We removed carpet from the living room and extended the hardwoods from the kitchen and foyer. My 2.5 yr old who runs everywhere is slipping on the new hardwood plus I want an area he can play. I would like an area rug for in front of the couch and a runner behind the couch but I'm getting conflicting suggestions from family members. Some say dark, some say light, some say pattern, no pattern, now I'm all confused!

Any suggestions?