Add strength and style to the heartbeat of your home.

Photo: Maggie Griffin Design

Thinking ofremodeling your kitchen?

The best place to start is with your floors.

kitchen with shiny hardwood floors

Credit:Photo: Maggie Griffin Design

Picking new kitchen flooring requires more than going with whatever fitsyour cabinetry color.

We discuss how the client works in the kitchen, says Griffin.

We ask how is the flow [to the rest of the home]?

kitchen with wood flooring and wood island

Credit:Maggie Griffin Designs

Are there multiple cooks?

Do they even cook at all?

If your homedoesinclude animals or small children, Carson says engineered flooring might not be the best choice.

white kitchen with black wood flooring

Credit:Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper

Engineered flooring scratches easily.

Your next best alternative is tile.

Floors are an investment to make with longevity in mind.

white kitchen with dark natural hardwood floors

Credit:Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

With that said, another factor to consider is the style.

So what makes this a better choice than the real thing now?

The main difference is water-resistance.

light kitchen with stone tile flooring

Credit:Photo: Nancy Nolan

Engineered floors are more water-resistant than hardwood floors, which can make them last longer in this room.

With hardwood being Carsons first best option, she says tile is a close second.

Not to mention, compared to hardwood and engineered options, tile isnt absorbent.

white wash kitchen with white floors

Credit:Photo: Barnes Vanze Architects

Plus, its waterproof.

This flooring throw in produces a speckled visual with the combination of marble chips and cement.

Terrazzo floors offer the highest durability since they are completely waterproof and not susceptible to scratches or breaks.

cozy kitchen with large stone terrazzo floors

Credit:Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Bring in another natural elementstoneto your tiles for a calming design.

This design is reminiscent of shiplap and makes the room brighter.

This unison design still makes the room feel elegant and sleek with the addition of black countertops.

white kitchen with black and white checkered flooring

Credit:Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Consider using a pattern for your hardwood flooring.

This design features a simple hardwood placed into a herringbone pattern that completely elevates this space.

Bring In Brick

HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; STYLING: CHRISTINA WRESSELL

Beautiful brick is back.

kitchen with brick walls, island, and light terrazzo flooring

Credit:Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Paige Mullins

Explore the traditional farmhouse style by incorporatingbrick flooringinto your kitchen.

These low maintenance floors are extremely durable and easy to clean.

Who says you’re able to’t paint your floors?

all light wood kitchen

Credit:Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

This cost-effective option can actually protect your wood floors and is easier to maintain than stained wood.

Go For Concrete

Concrete flooring may sound intimidating, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.

Explore your dark and moody side with sleek concrete floors.

rustic kitchen with natural wood ceiling beams and hardwood flooring

Credit:Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey

Butler’s pantry with striped ceiling

Credit:Erica Dunhill

Kitchen with Chevron Wood Flooring

Credit:Getty Images

McNeill Family Home, Breakfast Room

Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; STYLING: CHRISTINA WRESSELL

2021 Idea House Kitchen with Painted Floors

Credit: Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins

In the Dark

Credit: Designer Amy Studebaker, Photographer Alise O’Brien