The Kitchen Flooring Trend You Might Regret (And What To Do Instead)

While carpet on the kitchen floor tops the list of designs you'll regret, patterned flooring might be a close second. Whether it's copper penny tiles, multi-stained wood planks, or floral ceramic slates, under your feet isn't a great place for an eye-catching pattern. Although the style offers a gorgeous look and allows you to personalize the kitchen, it can also date the space and limit what other designs you can incorporate.

Whether it's your forever home or one you're enjoying in the meantime, the best flooring option for the kitchen is timeless, which is the complete opposite of trendy patterned floors. Installing flooring can be expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, so you want to make sure the look you choose won't go out of style. Having to update the floors every year to keep up with trends isn't practical. Fortunately, there are several classic floor designs to give you a stunning kitchen. Plus, we have a design hack in case you're still tempted to put patterns on the floor.

A patterned floor definitely makes the kitchen stand out. It can add a pop of color or artistic value to the room. We understand the appeal, but you don't want to sacrifice practicality for looks. Despite its beauty, a patterned floor limits your kitchen's design potential. It demands to be the room's main feature, and everything must work around it. From curtains to cabinet knobs, they all need your floor's approval. However, flooring is almost like a permanent fixture. You're more likely to change the wall paint, backsplash, furniture, or appliances when you want to revamp the kitchen than dig up the floor. That means all these elements have to complement the unique floor design, which restricts you on what colors and patterns you can include.

Further, the patterned flooring might make your kitchen look dated. The design, whether simple or elaborate, is a time capsule. Remember checkerboard tiles? The 1920s design has reared its head several times, but it is never consistently in style. Some looks are even fads that won't come back in style once the reigning interior design council says it's out. So think twice before laying a mosaic under your feet. There are many other kitchen floor options that add flair without the downsides.

If you want a permanent design you'll love forever, there are classic looks that you won't regret. For one, hardwood is never going out of style. It works across all interior design aesthetics from industrial to coastal. It is best to stick with a neutral medium-toned finish for a timeless look instead of trends like gray wash or red. Size also matters. Narrow and wide planks can date your floor, while standard mid-size pieces are always fabulous. Plus, it doesn't even have to be real hardwood. You can get the same classic look with tile or laminate planks. Neutral-colored tile is also a winner. Shades of white, black, and brown will complement any kitchen. These classic hues combine well with other colors so that you're not limited with your appliances, cabinetry, or decor. Marble and marble-like tiles are also a great way to incorporate a subtle pattern that won't dominate the kitchen and will remain tasteful.

If, despite the warning, your heart is still set on a patterned kitchen floor, then go for a temporary design. You can breathe new life into your kitchen with a creative peel-and-stick DIY. Protect your floor design with a plastic sheet, similar to a shower liner, before laying down the patterned adhesive tile. Then, when you're ready for something new, you can remove the peel-and-stick planks to reveal the classic flooring underneath, or swap it out for the latest trend.