Step Lively with These Kitchen Flooring Trends

With all the attention lavished on kitchens these days - state of the art technology, hand carved cabinetry, and pro grade utensils - skimping on the essential elements just won't do. The eccentricity of a Viking range sitting on old-school linoleum is not stylish. However, the bohemian mix-and-match runway trends also apply to the kitchen. Seek flooring which compliments other components of the room by contrasting, not matching. There are many chic, yet classic, flooring options.

The Mediterranean Kitchen

To maximize the impact of the popular Old World style kitchen, invest in rustic flooring that brings the outdoors in. Designers currently desire oversized tiles, as large as 24 x 24", in natural materials. For best effect, tiles are laid tightly, with no visible grout lines. Italian ceramic, marble, stone, and terracotta tiles offer timeless fashion. Finishes are buffed instead of polished. The feel of an al fresco Tuscan café can be achieved through the patina of pre-worn ceramics. Unglazed terracotta feels fabulous on bare feet. Travertine tumbled marble tiles help bridge antique and contemporary design. In creamy beige and buttermilk shades, they work equally well with light or dark cabinetry. Marble slab countertops can be paired with a marble tile floor if broken up with beautiful wood. Dark woods look rich against milk or light sage floors; light woods give an airier tone-on-tone feel. Let the flooring flow out of the kitchen and into other rooms. Continuing the tile into the living area, or even patio, will open up a smaller space.

The Contemporary Chef's Kitchen

In a polar trend comes the clean style of a professional kitchen. If appliances are stainless steel, opt for sleeker flooring, too. Mere parquet won't cut it. Even in a modern kitchen, the natural look prevails. Old World meets New Age with long plank flooring. Exotic hardwoods, especially dark woods, are the most coveted. Choose cherry, mahogany, or Brazilian walnut. Professionals, chefs and designers both, put emphasis on quality basics. Real wood flooring, hand-scraped, beats vinyl hands-down.

The Country Kitchen

Take the kitsch out of country. Provence-inspired kitchens should look more French than farm. Porcelain tiles, matte or lightly polished, are fashionable as well as functional. The color goes all the way through porcelain tile, so any chips are less likely to show. Authentic French roof tile will also offer romantic rusticity, but brick-patterned laminate is a more affordable option. With a return to brighter wall and cabinet colors, keep flooring in warm neutral tones.

The Modern Minimalist

Home fashion is getting homemaker friendly. Concrete, laminates, and cork floors are the hottest trends. Properly sealed painted concrete is maintenance free. Cork brings both warmth and a high-tech finish. It's remarkably durable and helps dampen noise. Laminates are scuff resistant, and will lay over existing flooring. A floating cushion between the old and new layers adds comfort.

Whatever style you desire, invest in the best floor you can afford. As the kitchen quickly becomes the hub of social gatherings, attractive high-performance flooring improves time on your feet.