In need of new ideas to make your kitchen flooring just that little bit more interesting? We’ve put together 10 looks that are sure to inspire impactful, characterful schemes.

From playful terrazzo to bordered terracotta and full-on timber, read on to find your new favourite flooring design and get your kitchen moodboard going…

Chic herringbone

Also known as parquet, herringbone flooring is set to remain a classic for years to come. When used with wooden planks, it adds another layer of texture, interest and warmth – as demonstrated in this kitchen by Herringbone House, showcasing its Westminster-style cabinetry, painted in the brand’s Friday Night Green.

For more depth, combine your herringbone floor with other textures or patterned surfaces, from marble worktops to antique mirrored splashbacks.

Lived-in limestone

Dense and resilient, limestone flooring is the perfect choice for high-traffic areas, and it pairs beautifully with many different styles of kitchen, from traditional to country-chic. Here, it’s helping emphasise the industrial design of this kitchen by The Main Company.

Its tone also matches the light brick wall, while, at the same time, contrasting the rustic cabinetry and stylish, matt black worktops.

Colour vs concrete

For a seamless, wall-to-wall finish, poured concrete flooring is the ideal choice, especially for open-plan spaces. It can also be laid with underfloor heating, so it won’t feel cold during the chillier months.

While its porous nature makes it susceptible to staining and marking, it showcases unique charm and durability – and, like marble, it develops a unique patina over time. Thorough sealing will provide effective protection against stains, while polishing is a great way to both enhance aesthetic value and increase its lifespan.

Subtle terrazzo

If you’re looking for something fun but subtle, then why not add a discreet pattern to your floor, and give it a bit more texture. The terrazzo design used in this kitchen by Wood Works Brighton is made of colourful speckles which make for a fun little detail.

The cheerful colours also work well with the oak island and the pink, green and salmon wall tiles. The pops of red and egg yolk yellow further add to the whimsical scheme.

Bordered terracotta

The herringbone laying pattern doesn’t just work with wood. Terracotta is rapidly rising in popularity, and it works wonders in this style, as it is “warm and welcoming, rich and rustic,” says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra. She also suggests adding a border around it, to give it a fresh perspective.

“One look we are loving is parquet plus edging,” she says. “Use the very same rectangular tile but laying it horizontally around the perimeter to create a subtle border. Make it as thick as you like – two tiles deep is a nice number, but the thicker you go, the more of a statement you’ll make.”

Clay-like porcelain

Porcelain’s affordability, durability and versatility make it highly desirable in renovation projects right now, especially as, thanks to advanced printing technologies, it can replicate the look of natural stone and real wood, offering a more practical and budget-friendly alternative to the real deals.

Here, the rosy-hued Marmorino porcelain tiles by Claybrook replicate a clay-like, plastered finish. Use them on both wall and floor in different tones for a wholesome feel – they all look like they’ve been created with natural pigments and compounds making for a washed appearance, but they’re just as practical and durable as porcelain.

Kitchen stripes

If you want to make your floor pop but without it feeling overwhelming, pale-coloured stripes are a good place to start. In this nature-inspired kitchen by The London Kitchen Company, biophilic design meets industrial elements, balanced by the addition of square floor tiles covered in diagonal stripes.

Match the stripes to your walls’ hero shade, add in a geometric splashback, and you’ve got yourselves a fun, harmonious scheme.

Cosy cork

Sustainable interiors are always a good idea, so how about an eco-floor? Cork is an excellent ‘green’ choice, which also makes for a super-comfy surface – and in Hølte’s Ellison Road project, it was just the neutral element needed to make the rest of the design shine.

Fiona Ginnett, co-founder and director of Hølte, says, “Cork’s natural resilience provides a cushioned surface, ideal for kitchens where extended standing is common. Its cellular structure resists moisture, mould and mildew.”

Nuanced checkerboard

When it comes to tiling, checkerboard is the easiest way to make your floor stand out. Try it in a colourway other than the classic black and white, for a bit of flair.

Timber drenched kitchen

You don’t have to live in the Cotswolds to cover your home in wood – besides, timber-clad kitchens such as this one by Evie Willow are everywhere you look at the moment. Start with the floor and match it with a timber ceiling and wood furniture and cabinetry for that ‘timber drenching’ effect.

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