My preference would have been blue just because I liked the blue counter tops, but when we got ours they didn't have a blue one in stock. Of course, we couldn't wait so we got the tan. It does give the feeling of being more open, more space, bigger, etc. On the throw rug issue, if you have carpet, you can put down throw rugs but you can't get your cabinet doors open, not enough space between the cabinet door and carpeting, unless you get something paper thin. They would work in the living room area though.
