Hi there,

If you replace only the middle section, you'll be faced with the challenge of either matching the new tile to the existing tile or creating a new design.

Our suggestion is to get new flooring all together.

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yes i would if i hated the floor. a kind meant for a patio maybe.

You might also consider painting the grout lighter -- there are products made for that. The tile itself isn't too terrible, so if the grout lines were lighter, it would look more updated, and in fact that would deemphasize the patterned section too. That would probably be enough. I wouldn't try to replace the floor here unless I was going to gut and start over.

or at least *prepared* to gut and start over if the floor project went south.

I would definitely have a tile expert come to check it out. They may have an idea of how to use a concrete saw along the base of the cabinets in order to but the new tile up against the old. Note also that even if you had to keep the old tile under the "toe kick" it could be stained to closely match your new tile. In the end, you would know what had been done, but probably would not be discerned by guests. (Of course, you would chose your new flooring with staining in mind.)

Your photo is pretty low resolution so it is difficult for us to see the existing tile clearly. I honestly can't imagine that merely replacing the inset design could provide a cohesive fresh look.

Alternately, a kitchen-y area rug could cover up the inset and add snap!