The kitchen is the heart of every home. As one of the most heavily used spaces, the kitchen requires flooring that is both stylish and highly functional. With the rise of open concept floor plans, kitchen floors need to seamlessly flow into the living spaces while withstanding high traffic and messes.
The right kitchen floor brings together aesthetics and practicality while complementing the overall design scheme. With the wide range of materials and styles available today, choosing the perfect kitchen flooring can be an exciting yet overwhelming process. Stay ahead of the trends and consider factors like lifestyle, maintenance, and longevity when evaluating kitchen floor options.
Kitchen Flooring Trends
Kitchen flooring plays a pivotal role in interior design. It anchors the space and sets the tone for the room’s style. While white cabinets and marble counters may be the stars of the kitchen, the flooring frames these elements into a cohesive whole.
Over the past decade, kitchen floors have evolved dramatically. Drab linoleum and wall-to-wall carpeting are design faux pas today. Homeowners seek flooring that uplifts the kitchen’s beauty while withstanding its demanding needs.
This article will explore the most popular kitchen flooring trends taking over modern homes. From natural stone tiles to eco-friendly bamboo, we will cover both timeless classics and up-and-coming options. You will discover durable, on-trend floors to inspire your next kitchen remodel. Let’s dive into the materials and styles defining today’s kitchen floors.
Tile Flooring Trends
Tile reigns supreme as one of the most common go-to kitchen flooring options. Available in a vast range of styles, textures, patterns and colors, tile brings versatility and longevity to kitchen floors. Let’s look at the current trends in tile flooring:
A. Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles remain sought-after kitchen flooring. Their durability, easy maintenance, and water-resistance make them ideal for spills and messes. Modern tiles mimic natural stone, wood, and other textures at more affordable prices.
Popular ceramic and porcelain tile trends include:
- Large Format Tiles: Oversized tiles like 12×24 inches create a seamless minimalist look. Popular in modern and contemporary kitchens.
- Wood-look Tiles: Realistic wood-grain patterns like oak and walnut offer the beauty of hardwood with the resilience of porcelain or ceramic.
- Bold Patterns: Intricate Moroccan-inspired patterns, geometric shapes, and mosaics provide visual interest.
- Encouraging Textures: Concrete, stone, and terracotta-inspired tiles add depth and dimension.
- Warm Tones: Earthy hues like beige, brown, and terracotta match natural wood and stone textures.
B. Natural Stone Tiles
For timeless elegance, natural stone tiles bring unparalleled quality to kitchen floors. Granite, marble, travertine, slate, and limestone make up the primary options.
Although higher in price, natural stone tiles offer unique benefits:
- Rich patinas, depth, and character impossible to replicate
- Ageless, classic aesthetic perfect for traditional kitchens
- Can be honed or polished for different finishes
- With proper sealing, resistant to staining and etching
Marble remains highly coveted for its beauty but requires sealing to prevent etching. For a more durable option, granite brings resilience along with its bold, natural patterns. Travertine offers an Old World Mediterranean flair, while slate provides an edgy industrial vibe.
C. Accent Tiles
Strategically placed accent tiles provide personality. Contrasting patterns, textures, and colors on a backsplash or decor tiles scattered across the floor infuse artistic flair.
Try these popular accent tile ideas:
- Metallic tiles in brass, copper or silver for glamour
- Handmade subway tiles or mosaics for vintage charm
- Geometric black and white tiles creating visual impact
- Colorful Moroccan tiles connected in an eye-catching design
Accent tiles allow you to play with shape, color and sheen while keeping most of the floor clean and minimalistic.
Hardwood Flooring Trends
Hardwood floors reveal elegance and a subtle charm that never goes out of style. As the preferred flooring for formal dining rooms for centuries, hardwood seamlessly bridges into today’s open concept kitchens and living spaces. Let’s explore the latest trends in hardwood kitchen floors:
A. Wide-plank Hardwood Floors
Wide-plank hardwood floors with boards 5-8 inches wide create a dramatic, spacious look. The expansive feel makes the kitchen appear larger. Staggered widths and random lengths add natural character.
Wide planks highlight the wood’s grain patterns, knots, and color variations. This sculptural floor pairs well with exposed beams and natural light. Durable species like oak and hickory withstand heavy use.
B. Gray Hardwood Floors
Gray stained hardwood brings an on-trend weathered appearance to kitchens. The muted color provides a calm, relaxed vibe in cottage, farmhouse or industrial spaces.
Fumed or smoked oak, along with gray-hued species like ash, maple and hickory suit this trend. Multiple coats of matte polyurethane seal the pale color.
C. Character-grade Hardwood
Character-grade hardwood with pronounced grains and natural imperfections reflects authentic craftsmanship. The floor’s nicks, knots, and color variations display the unique story of the wood.
Traditional species like hickory, oak, and walnut serve well. The planks are ideal for refinishing, which reveals even more character over time. This genuine hardwood works for both modern and rustic designs.
D. Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of solid wood with added stability. Multiple layers of plywood or hardwood are topped by a solid wood surface layer.
More suitable for kitchens than solid hardwood, key advantages include:
- Increased durability and dent-resistance
- Stability under temperature changes
- Can withstand moisture better
- Allows for concrete subfloor installation
With modern manufacturing, engineered wood replicates patterns, grains, and textures as the real deal. More affordable exotic woods like Brazilian cherry and acacia become options.
Other Emerging Flooring Trends
Beyond classic tiles and hardwood, several modern flooring alternatives better suit budgets or design aesthetics. Let’s look at other trending kitchen flooring options making an impression.
A. Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) replicates the look of natural materials at a fraction of the cost. Mimicking hardwood, stone, and concrete, quality LVF proves extremely durable. With technology that allows patterns to extend across planks, LVF appears amazingly realistic.
Pros of luxury vinyl flooring:
- Easy DIY installation, no glue required
- Dent-resistant and waterproof
- Comfortable underfoot
- Extensive style and color options
- Cost-effective alternative to natural materials
B. Vinyl Wood Plank Flooring
Specifically mimicking hardwood’s color variations, knots, grains, and texture, vinyl wood plank flooring offers homeowners a budget-friendly option. Models with attached underlayments allow for DIY, floating installation.
Although prone to scratches, vinyl planks bounce back better than laminate flooring. Their waterproof construction provides peace of mind for busy kitchens. Just be sure to choose thicker wear layers for improved durability.
C. Sheet Vinyl
Sheet vinyl comprises an affordable, resilient flooring option. With custom patterns and colors, sheet vinyl sets itself apart from vinyl tiles. It offers a seamless, easy-clean installation.
While prone to gouges and fading, sheet vinyl works well for rental units and temporary installations. Bold geometric and retro motifs add playful flair. New rigid core offerings provide enhanced performance.
D. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring’s attractive pricing and easy installation make it another popular kitchen flooring alternative. Laminate mimics wood or tile floors by fusing photographic layers underneath a clear protective top layer.
Although laminate floors scratch and swell with excess moisture, new technologies improve their durability and resistance. Models with attached underlayments install quickly as floating floors.
Overall, laminate works best in low-moisture kitchens or as temporary flooring during a remodel. Just beware lower-quality options.
E. Concrete Flooring
For an edgy, urban vibe, exposed concrete floors create an industrial feel. The raw, imperfect surface highlights the room’s textures. Staining or polishing concrete boosts the shine.
Concrete’s pros include:
- Inherent durability and longevity
- Seamless, minimalist look
- Neutral backdrop that highlights decor
- Can be heated for warm underfoot feel
- Provides great contrast to wood cabinets and stainless appliances
Just beware concrete can crack, feels hard underfoot, and requires resealing. Rugs and anti-fatigue mats increase comfort.
F. Bamboo Flooring
As an eco-friendly flooring option, bamboo offers unmatched sustainability. It regenerates rapidly without need for replanting. Strand-woven bamboo boasts exceptional strength, rivaling even oak hardwood.
True bamboo flooring pros:
- Made from abundantly renewable grass
- Harder and more moisture-resistant than oak
- Contemporary visual perfectly suiting modern kitchens
- Available in various stains to mimic other wood species
Bamboo does cost more than basic hardwoods but proves more budget-friendly than exotic species. Just confirm floors come from reputable manufacturers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Flooring
With this wide spectrum of options, settling on the perfect flooring requires careful evaluation of your needs and priorities. These important considerations will guide you in determining the ideal floor for your kitchen.
A. Traffic and Durability
Kitchens endure heavy daily use. From foot traffic to spills, the floor must withstand wear and tear. High-durability options include:
- Porcelain, ceramic or natural stone tile
- Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and exotic species
- Luxury vinyl and vinyl wood plank
- Polished or stained concrete
Evaluate the hardness of materials on the Janka hardness scale. Also inspect wear layers for vinyl flooring.
B. Moisture Resistance
From overflowing sinks to frequent mopping, kitchen floors confront substantial moisture. Materials like tile, vinyl, and seamless sheet flooring resist water damage through their non-porous nature or waterproof coatings.
Avoid natural materials like hardwood and bamboo in damp basements. Evaluate manufacturer warranties regarding moisture as well.
C. Ease of Cleaning
Kitchen spills and messes demand floors that are easily cleaned. Smooth, non-porous surfaces prevent stains from setting in. Hot water and detergent easily clean floors like ceramic, porcelain, vinyl, and polished concrete.
Softer woods show scratches, dents, and water rings. Finishes like polyurethane make hardwoods more stain-resistant. Textured floors like slate and grouted tiles require more intensive scrubbing.
D. Noise Reduction
Kitchen commotion multiplies with echoing floors. Materials like hardwood, tile, and laminate amplify noises from appliances, utensils, and footsteps.
Options like luxury vinyl, vinyl plank, and cork provide sound dampening. Even adding area rugs over hard surfaces softens acoustic reverberations.
E. Style and Aesthetic
Ultimately, your kitchen’s floor must align with your interior design vision. Is a sleek, contemporary look punctuated by stark concrete your style? Or does a cozy farmhouse kitchen with well-worn oak planks better suit your tastes?
Ensure the texture, color, and style of the flooring complements the cabinets, counters, appliances, and decor. Visit showrooms to view products to ensure the true color and finish meet expectations.
F. Cost Considerations
From a few dollars per square foot for sheet vinyl to $15+ per square foot for marble, kitchen flooring costs span the spectrum. Measure your space and develop a realistic flooring budget.
Factor in professional installation costs if not doing it yourself. Also consider long-term maintenance – some floors last decades while others require replacement in under 10 years.
G. DIY vs Professional Installation
Many homeowners opt to install luxury vinyl plank, laminate, and other floating floors themselves. The advent of interlocking systems with attached underlayments eased DIY installation.
Professional expertise proves essential for natural stone, concrete staining, and traditional hardwood installation. Sometimes pros save costs on customized cutting and materials. Evaluate if DIY provides sufficient quality and warranty coverage.
Integration of Flooring Trends in Kitchen Design
Beyond choosing quality flooring, thoughtful design integration allows you to maximize both function and aesthetic impact. Use these tips to let your new floors become a seamless part of an holistic kitchen space.
A. Match Flooring to Kitchen Style
Traditional kitchens often feature classic hardwood floors and stone tiles with traditional patterns. Contemporary spaces allow you to be daring with polished concrete, bold patterns, and unorthodox shapes.
Ensure flooring aligns with the kitchen’s overall look and style. Pay attention to coordinating or contrasting with cabinetry, hardware, counters, backsplashes, and lighting fixtures.
B. Use Flooring to Define Spaces
Distinct flooring designs help delineate kitchen zones. For example, place wood planks in the main kitchen then transition to tile in the mudroom area. Slate flooring defines a hearth kitchen sitting space.
Using flooring transitions to outline spaces controls messes and provides visual organization. Just be sure to allow for adequate transition strips between flooring types.
C. Unify Open Concept Kitchens
For seamless flow in open concept spaces, choose continuous flooring throughout the kitchen, living, and dining rooms. Wide plank hardwoods or large format tiles create fluidity.
Match floor color tones and finishes to prevent disjointed transitions between rooms. Area rugs define spaces while keeping the open floor plan cohesive.
D. Consider Sightlines
Pay attention to angles and sightlines in the kitchen space. Avoid jarring visible seams or awkward flooring layouts. Stagger planks and tiles for smoother flow.
Likewise, choose plank direction based on kitchen shape – horizontal planks widen a narrow galley kitchen. Diagonal or herringbone patterns add visual motion.
E. Incorporate Texture and Color
Add interest by interspersing materials with contrasting textures and colors. For example, pair a smooth tile backsplash with rough slate floors. Strategic use of texture prevents monotony.
Similarly, bold floor colors like navy blue make fixed elements like white cabinets pop. But limit overly busy patterns and competing hues. Let floors enhance, not distract.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Increasingly, homeowners value sustainability along with style. Eco-friendly kitchen flooring comes from responsibly harvested sources, contains recycled content, and avoids harmful chemicals.
A. Wood Flooring Certifications
Reclaimed wood offers sustainability by reusing antique structures like barns. Responsible forestry standards include:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Ensures environmentally responsible forest management.
- SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative): Third-party certification for sustainable North American forests.
- CERFLOR: Regulates legally sourced Brazilian timber.
These distinctions confirm newly harvested wood comes from ethically managed forests.
B. Eco-conscious Resources
Flooring containing recycled content reduces landfill waste. For example:
- Cork flooring: Made from recycled cork oak tree bark.
- Marmoleum: Contains recycled linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour.
- Rubber flooring: Repurposes recycled tires.
Using easily renewable resources like bamboo rather than rare rainforest woods also promotes sustainability.
C. Low VOC Installation
Many flooring adhesives contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that negatively impact indoor air quality. Alternatively, low-VOC and non-toxic installation options exist for health-conscious homeowners.
Plus, eco-friendly flooring often lasts longer and requires less replacement over time. This durability leads to less waste and saves costs.
Conclusion
The array of kitchen flooring options today provides endless possibilities to design your ideal space. Striking the perfect balance between elegant and durable, contemporary and timeless, or budget-friendly yet high-performing becomes attainable.
Keep resale value in mind, but most importantly let your flooring enhance how you interact with your kitchen. Cooking and bonding with family and friends will create lifelong memories on these floors.
Whether you seek sleek porcelain planks, cozy oak wood, or seamless concrete, the right kitchen flooring brings together comfort and style. Allow these on-trend options to inspire you the next time you think about refreshing your home’s heart with new floors.
FAQs
What are the well-known kitchen flooring choices?
Famous kitchen flooring choices incorporate hardwood, tile (earthenware, porcelain, normal stone), extravagance vinyl boards (LVP), and concrete. Each enjoys its extraordinary benefits, like strength and style.
Are hardwood floors a decent decision for kitchens?
Indeed, hardwood floors are an immortal decision for kitchens. They make a warm climate and can keep going for quite a long time with legitimate consideration. Be that as it may, they require an underlying venture and can be powerless to scratches and dampness-related issues.
Why pick tile flooring for the kitchen?
Tile flooring particularly fired and porcelain, is sturdy, water-safe, and simple to clean. It comes in different styles, shapes, and materials, making it a flexible decision for kitchens.
What are the advantages of extravagance vinyl boards (LVP) in kitchens?
LVP is waterproof, tough, and emulates the vibe of normal materials like hardwood or stone at a lower cost. It’s not difficult to introduce, pursuing it is a well-known decision for Do-It-Yourself projects, and requires insignificant upkeep.
Is substantial ground surface appropriate for kitchens?
Indeed, the substantial deck can give a modern stylish focus on present-day kitchens. It’s adaptable, strong, and can be stained or painted in different tones. Appropriate upkeep, including standard cleaning and resealing, guarantees its life span.