I like both looks you have here, but they definitely are hard make work together. If you wanted to accommodate the floor, you could look at granite that pulls in alot of gold, but if your tastes run to contemporary and nothing else you choose is ever going to be rustic, there's no reason to try to work with the floor - deal with it until you can eliminate it. Paint and rugs or just ignoring it would both work.

Sorry, carnofitz, that floor has to go. What type of flooring is it? If it is tiled then they can be painted over after applying a special base coat as cmoore suggests. It will last a few years to give you time to save for something more permanent. I would suggest a grey shade.

Can't see much of your walls except for a small wall of green and a wall part russet that seems to match the floor. I would suggest painting all your walls that shade of green to reduce the starkness of the black and white.

Hi There -Virginia from A Cappella...interiors that need no accompaniment
Maniscalco Stone (maniscalcostone.com) makes a slate/glass/metal mosaic that would look great with your floor and stainless appliances. It's called Nambucca Slate Mosaic. You could also try FLOR carpet tiles to cover the floor or a portion of the floor. They have pet friendly versions and they're so easy to care for. I'm having a hard time seeing the cabinet hardware, but maybe changing that would enhance your new look as well.

What is the name and brand of your current floor?

I have green ceramic tile floor throughout my entire house. Search 'green tile floor' on Houzz. I got every answer like you. I chose to work with the tile and decor. Not easy, a challenge but do able. Good luck.

I've been thinking further about your project...the floor really is the one thing that needs updating to achieve the more open and cohesive look you are going for and you don't have to do countertops in the highest grade category. If it's cost you're concerned about - especially the labor - then perhaps you can do some of the work yourselves. I'd say a change in paint color for the walls is in order as well.

If modern is your goal, then I agree that the floor is the problem. Loved Cancork floors' floating stone silver solution!
It would allow you to keep your countertop/backsplash.

HOWEVER, if you KEEP the floor (which cannot be ignored) I suggest looking at Silestone 'Amarillo dream' mango coloured quartz counter (hard to tell from the photo, but it looks like it would reflect the yellow floor tile).... and look for a white, mango & red mosaic backsplash. Avoid a checkerboard pattern as that will compete with the floor .The white should be like the cabinet colour, the red & mango like the floor colour. WARNING! This will give you a rustic country look!

Sylvia O'Brien from Colour Theory / Canada

I like the floors and given your paint color choices, I think you like the burst of color too. How about darker counter tops - charcoal to black in whatever finish you desire or can afford. I would suggest you redo the backsplash with a simple tile in a stainless steel like finish but with bigger diamond shaped tiles so visually it doesn't compete with the floor but both finishes are strong enough to stand on their own with your bold floor. The current backsplash is as busy as the floor and the shape of the tile is too similar to the floor. Good luck!

I agree with those above. Your kitchen will never have a modern look with those rustic floors. The floating cork idea suggested by cancorkfloor (although a self serving comment) is in fact a good idea. It is reasonable in price,very durable and easy on the feet. It would pull your kitchen together and give you the contemporary feel you are looking for. You could leave the countertops for now and the kitchen would get a tremendous face lift by just eliminating the distracting floor.

Thanks for all the ideas and discussion. Thought I would add a bit more context: our home is a 1945 bungalow and the tile flows through most of the main level. We have oak floors and rounded doorways. The previous owners designed the home with a Scilian feel in mind (except the backsplash). We repainted a more neutral color to compliment our tastes. See the living room photos as an example.

Now, we are wanting to upgrade our kitchen and pull together a more consistent theme. We have grown to love the floors - the quality of the tile is great! They are definitely a rustic feel and the distressed look is their design, not wear. Of course, they won't appeal to everyone but perhaps the next owners will take on painting or replacing them. We don't expect to be more than 5 years in this home.

Here are some additional photos for consideration. We know we will maintain the rustic feel with the floors but are just hoping to come up with a more consistent vision for the kitchen.

The last photo is a color scheme and tile for consideration. Beige tiles with a slight sheen and dark quartz counter top (perhaps with hints of gold as suggested above)

Thanks!!

How about a stained concrete countertop that would be rustic and contemporary.

I personally think the kitchen looks great except that the backsplash fights the floor. You could also do a glazed mustard color morroccan subway tile backsplash that picks up the tile color and then put in an oiled soapstone or honed absolute black countertop or a concrete countertop as stated above. I personally like your floor it adds character to your kitchen and gives it a vintage look.

Hi carnofitz!
There's a lot of ideas and suggestions here for you to process, but I just thought I'd try and give you some more help with your kitchen. I do think that changing the backsplash along with the counters is a good way to go. The floors and backsplash just don't really work together. Most of the comments above suggest going dark with the counters, but I'm thinking that a white counter would look clean and modern, while allowing your floor and new backsplash to really be the center of attention. Silestone's White Zeus Extreme is pure white and really beautiful. My suggestion for the backsplash is to pick either the red or the yellow from the flooring, and use that as the main color for the backsplash. You could do a subtle mosaic using the same color tile in different finishes for a cool effect that plays with light in an interesting way. Our custom mosaic designer can help you create designs like this. Then I would consider using a lighter, uniform color on the walls to make the room seem bigger. Below are some paint color ideas and tiles from our site that would look beautiful. Good luck!

Definitely agree wit aniluap2. The backsplash is too busy, too modern, and competes with the floor. Keep the floor, keep the beagle. Simplify the backsplash . Cream or off-white subway tile ,consistent with the cabinet color, is a great and inexpensive choice.

Hi what a fantastic floor. I have recently adopted this style of flooring for a client with reclaimed tiles for there long but very enclosed hallway and went with both mid and light tones of grey. The contrast of walls and floor is very striking and gives the feeling of space. What ever you decide enjoy choosing
Gordon. GMR Inside and out.

Replace the floor not the back splash... It would really update the space , the cabinets are lovely and the back splash looks new and nice with your appliances...its better to go neutral with your more permanent finishes and add accent colors with accessories, especially when it comes to resale value.

Sorry I can see that you are becoming over whelmed with info so I would suggest you get two or three small pots of paint and find a colour that compliments your fixtures. Once you have this you can take this colour to all other areas of need such as counter tops and fixtures. This is by far the cheapest start and will give you a base to work from.
Gordon GMR Inside and out.

If it were me, and it is not, I would 86 the floor and keep the tile backsplash and existing counter. Then, because it sounds like cost is an issue at this time, I would save my money to replace the counter at a later date.

Doing this will unify the look and keep the modern feel that you like while you are waiting for your lovely counter tops.

I'm getting a Tuscan vibe from the floors. If you aren't going to be there long, the next buyer might appreciate the original features of the home. But save the MODERN look you want for the next house and pay tribute to the home's original style.
I would have the wall painted with venetian plaster and replace the modern backsplash.
I would chalk it up to experience.

like this

I agree. A complimenting colour will give you a fresh finish without breaking the bank.
Gordon GMR Inside and out.

I love that you're keeping the floor! I think there's a lot to be said for keeping the integrity of the home and not trying to look like every other house on your block.

Personally, I like the countertop color you have now. If you're changing to a different material, I think I'd shoot for that same basic color. At least I like the way it looks on my monitor! The suggestion of caesarstone baja I think is a great one.

To me, the backsplash is the issue. I like all of the red and gold mosaic tiles that have been suggested. I think I'd use either sparingly though - perhaps only as a large medallion over the range? Not sure what the rest of your kitchen looks like so it's a bit difficult to determine where a backsplash would be appropriate. While I think they'd be a great compliment to your floor, IMO it would be best in a small dose.

Less may be more in your case. Fewer attention grabbing surfaces and colors I think might give you a roomier feeling.

Judy M... appreciate Tuscan? it's sooo 90's ..

The room doesn't have to go Tuscan theme, but for resale, I don't feel most people will want a modern backsplash in a 1945 bungalow.
The poster is asking how to work the floor in and I offered an opinion, you're entitled to yours as well.

The challenge I'm having is there appears to be too much going on without a cohesive style. If we just look at the colour scheme, from my monitor it appears to have grey counters with metallic and black backspash and warm red and beige walls and off white cabinets with mustard and orange red floors. I like when a backspash pops OR the floor and counter pops but it is too much when the floor and back spash are busy. "Also I like the rule of only having 2 styles in a room and the second style is incorporated into 20% of the space. I feel like you want a real jazzy space and I would be inclined to try and work towards a contemporary retro based on your flooring otherwise I would change the floor. You could go tuscan but I understand you appear to want something current. Keep the back spash very neutral and pop the counter by repeating some of the colours that are in the floor. Change the backspash to blend with cabinets. I might also be inclined to paint the beige walls an off-white to match the cupboards because right now they just seem to be sitting in the kitchen and don't seem to be connected to anything. I think that will give you more of a focal point which is what appears to be missing. Best wishes.

By kitchen table and appliances is red on white What color should I do the Floor And the wall with Stainless

paint the floor

HI,
IT LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE A MEDIUM TONE GREEN WALLS, I LOVE THAT, BUT A SHADE LIGHTER COLOR IN MORE YELLOW WOULD POP MORE TOWARD THE MODERN AND WORK WITH THE FLOORS. DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A LARGE KITCHEN, SO HOW ABOUT DOING STAINLESS STEEL ON THE COUNTER TOPS AND MATCHING HARDWARE ON THE CABINETS. THEN IT IS MODERN AND THE BACKSPLASH WILL NOT BE A PROBLEM. MODERN ENOUGH FOR YOUR TASTE, AND YET RESERVED FOR RESALE CHARM. YOU CAN HAVE A SIMPLE MODERN WHITE BOWL
ON BREAKFAST TABLE WITH LIMES AND ORANGES AND MODERN PLACEMATS OR A RED RUNNER. THEN A SIMPLE MODERN PRINT TO PULL ALL YOUR COLORS TOGETHER ON THE BLANK WALL PERHAPS. THE DETAILS WILL UP YOU. BLACK, YELLOW, RED, OR STAINLESS PANS, AND SQUARE MODERN PLATES AND SHINNY SILVERWARE. MAKE IT CASUAL MODERN
WHERE YOU LIVE. RELAXED AND STILL FRESH AND CLEAN. HAVE FUN!

Just found a quartz brand called Zeti from Spain. They have a red quartz that is a deep blood red with soft shimmer imbedded. Maybe the red quartz could be your 60% color used on the counters and as a backsplash also, 30 % white (your cabinets) with the or 10% the yellow in the flooring. If you kept your hardware and light fixtures the same color as your appliances and removed the tan and red wall with a white, the eye would have a place to travel to that is restful. It's like a movie, they alternate intense scenes with calm, quiet scenes. Also Zeti is cheaper than Caesar Stone or Silestone, but the same quality, if you can find a granite yard that also carries this brand.

Judy M ... but how many buyers would want a tuscan tile floor and gold venetian plaster in their home? It would suite a 1945 bungalow so much better to just have a cleaner slate... and going back to classic styles always look better ... sorry to me tuscan is just a fad unless you are living in Italy. You loose value to your home when it has unusual finishes that are difficult to reno, but they are staying forever it doesn't matter. I would have a difficult time selling a house with that floor. Since they don't plan on staying it would benefit them to stain or glaze the floors a deep brown, neutralizing before the house goes up for sale.

Bygeorgi,
I appreciate your insight, but respectfully disagree. I do not see this room as Tuscan, I just see a piece of Tuscany in the floor colors.

Has this homeowner asked you to sell her house? I'm not sure a location of the home has even been mentioned, and people have different opinions about how a bungalow should look in different regions.
Have you missed the part where she mentions she wants to keep the floor?

I agree selling this home with this type of flooring in several rooms might be challenging BUT the poster bought the house with these floors, right?

I don't think challenging my opinion is appropriate. On an open forum, you get to state your opinion, I get to state mine. The poster is free is take our opinion or leave it.

Perhaps you need to embrace more design styles and understand how to encourage potential buyers how to make a charming home with what is there and then maybe your job of selling homes would be easier.

If the floor is staying, I like the suggestions of doing everything else white/cream. I know it's a matter of personal preference, but I love a very white kitchen. We are about to have the white zeus counters someone mentioned installed. I agree with the white or cream subway tile backsplash - maybe with a bit of a crackle or texture as opposed to the ceramic used in a bathroom to pick up some of the texture of your floor. You can always add a pop of the red or yellow with accessories. I would do a warm but light grey on the walls so that there is some contrast with your cabinets and moldings.

Wow! Thanks for all the feedback!

Tonight we viewed Hanstone Quartz in Victoria Grey and Alexandria. Trying to pick one for the counters. Thoughts??

Judy,, what color is that that you posted. I can use it also!

Tough call on Victoria vs Alexandria. Were you able to bring samples home? The Alexandria reminds me a lot of the current color of your counter - which I really like. The Victoria looks to have a bit of a salt and pepper feel with lighter spots which might be nice to pick up the lightness of your cabinets.

Overall, I think I'd go with the Alexandria providing it isn't any darker than what you currently have. It seems to be the closest to the grout color in your floor.

The floor tiles are the most appealing part of the kitchen. Stick with terra cotta or ochre accents, certainly NOT red and yellow. Sounds like it was originally designed as Spanish Revival.

I'm a late bird and haven't read all of the comments. But, I think you should "work around" the floor. It has sooo much character! Don't you love it? :)

giphotogal. I don't know the color. I picked it up by googling "venetian plaster". The color will read differently on computer monitors anyway. I posted it just as a representation of an approx color and painting technique that the poster might want to consider.

I love your floor! Just because its not beige or gray doesn't mean you can't work with it. This could be alot of fun to work with that floor tile if your tolerance for originality is there. Never apologize for your eccentricities and if you like the floor i think its worth saving. After all thats one of the most original floors ive seen in a kitchen and i've seen alot of them! Go to Syzygytile.com to look at some great art tile that would tie in beautifully with your floor and perhaps consider wood counters to finish that playful and chic look. Don't worry about your appliances being stainless . Stainless is the ultimate neutral and its in fact the stainless tile is what sucking the life out of your backsplash.

Our other color consideration is sandstone quartz. Would this lighter tone work better in our small space? With off white backsplash and walls.

I like the floor, the backsplash is competing with it. I would keep all other surfaces neutral and tonal and bring warmth in through the use of different textures the back slash a rustic subway mosaic in soft stone color grays the counters a shiny quartz again, in a soft grey or white with flecks of the other color.Walls I would do a faux finish (tea stained look) in a light earthy carmel to tie the floor in. also i could see a butcher block (wood )counter or a rustic concrete to bring the carmel tones from floor and use tonal grays everywhere else

Camofitz I think that is a good idea. If you keep the counter and back splash neutral so it blends with the cabinetry it will not compete with the floor and will tie in with rhe wood surfaces. There won't be as much going on, the floor will Stan out and make your kitchen even more stunning . You're on the right track.

You have a fun retro kitchen, don't make your counter top wimpy go with the gold that is in the floor. Go with Zonghistone! Color on top left.

I don't know if this is an option for you, but a kitchen I created using concrete for countertops and a faux tiled backsplash would allow freedom to pick your colors and look to blend in perfectly with your floors, with the added benefit of not having grout lines to ever clean or reseal. You can check out more pics in my photo book on my homepage. Hope this helps.

i am a buyer - commit to the red idea... those floors are ART... everything ELSE is framing it. What colors would you use in the FRAME? You have INDIA colors - type in INDIA and see what colors you can do - Intense Green and RED would make that floor POP. http://www.glasstileoasis.com/p-13070-Tutti-Frutti-Red-Glossy-Glass

http://www.glasstileoasis.com/p-14119-Haros-Red-Glossy-Ceramic

http://www.glasstileoasis.com/p-16631-Hibiscus-Red-Glossy-Iridescent-Glass

I was searching for something else this morning and came across a couple pieces of wall art. They seemed modern-ish to me and the colors made me think of this kitchen and that wonderful floor. I know you're not looking for wall art - but thought this might provide inspiration of some sort.

http://www.metal-wall-art.com/tangerine-blossoms-metal-sculpture.html
http://www.metal-wall-art.com/floral-persuasion-metal-art-pair.html

I would do a black (maybe with flecks) countertop and continue up the backsplash. It can go with any style, make the room appear a little larger (without all the stripes of cabinet,counter, cabinet, wall). I think it is a look that can certainly be contemporary OR traditional. It would all depend on how you decorate the room. Windows (no pic) maybe woven woods, or roman shades in contemporary pattern. Wall art??? But use at least one of the colors from the floor in an accent.

Hi all,

You've come up with some great solutions. I've got what i call 'contemporary country' style going on in my kitchen, which means I like modern and rustic worked to compliment and contrast each other.

I love your floor tiles and cabinetry but how about modernising the door furnture with stainless or chrome contemporary handles.

I've got similar cream cabinets and contrasted them with a brushed stainless steel benchtop. The back splash can then pull it all together with your choice of tile, and maybe use a highlight of chrome tile in the design, similar to the metallic tiles you currently have. You could play with rustic red tiles contrasted with chrome to tie the rustic and modern together.

Interestingly, I've found that using stainless steel for the bench tops is quite difficult to work with. The horizontal stainless steel absorbs light and can appear to be quite grey depending on the amount of light available. Unlike chrome which, sparkles and reflects light a lot more.

Am I the only one that noticed a repeat in checker board design between the floor and backsplash? Do they compete? A bit, but not as awful as it is being made out. The most opportunity to tie everything together lies in the cabinet handles/pulls.... Like a scarf that brings together the outfit. I will search for something that might work and post later. If you're only staying for a couple of years, why do major changes? I could envision a spice rack hanging on the backsplash to soften the look as well.
I'll be back with some photos of hardware...,,,,,

This may not quite be "the one", but something on this order: contemporary/artistic feel with color from the floor and silver http://houzz.com/photos/2058499