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The kitchen is the hub of the home where we hang out with family and friends to cook, chat, and socialise. Because of this, your kitchen flooring needs to be both beautiful and practical, standing as a focal point while withstanding everyday wear and tear.
So, if you’ve been searching for kitchen flooring ideas that are both stunning and functional, we’ve pulled together a guide filled with a variety of options. From LVT kitchen flooring ideas to textured vinyl and classic parquet looks, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also included tips and tricks for picking out the best flooring for your kitchen, ensuring it’s suitable for your needs.
1. Create a trendy look with Herringbone
One of the hottest trends in kitchen flooring right now is Herringbone. This classic design gives an elegant look that suits any kitchen style from modern to traditional. Herringbone’s zigzag pattern creates visual interest, and another benefit is that it comes in an array of different colours.
If you love the natural wood look, Herringbone flooring is available in real wood or engineered wood. But for a more durable and budget-friendly option, consider luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) or laminate, both of which can mimic the Herringbone pattern. LVT and laminate are also water resistant, making them perfect for your kitchen!
2. Add warmth with a rustic oak finish
For those who want a cosier feel in their kitchen, a rustic oak finish is the way to go. Oak flooring – especially in medium to dark tones – adds warmth and character, making it feel welcoming and lived in. This style works well with farmhouse or country-inspired kitchens but can also work if you’re hoping to add a touch of tradition into a more modern design.
Rustic oak finishes can be achieved with real wood or with more practical options like LVT, vinyl, or laminate. These give the look of oak, yet they are easy to clean and maintain.
3. Explore texture with vinyl
Searching for vinyl kitchen flooring ideas? Well, vinyl is a versatile option, offering different textures and designs that will add depth to your space. From marble to concrete and even stone effects, vinyl can mimic natural materials without the cost and maintenance.
Modern vinyl flooring is not only durable and water resistant but also soft and cushioned underfoot, perfect for those long hours spent in the kitchen. It’s a great option for homeowners who want to bring natural textures with an urban twist.
4. Create a contemporary finish with stone
Stone flooring is a sleek and modern option. Its cool, glossy surface looks great with dark kitchen units, creating a contemporary look that’s super chic. Whether you’re going for a minimalist design or an industrial-style kitchen, stone flooring will slot seamlessly into your space.
And if you’re looking for kitchen floor ideas on a budget, there are many options to get a stone finish without the expense or coldness of real stone. LVT and laminate can give you the same look, with the added benefits of warmth underfoot, easier installation, and lower costs.
5. Add character with classic parquet
For a kitchen that’s timeless and elegant, consider parquet flooring. Parquet’s geometric patterns like chevron or basket weave give sophistication that works well in open-plan kitchens. This type of flooring is not only perfect for the kitchen but can also flow into adjoining spaces like hallways or living rooms.
For a genuine finish, go for engineered wood parquet flooring. It gives the same natural look and feel as solid wood but with added durability and stability – perfect for high-traffic areas.
6. Achieve a sleek, glossy finish with LVT
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are a great option to get a sleek, glossy finish in your kitchen. Unlike other flooring options, LVT is designed to be waterproof and non-slip, making it practical and stylish. The durability of LVT can withstand the spills, mess, and heavy foot traffic that kitchens often get, all while maintaining a polished look. A glossy finish reflects light, making your kitchen look bright and airy, especially if you choose lighter wood effect designs.
Kitchen flooring styles
From traditional to modern and minimalist aesthetics, here’s a quick rundown of some kitchen floor ideas to suit the most popular styles:
Traditional
A country-style or traditional kitchen typically features panelled frontals, bright hues, and rustic features. For flooring, you’ll want to pick out something that complements this rusticity, with wood or stone-look options being ideal.
Brown engineered wood is a fantastic choice, creating an inviting atmosphere with its warm oak features. Integrate matching worktops and shaker cabinetry for the ultimate traditional look.
Ultra-modern
Whether you prefer stone-look or abstract patterns, LVT flooring is the perfect option for any ultra-modern kitchen. Sleek and durable, luxury vinyl tiles will instantly elevate your space.
While modern kitchens celebrate clean aesthetics, you certainly don’t have to shy away from colour. It can be fun to play around with vibrancy in a contemporary kitchen, perhaps laying some striking speckled sheet vinyl as a focal point instead?
Minimalist
If you’re looking to create a minimalist look, opt for flooring with more neutral tones (greys, whites, and light browns work well).
White engineered wood will give you the perfect minimalist base to accessorise as you wish. Just pair it with a monochrome colour palette and smooth matt cabinetry for a simple, elegant look.
What flooring is the best for kitchens?
When choosing kitchen flooring, practicality is just as important as style. Kitchens are busy spaces that get spills, heavy foot traffic, and occasional muddy paw prints, so it’s essential you pick a material that is durable.
LVT, vinyl, and laminate are all great choices, and we’ll dive into the pros (and cons) of each one below:
LVT
Luxury vinyl tiles are made up of five different layers, meaning they’re especially sturdy and great for high traffic areas. They are also much easier to clean than materials like hardwood, meaning kitchen spills can be mopped up with no lasting effect.
As with most flooring types, you’ll need to avoid sharp or heavy objects, and make sure to mop up any water as soon as possible.
Vinyl
Vinyl is another excellent choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens. You’ll be able to choose from an array of colours and effects, designing a space that is uniquely yours. What’s more is that vinyl comes in both cushioned and non-slip varieties, meaning that it’s safe and comfortable underfoot.
Again, you’ll need to be careful with heavy or sharp furniture around vinyl. We’d recommend securing felt pads on chair legs to avoid damage.
Laminate
Laminate is a cost-effective, low maintenance option, and it has the added benefit of being quick and easy to install. Comprised of multiple layers, laminate offers exceptional wear and tear resistance.
It is susceptible to damage when exposed to moisture for long periods of time, so make sure to quickly clean up any spills to avoid warping or staining.
What to consider when choosing new kitchen flooring
When choosing new flooring for your kitchen, you’ll need to consider both style and functionality. Your floor should match your existing décor, whether that’s the colour scheme, cabinetry, or materials, and also offer durability.
Have a think about the style you want to achieve—modern, rustic or somewhere in between—then choose a flooring option that fits your vision. Review the above ideas for inspiration and take your time choosing a flooring material that suits your style.
Ready to get started? Here at Flooring King, we stock a variety of fantastic options. From herringbone sheet vinyl to luxury vinyl tiles, when it comes to creating your dream kitchen, we’ve got the flooring covered.
And if you’re looking for something a little bit different, you can head over to our bathroom flooring ideas for tips on creating a stylish and practical space. From waterproof options to the latest trends, we’ve got plenty of ideas over on our flooring blog.
