Colors are beautiful.  It is supposed to look distressed and on one side the colors are more faded than on the other. We have dogs and I believe the pattern of the rug will nicely disguise the usual dirt that comes with dogs who go in and out of the house.  It arrived folded but the fold lines flattened out very quickly. I did lay some books on one edge overnight.  This is not a super plush rug...we did put a pad underneath. I would give it 5 stars but one corner has a sloppy bind.  I trimmed it up a bit with scissors and it looks better. Overall I really like it.