During my recent kitchen remodel to add a modern touch with fresh wall paint, I decided to completely replace the flooring. My go-to choice? Ceramic tiles.
Even without a full remodel, the old floor needed replacing. To save money, I'd previously chosen affordable vinyl flooring in trendy colors and patterns. However, after repeated cleanings and exposure to oil and water stains, it lost its appeal. Worse, the non-slip version became dangerously slippery. This remodel was my chance to fix that—and add a kitchen bar.
I opted for proven reliability: tiles. They're incredibly easy to maintain and resist wear, stains, shocks, and dropped objects. The only drawback? Tiles show dirt quickly, so skip light colors like white. For a vast selection, check out Reflex Boutique. To ensure flawless installation, I hired a professional tiler.
Tiles won me over because they work on floors, walls, and even as a credenza backsplash. But if tiles aren't for you, solid wood like ash, walnut, or oak is a great alternative—provided it's rectified to handle heat, moisture, and spills.
Exotic woods like teak, ipe, or padouk offer superior durability but cost 50-100 euros per square meter. For a unique touch, natural stone brings timeless elegance and character, though it's pricey, requires annual water-repellent treatment, and is too heavy for upper-floor kitchens.
Porcelain stoneware is trending among interior designers for its affordability, vast color options, and simple maintenance with hot soapy water. For eco-friendly softness, linoleum—made from natural materials like cork, linseed oil, and wood flour—is an excellent renewable choice.