But what if your home plays host to busy kids and pets — and all that they can dish out? No problem! Just head to the outdoor section of the home improvement store (or head to Wayfair or Amazon online) and you’ll find the idal answer – in stylish, soft, decorative, washable area rugs.
Yes! I said washable. As in when dirty, haul it outside, hose it off and let it dry in the sun — washable!
With the growing popularity of comfort-oriented outdoor kitchens and living spaces, manufacturers have answered demand with a new generation of outdoor textiles. Gone are the days of stiff, plastic-y outdoor cushions and rugs — yes, the astroturf-covered patio days are over! Nowadays, a walk down the outdoor furnishings aisle is a foray through rich colors, inviting textures and gorgeous patterns, in both seating and flooring solutions.
Today you can find decorative outdoor area rugs in just about any look, from sleek contemporary sisal to luxurious oriental, all crafted from resilient, washable polypropylene, a plastic that can be spun into fine strands that feel like natural fibers. But unlike natural fiber area rugs, polypropylene rugs are super rugged and resistant to stains, moisture, mildew and fading — and are 100-percent hose-off washable. And that means they’ll stand up to anything a busy family can dish out, anywhere you want them — kitchens, family rooms, game rooms, entries, dining areas, and of course the patio or deck.
You’ll find a good selection of outdoor rugs in home improvement stores as summer approaches, but you can also find them year-round with several online retailers. Just search for rugs labeled “outdoor” or “indoor/outdoor,” with polypropylene as the fiber content, and you can be sure they’ll stand up to the busiest areas in your home… with style!
Here are some great examples of decorative outdoor rugs to get your creative ideas flowing. These are from Amazon, but check out Wayfair, Frontgate (pricey!) and Home & Patio Decor, too — all have great selections and most offer free shipping.