I use these rugs around my stove and refrigerator to protect my floors.  They are pretty enough for my kitchen but rugged enough to protect my nice hardwood floors from grease, spills, water, and as a bonus they hold up under cat scratching pretty well.  I can wash them outside with a power washer and when the grease just won't come out any more I don't feel bad throwing them away and getting new ones.  I'm very pleased.

Pros: Pretty design and durable construction