Struggling with kitchen tile flooring choices

last year

Hello, I am needing help from others who have a better eye for this sort of thing. Our on-the-small-side kitchen is stark white. Flooring, cabinets are glossy white with stainless appliances. Island top is a mainly dark walnut. We are planning on replacing the cabinet faces in the next couple of years but want to replace the white tile flooring now. I no longer can take the constant scrubbing that it requires. The flooring that butts up to the kitchen is dark hardwood flooring. We are really struggling to figure out a tile design and color that will look good now, as well as after we update cabinet doors later on.

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Comments (12)

PRO
McDonald Enterprises
last year
The room is crying out for wood flooring. Choose a medium wood flooring and unify the whole home.
RJ K
Original Author
last year
We have considered that but the tricky part is matching the hardwood that is on either side of the kitchen entrances. While they are roughly the same stain color, the orientation of the hardwood is different. one is the old part of the house, one is an add on the previous owners built. Our kitchen is a ”walk through” kitchen, meaning you have to walk through it to get to either side of the house. I don’t see how we can make the flooring match and flow correctly throughout.

I will try to add more photos to show what I am trying to say. I’m not sure I am explaining it in a way that’s understandable.
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RJ K
Original Author
last year

Additional photos of the hardwood/tile transitions into the kitchen. One has a step down from the kitchen into the family room.
RJ K
Original Author
last year
RJ K
Original Author
last year
RJ K
Original Author
last year
Anna Devane
last year
you should probably hold off on the floors until you’re ready to replace the cabinets. You probably need a neutral stone that plays well with both wood floors but don’t lock yourself into a floor that limits cabinet color choice. It should be done all together.
chispa
last year
Go with wood that match the existing wood floor.

It doesn't matter that it changes direction, you just use a transition strip.

I intentionally changed direction when you go into my master suite. There is a long hallway and I wanted the planks laid the long way with the hallway.
darbuka
last year
This^^^^

Wood is a snap to clean...goes with all cabinet styles and finishes…is never dated…and, your legs and back will thank you.
chinacatpeekin
last year
Wood, especially if it’s a walk-through kitchen. Changing direction is perfectly fine, as shown above.
dani_m08
last year
I also agree with running the wood in the kitchen. Without knowing what you will be doing in the future re: kitchen cabinets, I think it's difficult to select a tile now. Plus, running the same wood floor throughout the entire downstairs will flow better + make the space look larger.
RJ K
Original Author
last year
Thank you all for the feedback. After reading the replies, I tend to agree. I guess my knees and back will have to deal with the white tile floors for a while longer. Laying hardwood will look the best and make the space flow better. I do think it will require refinishing the existing hardwood to get a consistent color/finish. Unfortunately, that will be about 2,000 sqft to refinish since the entire first floor is hardwood (minus bathrooms). So, this little project is going to end up being a big project. Probably best to wait until we are ready to do the cabinets as well. Thanks again!