What a lovely spacious room Tam! (still love your couch too;-)

I quite like the idea of the black/white rug contrasting with the couch. My two favourites are the one with the branch pattern and the stripey rug. I also find it hard to imagine if something will look good just by looking at pictures, so I'm not much help I'm afraid.

One practical thought: if you pick a dark rug, you'll probably have to vacuum more often. When I was little we had a dark brown (no pattern though) rug in our playing room and it showed every tiny speck of dust. Then again, maybe I'm exaggerating: my Mum always made me vacuum that room and I hated it;-)

Cute layout, and love your couch. I love the modern design that you are drawn to in the rugs. Unfortunately though, black rugs are going to be a nightmare. Every spec of everything will show up like a sore thumb. Every thread and every piece of lint. Also, if there are any windows in the room (I don't see any in the photos, but there must be a window somewehre)...the black will fade with in a year or two.

To avoid having to constantly worry about how clean the rug looks, you should pick out something with more colors and patterns/textures to it.

If you are drawn to the zebra, but are fearful of the white (as you should be)..then maybe you'd like something like this?

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/910/

Here are some more that have black in them, but are not a solid black:
http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/270/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/270/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/210/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/830/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/240/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/220/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/810/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/910/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/210/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/820/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/210/

http://www.homedecorators.com/.....a_Rug/210/

(Sorry for so many links..I wish there was a way to put them all in the cart, then link the cart.)

Another option would be to go with a very traditional Orientalesque rug. There is something modernly classic about pairing a traditional rug with contemporary furnishings. (Of course, I am biased to that idea because that is what I have in my family room).

You have a lovely sofa and the wood floors and wood coffe table are beautiful too.
I was going to say the same as Nicole about the black showing every piece of lint and it will drive you crazy. Also black is kind of cold or cooler to me. I like how you have a red sofa and the yellow flower in the painting on the wall.
The more colors you have in the rug the more it will grow with you over the years as your tastes change. You will be able to pick up different colors when you re decorate in the future. Also the more colors in it usually mean a higher price tag.
Here is a good website to drool over. I don't know what your budget is but maybe you can find a style you like on sale.
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....8%20x%2010
Choosing a rug is very important and you should take your time and really get a feel for what you want to live with.

Spacious and lovely room, Tam...I agree with all the suggestions that a patterned rug that isn't a solid dark color will be your best friend that won't need too much attention! Great examples from San and Nicole.

Love the room and the couch!!
I am probably the odd one here but I love the zebra with the red. I think other rugs could certainly work
It all depends on the style that you want to emphasize in the room.
Is it boho, contemporary, traditional, eclectic?
The rug will make a statement. The couch is a great shape that would fit whatever style that you go for, I just bought a rug that is espresso brown and cream.
http://www.westelm.com/online/.....-SH1RUGRUG
It is probably not that practical but we live in a modern loft and the space dictates something that large shapes, small patterns get completely lost.
West Elm has some interesting modern designs, have you seen that store?
Hope this link works:
http://www.westelm.com/online/.....cmtype=nav
It is sometimes pricey and definitely contemporary. I apologize if someone already suggested it, I did not look at all the links. Please let us know, I love design as do many of us fashion junkies.

Just chiming in to say that you have a fab couch and I LOVE your wooden floors :0)

I know this reply is late in coming, just wanted to shout out a big thanks to everyone who replied. I didn't get to read your messages till midweek and still have not had a proper chance to digest everything. I need all the help I can get with this one, so I am so glad to see some others with opinions and experience. Will post more later :)