We're experiencing a colder than average winter season here on the east coast and because of this a lot of us are choosing to stay indoors, as much as possible, to avoid frosty toes, but having to be cooped-up at home isn't all bad, if you've created a beautiful home design to spend your free time in.

During the colder months, it's fun to get into the kitchen to rustle up something warm and comforting, like a hearty crock of chili or freshly-baked cookies, and it's all the nicer when you have a great hand-knotted area rug adding some color and function to the area at the same time.

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An area rug in the kitchen not only adds undeniable style, but it's also a perfect way to protect the flooring beneath the rug: form and function. It's a good idea to add a rug pad under the rug to keep the rug stationary.

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Inevitably, when whipping up tasty things in the kitchen, a few crumbs and spills will happen, but that's not a problem if you have an area rug made of a natural fiber, like wool. Wool rugs are generally low maintenance and only require gentle blotting or a quick vacuuming to look as good as new again. Minor spots can be taken care of with Woolite and water.

When introducing an area rug into your kitchen's decor it's best to pick a rug with a low to medium pile in a pattern and color that will compliment the existing colors in the space. If you kitchen has neutral colors, like white, grey, black, or brown, you should feel free to use a rug with a vibrant color-scheme or bold pattern to give your kitchen a burst of visual interest.

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Area rugs can be used practically in any room and the varying styles and designs handmade area rugs are available in means you're always able to find just the right one for your home and specific tastes.