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danielle_bansfield

We have tried our best to keep our light colored, hardwood floor dry b

4 years ago

We have tried our best to keep our light colored, hardwood floor dry but it's impossible around the kitchen sink and dishwasher (which started leaking). Now there is extensive water damage and we need to replace it but can't afford it. I've seen some beautiful design photos where they mix tile and wood floorings in kitchens with tile around the "wet" areas. I would like to do that and replace the damaged hardwood with tiles. The problem is we have a patterned multicolored Mexican tile as the backsplash. So that rules out patterned tiles but also makes it difficult to choose a colour. I'm thinking it's best not to add more pattern or bold colours. The pictures of mixed flooring always have contrasting colours and or patterns. I'm at a lost as to what tiles would look good. Please help!

Comments (12)

  • 4 years ago

    When our dishwasher leaked and damaged hardwood our homeowners insurance covered it. Just a thought. We have a small runner in front of our sink that seems adequate to catch any drips/splashes from the sink.

  • 4 years ago

    Was going to suggest a runner too. Your kitchen is beautifully done. I love the tile. Really all of it actually

  • 4 years ago

    @Angela Zuill you mean like a regular rug? I doubt that will be enough to prevent further damage with us. Water ends up on the floor while hand washing dishes and even though I try to remember to always dry up afterwards my husband doesn't always remember or do it thoroughly. I think it will be easier on us all to just replace the wood in front the sink and dishwasher with tile. Besides I'm worried about possible mold infestation starting.

  • 4 years ago

    how about getting octagon tile. I love this look:









  • 4 years ago

    How do you keep the counters so pristine? Hardwood should not be an issue unless you are flooding it daily. I would not choose that tile it will compete with your backsplash.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    First you home owners insurance should have covered this issue. As for water damage honestly with a DW there should barely any hand washing to be done and a small mat would take care of any water from that. As for the DW leaking that would be an issue with any kind of floor. Tles floors get damage underneath in a flood . I think to try and combine the wood with the tile will just not look right and mold will grow anywhere. IMO the pics above as interesting as they are look like you ran out of material. I would just replace the wood that is damaged and honestly teach hubby to use the DW if he can’t clean up.. Your kitchen is really nice with that tile you have IMO let it be the star.

  • 4 years ago

    It's such a nice kitchen that it would be a shame to do that mixed floor thing. Fix the hardwood and put down a rug or tear it all out and do it all in talavera tile picking the color(s) from your backsplash.



  • 4 years ago

    Is the floor not sealed? We have hardwood floors and when anything gets spilled it just sits on top due to the polyurethane.

    Honestly, I would find it pretty painful to stand on tile for any length of time, just a thought if either of you have foot or back issues.

    Love your backsplash and counters!

  • 4 years ago

    I like the kitchen. If you’re going to do tile, I’d go with a dark blue from the backsplash tile. That still gets you some contrast without having a pattern that fights with the backsplash.

  • 4 years ago

    @Melissa R I was thinking of something like this but I'm worked it would still clash with the busy backsplash. I notice the backsplashes in all the pictures with mixed flooring are very neutral/white.

  • 4 years ago

    I agree with @Muriel Thompson - I think a dark blue from the backsplash (large format/non-contrasting grout) would provide a nice contrast with the cabinets yet be "neutral" enough not to fight the pattern.

  • 4 years ago

    A blue, gold, or orangeish floor wouldn't be busy. It would just highlight the awesome backsplash. Many of the Mexican/talavera manufacturers make solid color tiles in the the same glazes as the patterned tiles--see if yours does and get some samples. It would be so very nice. Even if you did the creamy white from your tile (which would be less fun but still not bad), using the same style of tile would pull it together nicely.


    (Consider a border. You can do so much with this stuff.)


    Squishy floor mats for those with bad backs/feet. C'mon, we're talking the best of all tiles here. If we have to make accommodations for it, so be it.