pcmom1 French traditional....how about some sort of stone on the floor?

I imagine you plan on replacing the light that is over your island with something different.

michigammemom Before you invest in new cabinet fronts, consider updating the hardware instead; something with an Old World patina rather than shiny brass. Also consider a wrought iron fixture above you island, some toile curtains at the window and a few French Country accessories to add the character that is lacking. Running your oak floors to the kitchen and dining area will immediately remove the contemporary edge from your bright and cheerful kitchen.

amlocher Thank you for your comments!

There is absolutley nothing wrong with tile mechanically speaking, it just isn't my taste. It is a very small tile on the floor, that expands into 2 rooms, I feel ike all the grout lines make the flooring very busy. It is a 6x6 commercial grade tile, reminds me of McDonalds floor tile except in gray.

I was thinking of slate. Either real or porcelain look a like in a large versailles pattern. I was going to use the flooring to introduce color (love yellow and blues like in an imperial susnset slate) but I am hesitant.

pcmom1 Perhaps before the expense of tearing out the floor, just see how you feel about it after some of it is covered up. Add that large round rug under your table with the colors you like (look at Home Decorators and Rugs Direct).

Also look at Ballard Designs. They have a great mat (gel?) that would look great in front of your sink. It is made to look like a chalkboard menu you would see outside a bistro, "Menu du jour" etc. written on it.

Above posters are right. You may not even see floor (nothing wrong with it) after your drapery, rugs, accessories are in place. Take that money you would have spent on the floor and go to France (to hunt for great accessories!).

Shannon Ggem ASID- Ggem Design Co LLC What a fantastic starting point you've got! I think some quatrefoil or arabesque tile flooring would be gorgeous, or pull the oak throughout. Bathroom

I specify wood for the kitchen with some regularity and clients love it- it's soft underfoot, helps deaden sound, you just need to have a plan if the waterline to the fridge leaks, etc. People will warn you about wood, you should hear our and heed the warning by being prepared. Buy some extra material and be clear that you need your stain formula kept on file just in case.

Woodinville Retreat

It's fun to see the hinges, it gives it an old world feel, and I just don't see it often enough! Perhaps just upgrade the hinges and knobs.

These are gorgeous. http://www.gerberhinge.com/product/hinges/brassFrenchMort.htm

And some upgraded, gorgeous knobs

http://www.gerberhinge.com/product/knobs/brassKnob1.htm

Brass is coming back with a vengeance, and it's lovely to incorporate into a french feel, of course!

A Light fixture over the island will be a fun focal point I still love that gold!
French Bead Chandelier


Good luck, it's so wonderful to customize your home!

artsyphartsy_home_maker Yours is a very nice cheerful looking kitchen. I agree with others, the floor is nice & isn't bad at all. {We too are planning a future kitchen redo one day. We have horrid burgundy brick look vinyl -eeek! From 1979 eeek! Check out my ugly floor pic} I understand your dislike of too many grout lines. I like your idea of wood flooring, it would ceritanly warm up the space and add some natural variation in tones/ texture. It will contrast the cabinets & diminish the look of so many squares.

betsyweisberg

Run the hardwood thru for continuity.

yvesun I love your kitchen! A little tweaking and it will look fantastic!
I would replace the nobs with stainless ones. Add stainless & glass cabinet doors on the wall oven side of the room on the upper cabinets, and hang a blue & white toile Roman blind over the window. I love grey slate floors and a sparkling light fixture over the island would look fab!

Dytecture Hi amlocher, I believe some new hardware, backsplash, and flooring as you mentioned will be enough to update this kitchen which as great bones to begin with.

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. I would run the hardwood all the way through. I agree with you about your existing floor, it does look commercial. Use runners with your hardwood floors to add color and soften the look. Any floor has to be maintained, hardwood is no different. Be careful to dry up drips, especially around the sink and dishwasher. Update your lighting by adding pendant lights over your island and switch out hardware. Hope that helps.
Charmean Neithart