I have owned this runner for about 1 year and I am still happy with the way it looks.  I use it strictly as a runner on a painted sideboard.  It is perfect in my farmhouse style kitchen.  The colors are true to the picture and I have found that the taupe looks great against brown toned wood surfaces and, in my particular case, it picks up a purple hue when placed on my rustic purple-toned side board.  The design is a bit busy so it functions best with a simple clean decor.  To clean, I shake it first and then use a damp sponge.