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Absolutely! I love the contrast between sleek mid-century furniture and the rich complexity of an oriental rug. A good carpet will provide depth, texture, and color without becoming overly stuffy.

Persian rugs tend to be "bossy", that is they can steer decor choices rather ruthlessly if you let them. I think the best approach is to more or less ignore the colour dictates and work around the rug. I notice most of these spaces have white walls . . .

I love this mix myself, and use it in my own home.

I'm going to quibble, however, with referring to these rugs as Oriental rugs. Although I don't claim to be an expert, even to my novice collecting eye, the geometric patterns and weaving styles in those rugs put me in mind of Caucasian, Kurdish, and Turkish rugs, and if the floral rug isn't Moldovian, it sure looks it. Although the term 'Oriental' is quite vague, to me it conjures a picture of the more intricate floral motifs in Persian rugs.

Perhaps a better way to say what I mean is that calling these rugs 'Oriental' may be insufficiently precise. This look is easiest to pull off with kilims (Kurdish, Russian, Turkish, Caucasian) with geometric motifs and I think would be harder to pull off with a more classic intricate Persian rug.

agreed, matilde. the first thing that came to mind when I read this is that none of these could be properly characterized as "oriental" and that most of the ornate rugs that are becoming prevalent in modern design are kilim.

I tend to find this style of rug unattractive, regardless of the surroundings. For that reason, it generally weakens the overall look of the room for me.

I love the style and colors of this rug. The size however has me wondering what is the correct protocol for rug size and table.

Anyone?

It's quite good timing - I am just now shopping for a good old-style oriental rug! I hope to find something in Persian style, with flowery designs and medallion in the middle...
I think it adds a lot of depth, warmth and spice to a room... I've had a monochromatic rug for a while, and I just knew that it was all too blah together with other things in similar style. Then I saw a photo, similar to the ones above, and fell in love :) I first wanted to buy new one made just in style of the originals, but now I am searching through ebay in hope of finding something original, with history and soul.

It is indeed an interesting combination to have oriental rugs in modern design spaces. Another option is to use Victorian/Medici period/Renaissance designs for the tabletops. A tabletop (pietra dura on marble using semi precious stones) such as:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kashand/3322863650/in/set-72157594289201585/
or
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kashand/3322861168/in/set-72157594289201585/
can indeed liven up the space.

The best part of these photos is the variety of looks possible. Both the look of the rugs and the look achieved in each room.

I was a bit hesitant, but now I love it and used it in my living room:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/areneetay/3457114130/sizes/o/

I've posted briefly about this, too. I haven't convinced my husband yet, though. I think it would help to really warm up my white walls with the white couch but I don't want it to dictate color use in the room, either....still thinking. I like first two photos a lot.

I like this look--which is handy, since my parents have a froofy Persian-style rug they want to hand down.