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Kitchen and family room flooring


Best Flooring for Kitchens in 2021 – The Good Guys

Your kitchen is a rallying point for activities. So it should come as no surprise that when choosing flooring for the kitchen, you'll want something durable. Waterproof options are also a good idea to prevent floor failures from splashes and spills. These are the Top Flooring Options, built to last in your kitchen this year.

Picture this: It’s the holiday season. You’re having a bunch of friends and family over to celebrate and spread some merriment. The place is packed. There’s food, drinks, and everyone is having a grand ole time. 

Now picture this: Where is everyone standing and hanging out together?

If you’ve ever had your own place or been to a gathering, you probably pictured that good time happening in the kitchen. Let’s be honest – the kitchen is the central hub of the home and the place where everyone tends to congregate. It’s a high-traffic area, that is frequently exposed to spills, dirt, and moisture. Kitchens need to have durable, water-friendly flooring, but what is the best flooring for kitchens?

Everyone circle around the island, pull up a stool and grab a seasonal beverage, as we review the options for kitchen flooring. We’ll focus on what’s hot for 2021 in kitchen flooring, different types of flooring, which kitchen flooring is best, cheap flooring options and more. But first . . .

Special Considerations Underfoot

Unlike other rooms in the home, the kitchen gets used daily – either for food storage and preparation, group or family dining, or just as a rallying point for activities. Kitchens take a beating unlike any other room – save maybe the bathroom. It’s no coincidence that both are regularly exposed to moisture. From washing dishes, sinks, cooking, ice makers/refrigerators, to regular foot traffic, moisture is a real consideration that affects every surface in the kitchen, especially the floor. When choosing flooring for the kitchen, waterproof is key.

Due to the number of kid, adult, and pet feet meandering through the kitchen each day, a durable floor is also critical. Many kitchens double as a “mudroom” with an exterior entrance and all the fun, dirt, debris, and moisture one could track from the outside to beat up your floor.

Additionally, like in a bathroom, all that moisture on a hard surface can be an accident waiting to happen. Many waterproof flooring options get extremely slippery when moisture is applied to them. Non-slip options should be a consideration for any flooring installed in a kitchen. 

Remember, working with a flooring and remodeling professional, like your partners at The Good Guys, can help you identify considerations like these and put you on the path toward making the right flooring choice for your project. 

Recommended Flooring for Kitchens

Factoring in those aforementioned special considerations, and others such as price (who doesn’t love cheap flooring?!), let’s take a look at some of the types of flooring that work best in kitchens.  

Hardwood

Used for centuries in homes, hardwood floors continue to be a luxurious and popular choice for many homeowners. Solid hardwood floors are durable, warm, stylish and water-resistant. Yes. You read that right. Hardwood floors are not waterproof. Solid hardwoods, when combined with the proper finish are water-resistant, but long-term exposure to moisture will damage them. Spills should be cleaned as soon as possible; however, they can take more exposure than a laminate or engineered hardwood floor with composite or non-water-resistant cores can handle. 

Despite this “weakness,” hardwoods are a great kitchen floor. They can also add a variety of looks over the years of their life through refinishing either to match flooring throughout the home or to give the kitchen some standalone pizazz. Depending on the finish, hardwood floors can be slippery, however, design variables such as hand-scraped or distressed finishes or plank width/length can provide extra surface area for traction.  

Trends to watch for with hardwoods in 2021: lighter finishes and variety. While the deep walnut and cherry finishes are somewhat traditional and timeless, hardwood flooring for 2021 will feature lighter, more “natural” wood colors. Look for terms like “blonde” and “honey” to be big players, along with grays and whitewashes. Color variety is another continuing trend for 2021 – dark wood mixed with light and medium-tone woods provide an eye-catching floor. 

Much like lay patterns for tile, hardwood flooring can be laid in patterns for added interest. Your flooring pros at The Good Guys can also help you with pattern installation that is going to be on-trend for 2021 but timeless for the future. Herringbone, diagonal and other install patterns will continue to be popular choices, but wide plank and mixing plank widths are also coming back strong. 

Look for reclaimed, recycled, and environmentally sustainable choices to be popular varieties for hardwood flooring. 

Laminate

Generally speaking, like hardwood floors, laminate floors are a warm, water-resistant choice for the kitchen. As they are not waterproof, homeowners should remember to factor this in when selecting laminate. Laminates have long been a less-expensive way to get the look of traditional hardwood. 

HOWEVER – many flooring manufacturers are now offering “waterproof laminate” which features a rigid core made of waterproof material that adds strength and stability. These do away with the perceived weakness to moisture.

These new laminates still have the advantages of traditional laminates – including the flexibility of installation. Most laminate floors can be clicked together and either permanently installed (glued down) or floated, allowing for installation over uneven subfloors. 

Much the same as hardwood, lighter finishes will be the trend for 2021. Gray washes, light woods, and mixed colors will lead the style parade. Also look for longer plank lengths, even up to 36” and 48”, combined with wider planks (as wide as 8”!) to be a trend for all wood and wood-look laminates. 

Mimicking solid hardwood flooring’s distinctive colors and patterns remains a primary selling feature of laminate floors. Hand-scraped, distressed, rustic, and “reclaimed” looks will all continue to be popular for 2021, as homeowners continue to want unique, realistic looks for their floors. Pattern installs like chevron or herringbone remain popular and assist with achieving those looks. 

Tile

A classic and durable look, tile flooring has long been the go-to option for wet areas. If installed, grouted and sealed properly, tile can last a lifetime and sometimes longer. Tile is, anecdotally-speaking, the number one most popular option for kitchen flooring. A wide variety of kitchen floor tiles are available, so it’s helpful to understand the differences and narrow it down to a few options you prefer. 

Remember – your advisor at The Good Guys can help select the best kitchen floor tile option for your project and you should take them up on this offer!

Here’s a look at the most popular varieties of tile for kitchen floors.

Ceramic or Porcelain

One of the most durable, and most popular tile for kitchen floors or walls. Ceramic tiles are man-made from natural materials – in this case, clay – and baked to a finish. They are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors, and patterns.  

Ceramic tiles can handle spills, splatters, and messes dished out in most kitchens. While they won’t damage the tile, these messes can stain grout, so where possible they should be cleaned up as soon as possible. 

Among the most popular style of ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are 100% waterproof and can handle just about any stain. They are harder than standard ceramics due to a higher temperature baking process which strengthens the tile for durability. That durability can make them slippery in some finishes, so be on the lookout for slip-resistant tiles or tiles with non-slip features like patterns or texture. These are found commonly on ceramic and porcelain tiles meant to look like wood or natural stone, which can be difficult to install, so give your professional partners at The Good Guys a call.  

Natural Stone

Another great tile option for kitchens is made of natural stone. On the higher end of the price scale, stone tiles (think marble, granite, etc.), like ceramic, are offered in a variety of colors and patterns, however, the most popular options tend to feature colors or patterns that occur naturally, rather than man-made. 

Natural stone tile does require a bit more care than porcelain or ceramic. Typically, they need to be sealed following install and re-sealed at regular intervals as time progresses. But with proper care, they are a beautiful and tough surface for your kitchen. 

For 2021, tiles continue to be popular as kitchen flooring. Especially those that mimic traditional hardwood floors, with planks and “grain” finish details. Larger tile sizes remain popular, as they have in previous years. Plank tile 8” wide by 48” long is a big hit, as are 12” x 24” ceramic tiles.  Despite these trends, subway tiles will continue to be popular, along with decorative mosaic tiles.   Traditional square tiles were trending down in recent years, but in larger formats, they are making a comeback in popularity! 

Mixing tile sizes and patterned installations will be popular again in 2021. Installing a room entirely diagonal, or even using a herringbone or chevron install to spice up a more traditional tile, are just a few of the options. 

Vinyl

Perhaps the most popular flooring option in recent years, and for 2021 shows no signs of slowing down. But many people looking for kitchen flooring don’t know anything about modern vinyl flooring. This is not the sheet vinyl your parents used to have; this ain’t mom’s linoleum!

Vinyl flooring today, which was formerly a purely commercial product, is most popularly offered in tiles and planks, and popular varieties of vinyl will be referred to as LVT or LVP. These stand for “Luxury Vinyl Tile” and “Luxury Vinyl Plank”. Basically – you’re getting good vinyl either in a tile or plank.  Most importantly in the vinyl acronym world is the reference to vinyl as WPC or SPC: Wood Plastic Composite or Stone Plastic Composite.   

WPC and SPC refer to the core of the vinyl flooring. WPC uses wood and polymers in the core for stability and strength; SPC vinyl has a stone/plastic composite core, made largely of stone dust, stabilizers, and PVC to strengthen the tile. Both feature a foam or cork backing to soften the floor underfoot and deaden sound. The vinyl layer from where the floor gets its name is the prominent feature of these floors, showing the near-infinite colors and patterns, and they’re topped with a wear layer for added protection from scrapes and spills.

Both vinyl types are fully waterproof and can be installed “floating” above the subfloor. They’re a great option for kitchens and even bathrooms, they can even be installed in basements -- if you have a kitchen in the basement. And let’s be honest, if you do, that’s awesome!

While vinyl flooring is a bit softer than some other options (looking at you, ceramic tiles!), it’s still a tough, durable flooring solution. Popular trends for 2021 include the most popular variant of the vinyl: wood look. Vinyl designed to mimic solid hardwoods is responsible for driving the vinyl market, offering customers the look of wood, with a softer underfoot yet extremely durable product.

Vinyl flooring will also continue to move toward lighter colors and finishes for 2021. Look for the whitewash and “blonde” coloring on wood look and gray on stone look vinyl.  Interesting “finish” patterns are also becoming more popular like wire, and vinyl is offered in a near-infinite array of colors and patterns. The same install patterns that are popular for hardwood will also be for your vinyl think chevron, herringbone or diagonal and look to install in a pattern or patterns to tailor the unique look to your home. 

Stained Concrete

Perhaps the most basic and most durable kitchen flooring option is stained concrete. Offering a sleek look that can be tailored to be modern or traditional, concrete is extremely durable and can be sealed to completely waterproof, which is necessary as concrete typically absorbs most fluids. .. Frankly, most homes have concrete sub-flooring in them today. However, you’ll need to work with a professional like your pals at The Good Guys to properly prepare the surface for staining. 

Concrete floors can be stained to look like wood, or stone, even some tiles. It can be slippery once finished, however, there are options to make the flooring less slick. So mats in the kitchen probably are a good idea wherever excessive moisture may occur – think in front of a sink. 

Look for lighter finishes, as we saw with the other flooring products. As there are no tiles to specifically install and arrange, the unique looks come from the finish, including the color and patterns.  

Stained concrete is one of the best cheap flooring options for 2021 as well, so it can be a great economical option for your kitchen floors. Want it to look like marble? No problem! Want hardwood or traditional ceramic tile looks? No problem!  

As you can see, 2021 is going to be an exciting year for flooring. If you’re interested in bringing some of that excitement home to your kitchen, contact your flooring pro partners at The Good Guys for help on choosing the best type of flooring for your job.

22 stylish, practical kitchen floors |

(Image credit: Adam Carter Photo)

The kitchen floor is likely to be one of the largest surface areas in your home, so kitchen flooring ideas always deserve some careful thought and attention. 

When planning your kitchen ideas, your kitchen flooring needs to perform on many levels – durability, safety and ease of cleaning – and of course, it must look great too, so give it as much consideration as your cabinetry.

Flooring ideas should always work together with the rest of the room, so a great place to start in the kitchen is taking the look and material of your units into consideration when picking flooring.

Kitchen flooring ideas

Materials such as durable laminate and matte porcelain will look great in modern kitchens, while natural stone tiles and warm wood suit traditional designs. A popular, contemporary flooring material is polished concrete, which gives a chic, industrial edge.

Budget carefully to include all fitting costs and extra expenses for underlays, fixatives and grouts. If you’re hoping to lay underfloor heating, do check it is compatible with your flooring before you buy.

There is a wealth of kitchen flooring ideas to choose from which makes knowing how to choose the best kitchen floor somewhat tricky, so let us help you narrow it down with expert advice, our top materials, styles, finishes and designs.

1. Choose dark flooring for a contemporary look

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Dark flooring does not need to make a space feel enclosed or uninviting - it can actually achieve quite the opposite effect. When paired with the correct complementary shades, black flooring can make your kitchen space feel sophisticated and contemporary, and is great for coordinating with pretty much any other color out there.

In this modern kitchen, the soft black parquet tiles form an elegant, textured design, with the white paint used on the walls making the room feel light and bright. Further complemented with natural colors and textures, the overall space feels warm and inviting.

2. Opt for luxurious marble flooring

(Image credit: Ti Archive)

Timeless, durable and utterly beautifully, choosing marble flooring can turn your kitchen into a truly show-stopping space. 

From large format-tiles to marble vinyl effects, there are a range of styles and options that can integrate into your kitchen. Whether you complement the marble used on your countertops, or choose a contrasting marble design for added impact, the enduring material can elegantly elevate your kitchen design.

Marble flooring can also be a great option for a smaller kitchen space, George Miller, Designer at Neptune states, ‘choosing flooring for a smaller space, shouldn’t feel limiting, in fact, with a smaller area to cover, you can afford to invest in quality materials that will make a statement and stand the test of time’.

3. Add a rug for inviting comfort

(Image credit: Simon Brown)

Rugs are not typically associated with a kitchen space, however, kitchen rug ideas can make your kitchen more inviting and cozy with added texture.  

Perfect for large, open-plan kitchen designs, a rug can make the space feel more connected and unified, as well as adding warmth and softness to hard floors. Adding a rug to your kitchen space is also a simple way to add color and character to the room.

The rug in this kitchen complements the striking blue cabinets and sits perfectly beneath the dark wooden table, grounding the table to the space whilst effortlessly connecting it to the rest of the room.

4. Create a light and airy feel with white flooring

(Image credit: David Giles)

'Using white flooring in your kitchen is a great way to make the space feel bigger and brighter - ideal for kitchen spaces that are on the smaller side,' says Homes & Gardens' Editorial Director Sarah Spiteri.

Whether you choose white painted floorboards, or opt for white stone or vinyl, white flooring can create a beautifully relaxed, calming atmosphere - perfect for a busy, high-traffic area such as a kitchen.  

The white floorboards in this kitchen beautifully complement the white painted walls, emphasizing the light and space in the room. The blue painted kitchen units create an elegant contrast, adding character and balance to the space.

5. Keep it traditional with terracotta

(Image credit: Adam Carter Photo)

Using traditional terracotta tiles will always create a warming, textured scheme that beautifully echoes designs and materials of the past. 

Working well in both period and modern homes, this ceramic tile design is a popular choice for kitchen tile ideas, often due to its durability and timeless appeal. 

Great for creating a country, farmhouse kitchen style, terracotta tiles add a timeless, earthy texture to a space.

6. Invest in real wood kitchen flooring

(Image credit: Kersaint-Cobb)

If it's warmth and character you want, wood kitchen flooring is a great buy.

Jenna Kane, Product Development at Kersaint Cobb says:

'As a particular busy area of the home, the flooring you select for your kitchen needs to fulfil a number of requirements. Wood is a sturdy and attractive solution with the added benefit of wiping stains clean if you are making a particular messy recipe! 

'Wood flooring can be a striking focal point in any kitchen design and the natural grain can add texture and interest to the space. You can opt to select timber flooring that matches wood featured on cabinetry or even smaller accessories and shelving. 

Is wood flooring suitable for kitchens? 'You must always bear in mind that wood is a natural material and can be scratched and dented if too many items are dropped on it or damaged if too much liquid is spilt. Therefore look at your home and who will be using the kitchen to select the option which is right for you,' concludes Jenna Kane.

7. Choose a herringbone wood kitchen flooring for an elegant look

(Image credit: Future)

With so much choice available in terms of both material and pattern, it can be daunting to find the right kitchen flooring ideas when planning a kitchen.  

Herringbone styles are currently very popular, either in ceramic or wood, and they’re an ideal way of introducing subtle yet beautiful pattern and a welcome sense of texture into even the simplest kitchen flooring, instantly making it a focal point.

There has been an increase in the popularity of patterned wood floors. Larger herringbone pieces often look more contemporary. If it’s for an open plan kitchen, a distressed chevron or herringbone floor will stand up well to general wear and tear. 

Choose a delicate parquet if you want to give a nod to a feature floor without being too over the top. Classic parquet flooring can be laid as individual blocks, or the effect can be copied by engineered wood planks, which are easier to fit.

'We would always recommend you seek professional guidance to ensure the flooring is fitted and maintained correctly as moisture can be an issue in this environment, especially with parquet as this is a very skilled install and not DIY,' continues Jenna Kane.

8. Pick real wood for warmth

(Image credit: Future/Darren Chung)

Warm and welcoming underfoot, solid wood kitchen flooring will need careful treating and maintenance to make sure it doesn’t warp, as it is less resistant to water damage than engineered wood (a thin layer of wood veneer). 

However, if your scheme is open plan, you could run the same floor throughout the space to give a visual link in different zones – dining, cooking and lounging, for instance. 

‘Engineered timber is better in kitchens than solid wood, as the layered construction of the boards creates a very strong and stable surface. This is particularly important if you are installing underfloor heating or a cast iron cooker,' says Peter Keane, director of The Natural Wood Floor Company .

9. Combine kitchen flooring materials to complement cabinetry

(Image credit: Nato Welton)

'Anyone who has ever designed a kitchen will know that it's vital to choose kitchen cabinetry at the same time as kitchen flooring ideas,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle.

'It makes sense that kitchen cabinets come first, but choosing the flooring should be the next big decision – ideally taken hand-in-hand with picking out countertops. My best advice, if you don't have an experienced interior decorator choosing for you, is to bring a sample of the cabinetry you have chosen into the kitchen, along with samples of flooring and countertops. 

'Hold the cabinetry sample vertically so that the light hits it at exactly the angle it would when installed, then sit the kitchen flooring and countertop samples against it, but horizontally so that, again, the light hits it at the right angle. Observe the different tones it takes on in daylight and under artificial light – only then can you really ensure you have chosen well.'

10. Lay wood-look laminate or vinyl for a practical kitchen flooring option

(Image credit: Amtico)

If you are remodelling a kitchen in a rental property, or need a temporary solution, both luxury vinyl kitchen flooring ideas and laminate (wood particleboard with sealed and protected printed paper over the top), which is laid in planks that fit together for easy installation, are good-looking alternatives to real wood and stone.

Make sure you choose a laminate that is suitable for kitchen flooring use, as some are not suitable in damp environments.

11. Go for a practical wood-effect porcelain tile

(Image credit: Domus)

'Timber-effect plank-shaped porcelain tiles are also popular, not least because they introduce a sense of character and movement,' says Jules Archard, showrooms manager of Domus . 

'Previously, their totally flat printed surface used to give away the fact that the planks were not made of real wood, but now a woodgrain is pressed into the surface of the tile before it is printed, so their texture is realistic too.'

12. Source reclaimed wood for a rustic, country look

(Image credit: deVOL)

Reclaimed wood floors are not only full of charm, character and history, but buying anything salvaged is environmentally responsible and spot-on for today's recycling trend. 

Whether it's oak beams recovered from old American barns or Burmese teak parquet reclaimed from a remodelled school, salvaged boards bear the unique marks of time, much like a slice of history at home.

'You can't get more green than buying reclaimed timber flooring,' says Nick Newman of celebrated British salvage specialists Lassco . 

'It is environmentally responsible and will have been sourced relatively locally, had the nails removed by hand by us, then sorted and stacked. Reuse reduces landfill while curbing the need to plunder the earth's resources. Salvage generally has not travelled very far, so it bears a comparatively tiny carbon footprint.'

13. Be on trend with a large format kitchen floor tile

(Image credit: Quorn Stone)

If you're looking for kitchen floor tile ideas, you might wonder what's on trend.

'At the moment, we find customers are leaning towards larger tile sizes as often minimizing the number of grout joints is a priority,' comments Joshua Fernandez at Quorn Stone . 

'In terms of kitchen trends, we always advise customers to steer clear and go for a classic style in the kitchen area. Purchasing a stone flooring or porcelain floor is an investment for the home and one that often takes careful consideration – our advice is to always go neutral in your chosen floor covering for ground floor spaces and instead inject colour through paint colors and accessories. A lick of paint is far easier to change in years to come than a different floor.'

14. Install a matte finish stone for a relaxed look

(Image credit: Future/ Paul Massey)

'We are seeing a move towards kitchen flooring ideas that create a very relaxed feel with a reassuring warmth, and soft, matte limestone-effect porcelain tiles fit the bill well,' says Jules Archard of Domus.

'This finish is also easier to keep clean than polished or very textured tiles. Consider large format tiles, such as 1.2 x 2.4m, if you want to create a sense of scale and drama, even with a neutral tile.'

15. Choose natural materials for an elegant look

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

Natural stones like marble and limestone can create a timeless look, like in the elegant white kitchen above. 

However, Jules Archard adds: 'If you prefer to use a real stone, such as limestone, for its natural beauty, you do need to embrace the fact it is porous and may stain and weather over time, requiring regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. '

16. Pick terrazzo for contemporary kitchen flooring ideas

(Image credit: Ofelia)

'Porcelain tiles are by far and away the most popular material these days, because they are robust, non-porous, highly stain and scratch resistant and work well with underfloor heating, and because they come in such a huge variety of designs, colors and formats,' says Jules Archand. 

'Stone-, wood-, concrete- and terrazzo-effect porcelain tiles score highly; it’s crazy how faithful some of the reproductions are.'

Layering in kitchen rug ideas is a great way to add warmth and softness underfoot, helps with acoustics and brings extra texture and pattern to a space.

(Image credit: Domus)

If you want the soft powdery colors and pattern of encaustic (concrete) tiles without the maintenance requirements, consider an encaustic-look porcelain, such as Puzzle from Domus (above). 

Or create a bespoke floor by combining shapes: it is amazing how many different kitchen floor tile ideas and designs you can create with a triangular format in a range of colors.

18. Find the right stone kitchen flooring

(Image credit: David Cleveland)

Stone kitchen flooring choices include natural stone, man-made ceramic, terracotta and porcelain. All are hardwearing and easy to clean, with porcelain being the most hardwearing of all due to its non-porous, scratch resistant properties.

For kitchen flooring ideas with individual character and natural beauty, look no further than natural stone: no two tiles will ever be identical, so your kitchen flooring will be unique. 

Stone offers a classic and luxurious look and tends to improve as it acquires the ‘patina’ of age. Smooth marbles and honed limestones are a sophisticated and smart choice, or choose a weathered flagstone that sits comfortably in a country kitchen.

Make sure your tiles are treated before laying to avoid staining.

19. Add a pop of color with kitchen flooring ideas

(Image credit: Future/Jon Day)

We’re so accustomed to standard tiles that it is often easy to forget that the variety in size and manufacturing processes gives rise to a huge number of design possibilities. Kitchen flooring ideas are a beautiful way to experiment with bold, distinctive pattern choices, especially if you choose to keep the rest of your kitchen color scheme neutral.

'We’ve found that tiles of this nature were commonly used in smaller spaces, such as shower enclosures, cloakrooms and kitchen backsplashes, but as we’ve grown to know and love playful patterns, we’re branching out to using them in large kitchens and open plan spaces,' says Katy Harris of Verona .

20. Pick concrete kitchen flooring ideas for an industrial flavor

(Image credit: Polished concrete in a kitchen setting, design by Main Kitchen Company)

Far from being ordinary construction materials, the raw unfinished beauty of plaster and concrete find a very stylish home in kitchen flooring ideas. In their exposed, uncovered state, both plaster and concrete have a bold, utilitarian quality, and an almost brutal sophistication. 

Concrete, in particular, is a hardwearing and versatile material that can be cast into shapes and slabs, or poured, smoothed and polished, making it suitable for floors, countertops and even part of the kitchen itself if it’s an industrial look you are after.

While polished concrete requires specialist installation, it can last a lifetime and requires minimal maintenance. It is wise to install a heating system as your concrete flooring goes in, otherwise it can feel quite cold underfoot – and retrofitting can be a costly and disruptive task. You may also want to add a large cozy rug to soften up the space and help absorb sound and prevent unwanted echoing throughout your property. 

21. Be bold with pattern for a lively, fun space

(Image credit: Future/Simon Brown)

Love a dramatic scheme? Bold geometrics and exotic Moroccan designs are particularly contemporary and versatile kitchen flooring ideas, as they have a timeless appeal that means that they’re equally at home in both modern and traditional kitchens.

22. Choose a cottage-look tile

(Image credit: Future/Simon Bevan)

In small kitchens, 'keep it simple and don’t use too many different tile formats, colors and finishes,' advises Dorothee Junkin of Dorothee Junkin Design Studio .  

'Less is more when it comes to bold kitchen flooring, so use pattern selectively. It loses its effect when there is too much of it or when there are other patterns competing for attention. 

'Try a classic diagonal checkerboard or a very defined and crisp geometric, so that the eye can catch the defining principle of the pattern with just one glance.' 

What is the best flooring for a kitchen?

Natural stone is arguably the best kitchen flooring. It should last forever and acquire a lovely patina over time, but it can be cold and unwelcoming underfoot, so ensure you couple it with underfloor heating and rugs. 

Wood planks are a timeless classic but can be expensive and need regular after-care, while tiled floors can be cold and unforgiving underfoot (underfloor heating will help). 

If you have an open plan kitchen living room, you may want to use contrasting floor materials to define zones, or else use the same floor throughout for a fluid, seamless space (a good option for small kitchen layouts).

What is the most durable kitchen flooring?

Again, natural stone is the most durable kitchen flooring, closely followed by porcelain tile – if you are trying to balance kitchen flooring costs, the latter will give you good durability at a lower price. 

All kitchen flooring ideas need to be tough, long-lasting and hardwearing, so consider comfort, durability and maintenance issues as well as pattern, finish and looks. 

It is always better to get your floor laid by a professional, whichever type of material you choose; they can advise on substrate, quantities and any special finishes or treatments that will extend the life of your kitchen flooring. 

Limestone, slate, granite, sandstone and travertine (a limestone/marble mix) come in many sizes, formats and finishes depending on the color and finish you want. Not all stones are equally durable though, so ensure your choice is sealed against splashes and stains.

What is the easiest kitchen flooring to keep clean?

Single sheet kitchen flooring ideas are easiest to keep clean – poured rubber, concrete and vinyl sheet are all really resilient to dirt, scratches, chips or stains. However, all can be damaged if not swept regularly, as constant treading in of small stones or grit can eventually mark the surface. A quick mop with a general cleaning solution will finish the task. 

Polished concrete will need resealing every three to nine months, but other than that you can treat it like any other durable floor and sweep and mop it to keep it clean.

Stone floors are tough, won't harbour dust and are easy to maintain with a quick vacuum and mop with a mild detergent, although pitted tiles and grout lines will attract dirt. 

Laminate is durable, but needs a good vacuuming (with a hard floor attachment) before being cleaned. Use a general floor cleaner diluted in warm water, but as you would with wood, make sure no pools of water sit on the floor as you clean – a damp wipe with the mop is perfect. 

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

photos of beautiful tiles for decoration

Contents

The design of the floor in the kitchen can be very different. First of all, the design depends on the type of material chosen. For example, porcelain stoneware is larger than tiles, and there is also ceramic parquet, engineered board, self-leveling floor. Kitchen floor tiles with a particular style design are usually the most practical yet economical solution. We recommend marbled porcelain stoneware for the highest quality and professional repair.

In this article, we will show you photos of the design of the floors in the kitchen, which will be the most interesting and original. We will also look at different styles in interior design, fashion trends and design solutions that look great in a particular area.

And we will also show successful zoning and floor design options in the living room kitchen and floor design in the hallway and kitchen when these two rooms are connected to each other by an open plan. You will see that the floor finish is very important in terms of visual zoning.

The floor design in the kitchen in porcelain stoneware will be the most appropriate solution for business class and elite renovation. We also recommend natural marble for luxury design. Now in interior design, kitchen renovations with a beautiful floor in marbled porcelain stoneware are the most popular. In fashion and finishing the floor in the kitchen with porcelain stoneware for concrete, stone or wood (in the form of a complex parquet or a simple floorboard).

Wall and floor design in the kitchen is also very related. Sometimes we even see the use of the same material for interior decoration. In this article, we will separately look at the colors for the floor in the kitchen and the different styles of flooring in the kitchen.

Kitchen floor tiles: trendiest designs

The design of the walls and floor in the kitchen is the main renovation of this room. Below we show kitchen renovations with a beautiful floor in different shades: dark and light, white, gray and brown.

Kitchen refurbishment with beautiful marble effect porcelain stoneware flooring in three colors

In the photo above, in the art deco kitchen floor design, we see a combination of several types of black, white and gray marble effect porcelain stoneware. Inserts of thin stripes of decor in white are stacked with a geometric ornament in the Greek style. This solution is often found in styles such as classic, neoclassical and art deco. A similar pattern is sometimes called a "carpet", since the dark part of the tile with decor imitates the perimeter of a rectangular carpet. A strip of black marble on the right side visually zones the kitchen space with an island and the main dining room.

Kitchen floor design cream French parquet look

The design of the floors in a small neoclassical kitchen is most often made under wood or parquet. In the photo above, you can see the flooring in the kitchen under French parquet with the effect of aging, but porcelain stoneware was used for decoration. This finishing option almost always involves the installation of a warm floor. In the photo you see a marbled apron and a parquet floor.

Neoclassical kitchen floor design with central decoration

In this beautiful kitchen interior with a beautiful ornamented floor, we see a light set in the neoclassical style with golden elements. Here the dining room is located near the window, and the shades of the countertop and backsplash are repeated in the design of the floor.

Hexagon tiles in black and white with colored inserts

In the photo above, in the interior of a kitchen with a loft-style corner set, you see a unique floor design with hexagon-shaped tiles. The combination of hexagons in white, black, walnut, complemented by an ornament, looks very modern. The asymmetrical arrangement of colored details makes such an interior extremely stylish and fashionable.

Pattern carpet in the design of the floor in the culinary area in marble effect porcelain stoneware and glencheck pattern

In this bright interior, a fashionable carpet pattern looks very elegant in the design of the floor in the culinary area. The most up-to-date finishes are in marble-look porcelain stoneware and glencheck pattern. It is worth paying attention to the design of the backsplash, countertops and islands in white marble.

Art Deco Geometric Kitchen Renovation

In a modern kitchen, any geometric ornaments are in favor, including in the decoration of various rooms and in combination with different materials.

Floor design in brown, black and white marble effect porcelain stoneware

The design of the floor, walls and ceiling in the interior should be interconnected. A professional interior designer selects all materials for the overall design of the kitchen set and at the same time creates an atmosphere in which the elements do not compete with each other for the right of superiority in aesthetics, but organically complement.

Marble floor with carpet ornament in black and white porcelain stoneware

In the photo above you see another beautiful example of a carpet patterned floor in white and black marble. This option effectively highlights the island in the central part of the room.

Luxurious polished floor in luxury kitchen design

A kitchen design with a black floor can be especially spectacular. We can recommend it for a luxury renovation in neoclassical, art deco or classicism style. Also, the black floor can be found in minimalism and loft, but in a more concise manner. In any case, the design of a kitchen with a dark floor is a very trendy solution. In the kitchen above, there is a sumptuous floor in luxury large-format ebony-effect marble-effect porcelain stoneware with light-coloured pine effect inserts.

Plain floor in marble effect porcelain stoneware without accents or inlays

For the design of the floor in a small kitchen, a light, almost monochromatic option is more suitable. Porcelain stoneware in light onyx, white or beige marble is the perfect choice.

Modern kitchen with gray white marble effect porcelain stoneware flooring

Gray white marble is another great option for both small and spacious kitchens. Usually such a finish does without additional decor and ornaments. It is the gray floor that is best suited for modern interiors.

Natural wood in the interior of the kitchen-dining room

Natural wood is not the most practical solution, but with proper care, you can easily afford such a design. True, you still have to choose between wood-effect porcelain stoneware, veneered engineered board, parquet and other popular options.

Parquet wood floor in kitchen design with island

The design of the floor in the kitchen with laminate is not the most practical solution. That's why we recommend wood look/parquet/laminate porcelain stoneware in the right design and color range for Italian cuisine.

Floor materials: tiles, stoneware, parquet

Next, we will look at several types of materials that are most often used in modern kitchen design. You can see examples of their use in the photo with our kitchens. We will show you the following options:

Modern kitchen wood look tile in walnut color

The design of the wood floor in the kitchen looks traditional and very cozy. The warm color scheme of this solution creates the perfect mood for a family interior.

Large format black marble look porcelain tile for kitchen floor

The design of the floor in the kitchen in marbled porcelain stoneware looks best in a large format. This solution looks especially luxurious if the wall design is made in the same style.

Gray ceramic parquet in minimalist kitchen floor design

Ceramic parquet on the floor imitates the presence of a natural wooden floor. Ceramic parquet usually does not have a square shape, but an elongated rectangular one, just like parquet boards.

Engineered veneer board in the interior of the kitchen-dining room

Engineered veneer board is ideal for the dining area. For more practicality, it can be combined with marble effect porcelain stoneware in the wet area.

Natural parquet in the interior of a European kitchen with a French mood

Natural parquet can be a chic solution for a luxury kitchen interior. There is also a more modern version of porcelain stoneware for parquet. Warm and grayish shades look the most fashionable.

Trendy terrazzo floor in concrete with natural stone inclusions

A terrazzo floor is a variant of a self-leveling floor or terrazzo floor tiles in kitchen interior design. This floor immediately attracts attention and looks very modern.

Self-levelling concrete effect floor for kitchen interior in loft style

Self-leveling floor under concrete is not the most popular solution, but one of the most exclusive. It is usually used for interiors in the loft and minimalist styles, because it goes well with the black furniture that is typical for these styles.

Floor color: dark, light, grey, white, black, beige

The colors of the floor design in the kitchen greatly affect the psychological perception of the interior. The light design of the floor in the kitchen visually enlarges the interior and makes it more tidy. At the same time, the design of the kitchen with a dark floor looks luxurious and luxurious. A kitchen design with a gray floor can be a neutral modern option. Whereas the design of a white kitchen with light floors will be the most relevant and concise. But the design of a kitchen with a brown floor can often be found in a classic or country-style interior.

Gray shades: ash, charcoal, smoky

The gray color scheme is very common, as the gray floor is a sophisticated and original solution in light colors.

White range: snow white, gray white, ivory, milky

The white palette in the design of the floor is most often found in white marble effect porcelain stoneware and bleached wood. This solution can be called universal, it fits almost any style of interior.

Brown floor: chocolate, coffee, walnut, wood

An excellent solution in design and decoration for interiors in neoclassical, classic and Scandinavian style!

Beige palette: light beige, creamy, antique, latte

The beige palette in interior design is usually found in classic and neoclassical styles. The combination of white with beige and gold looks the most elegant. In the photo above, pay attention to the multi-colored glass accents in the design of the chandelier and stained glass cabinets.

Black color scheme: black amber, onyx, licorice, peat

The black color scheme very often creates a glamorous mood in the interior. For example, black and white, black and brown, and black and gray palettes are now a favorite among interior designers. More complex combinations are possible, but in general, the use of a light background or furniture to compensate can be recommended.

Two-tone floor: combinations and shade combinations

A multi-colored floor can be a stunningly aesthetic solution for interior decoration. We can recommend dark colors only for light interiors or for very spacious ones. And light combinations can be used in any room.

Floor design in the kitchen-living room: examples of zoning

The kitchen-living room can have zoning elements in the floor design, which allows you to create an exclusive cozy interior. Zoning makes it possible to comfortably use each zone and create a unique atmosphere for it. The most common combination is marble and wood effect porcelain stoneware, as well as ceramic parquet and marble effect tiles.


Combination of wood and marble effect porcelain tiles in the design of the kitchen-living room with underfloor heating

The combination of wood and marble effect porcelain stoneware in the design of the kitchen-living room can be the best solution for separating two zones. For example, in the culinary and in the island area, you can use marbled decoration, and in the living room itself - under the tree.


Marble effect porcelain stoneware combination with dark perimeter black accent

The intricate porcelain stoneware finish with a black accent around the perimeter looks especially luxurious. The photo above is a perfect example of just such an art deco finish with a minimalist set. Gold accents beautifully accentuate this dark interior with natural marble countertops and backsplash.

Geometric greek carpet for central kitchen area

The “carpet” pattern is becoming more and more popular today, and in this interior with a mirrored apron and a gray ashy set, it looks especially harmonious. Check out the ceiling design with built-in lighting and art deco accent chandeliers above the island. This interior has a particularly refined atmosphere!


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