I wouldn't want to spend time in the kitchen standing on concrete, so definitely a runner would be a very good idea. I would find one that has both warm and cool tones in it (probably an Oriental) so that almost any color you add will be compatible.

Here is a runner discussion from a few days ago ...
https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5370272/rug-placement-in-kitchen-with-island#n=20

I think rugs in a kitchen collect stains, and look grungy quickly because of the stains and the amount of foot traffic back and forth. If you spill crumbs you can't just wipe up like with a floor; you'll have to get the vacuum out. A rug in a kitchen is one more thing to have to clean, or to look at when it's grungy. However, I would never get a concrete floor since they are hard to stand on, so if I was forced to stand on concrete, I guess you'd need to have some kind of padding and deal with the maintenance of the runner.

Concrete, tile ? buy a cheapie and rub off some stains, and throw later. Test your tootsies.

My mom has a rug in front of the sink to be easier/cushioned to stand on. She never cleans it. It's gross looking, kinda matted, but she is so used to seeing it every day, that it's like she doesn't see how it looks. When I mentioned that it should be cleaned, she says it's too big to throw in the washing machine, and it looks fine to her. That's all I gotta say.

Have to agree with Miranda. Every rug I've seen in the kitchen looks grungy. I'm concerned about the concrete floors though - seems harder than tile for a kitchen.

I forgot - indoor and outdoor: infrequently - put in utility tub and scrub, etc... that's why I like having a huge sink.

I'd get a gel pro mat. Cushions and can be wiped clean.

I love my Gel Pro. It's very comfortable to stand on and looks brand new after several years of me and dog slobber. :)

thanks all! I was thinking gel pro mat as well. yes, concrete slab throughout the whole house. looks great but might be tough standing for too long. I'll probably get a gel pro that I can always put in the closet when I'm not cooking. thank you!

Personally think a gel mat is a much better idea.

Miranda33 is not wrong about dirty rugs looking gross -- and they can get that way in the kitchen very quickly; however, larger throw rugs can often be washed in the larger front open machines at a coin laundry.

The concern of Patricia Colwell Consulting is a valid one you should heed. Washed runners and throw rugs lose part of their backing and even those that were once slip resistant and/or didn't have corners that curl up can become a problem after washing.

Mine is a vintage persian I bought on ebay. I don't disagree with the drawbacks people mentioned, but I really love the aesthetics and padding underfoot. With my cordless Dyson, it's nearly as easy to vacuum as sweep. I'm not too worried about wear or stains since the rug is old and pattern hides it well. I am extra careful with stuff like raw meat though. Also I didn't spend that much, so it's not irreplaceable if something happens to it.

Again I think people have made good points above, so think about how it would work with your lifestyle.

I have a Gelpro in my kitchen. These things are made to stand on for long periods of time. Super easy to clean, sometimes I mop and occasionally I take it to the patio and wash down with the hose. Mine is plain but they have a lot of options. Best of all, designed to not be a trip hazard.

I have used Flor carpet tiles in my kitchen for years: sturdy, can cut to fit any layout, lots of choices, and wash them in the sink. They are not a trip hazard as backing clings to floor surface.

I use runners, yes they get dirty, but I usually replace them once a year or so. They’re relatively inexpensive, buy them on Overstock for $40-60.

I also like Flor products as runners in kitchens (Flor.com)...lots of styles and colors/patterns

I have gel mats, and have used prior versions as well. I love them, very comfortable for standing and very cleanable. My one significant suggestion is to make sure you get one that has a beveled edge on it, not a clear boundary between the “puffy” gel part and the border. We had ones with a clear border edge, and after a while the borders curled up and become ugly. The ones with a beveled edge (even the one I bought my daughter at Costco for not much money) have stayed as good as new for years.

I saw caligirls pic and loved the look so I bought one off eBay for our kitchen. For all the reasons stated above, it is now rolled up in the basement while I try to figure out where else in the house I might use it.

I think it would work if it was small enough to take outside and shake once or twice a day. Ours was too big for that.

If a runner is preferred maybe try Ruggable. They are washable.

https://ruggable.com/collections/2-5x7

My kitchen runner doesn't get any dirtier than the rugs elsewhere in the house (and they don't get dirty, even with four cats underfoot -- should a spill or splotch occur, we clean it immediately and that's that). I've also never tripped over my kitchen runner. That said, you don't "need" a runner in the kitchen, but if you want one for comfort and aesthetics, then there's no reason you shouldn't have one IMO. I understand that some like the gel mats for cushioning, but I don't find them attractive. That vintage Persian caligirl15 shared, however - wow. That's gorgeous.

For concrete I agree with suggestion of a standing mat like a Gel Pro. I have a standing desk at work and concrete floors and the standing mat is brilliant (and not a trip hazard). Easy to clean too :)

I’m a little puzzled about concerns about rugs or mats getting dirty. There are going to be a certain amount of spills in front of a sink and a stove. You can either have a rug or mat that you clean or you can clean your floor regularly. Cleaning a floor in the kitchen means more than vacuuming, which does not take up residue from liquid spills. It means using some kind of liquid cleaner. I find it much easier to throw a rug and pad (both inexpensive since they need to be replaced usually yearly) in the washer than to clean a floor with a mop or something similar.

I agree with the above. If it's an area that gets a lot of use, like right in front of my sink and range, having a runner there is less trouble than cleaning that area of the floor every time I cook. For a concrete floor, I would absolutely have something down - that will be a hard floor, How are the concrete floors finished?

Hi Chess,

The floors are sealed with a matte sealer. Not polished. Should be easy enough to keep clean.

Yes that reminds me--I like that the rug protects the wood from water. Before I'd be constantly wiping up water drips from unloading the dishwasher, washing my hands, etc. So I like having the rug around the sink for that.

Not relevant for the OP though with concrete.

I see, yes probably much easier than what I have experienced. I saw a fabulous concrete floor yesterday - it was some sort of epoxy resin coating, and it was glossy, but not really slippery. So I was just curious what you had.