We wanted a runner for our kitchen that could offer a pop of color and hold up to spills. Our house is in light greys and creams and this gorgeous rug is bright without being garish. It's super soft on our feet and so comfy that our dogs can't help risking the "no kitchen" rule so they can curl up and nap on it. The pad does a GREAT job at holding it in place on the tile: it never slips, even in such a high traffic area.