I bought the runner and it has just enough color to pop but not overly colorful.  It has a little of yellow, orange, pink, purple and blue.  I wanted the area rug but they didn't have one big enough for my space.  It is really soft too.  I purchased the recommended pad and it does slip off the pad but that doesn't bother me.  I think if I cut the pad smaller it might not slip as bad and it's probably because it's a runner.  The rug is somewhat thin so I do recommend the heavier pad to give it a cushiony feel.