pull that off.
Price: $87.99
Was: $199
This colorful geometric design pays homage to the retro look of 1970s Scandinavian design. And it's Novogratz, so you know it will last.
Price: $169
Especially for an inherently messy area like the kitchen, patterned rugs can really come in handy; it's colorful, unique design disguises spills and dirt. Plus, all Ruggable rugs are washable, which makes the Espada even more perfect.
Price: $76.99
Was: $102.99
Casual, contemporary, and budget-conscious, this hand-loomed runner from Safavieh is sure to be a dependable option for any of you commitment-phobes.
Price: $199
Although the summer of Barbie has come and gone, the allure of this pink ombre runner — perfect for a color-lover — remains just as strong.
Price: From $69
Was: $138
Soft and sweet. Would love to see this in a bathroom or beach house — in other words, an environment where pastels reign supreme.
Price: $325
Consider the Rufus Jane an investment piece. It can be customized to whichever size you need (this price is for a 2'6" x 5'), is easy to clean, durable, and shed-resistant. A great option for homeowners looking for something that will last.
How can you tell if a rug is good quality?
When buying online, it can be understandably difficult to sus out quality. Thankfully, Rosa has some tips. 'The most basic rule of thumb is the more natural the material, the higher the quality. Wool is the gold standard,' she tells me.
You should also 'look for words like hand-loomed, hand-woven, hand-tufted. Those are really good indicators that the rug has been put together with a lot of integrity,' she continues. Plus, if you can, 'it’s always great to get a sample of the rug so you can touch and feel it for yourself.'
