11 Kitchen Flooring Ideas You Should Consider in 2022

It’s not uncommon to prioritize a kitchen makeover when planning a home remodel. It’s where you spend a good chunk of the day, after all. According to many homeowners, restyling the kitchen often means going for new cabinetry styles, a fresh coat of paint, or a few tweaks here and there. One aspect that tends to be overlooked, however, is the kitchen flooring.

2022 fortunately, has a variety of trending ideas in store for your home’s hardest-working surface. Whether you’re picturing a rustic look or a more refined aesthetic, the trends have got you covered. Once you’ve selected everything from window treatments to a new backsplash, consider giving your kitchen flooring a thought, and imagine how it can accentuate the rest of the design.

1. Oversized Hardwood Planks

2022 is all about extra-long and extra-wide hardwood planks.

You can’t go wrong with hardwood flooring when giving your kitchen a facelift. This year, consider ditching the regular proportions and go for oversized planks instead. Hardwood planks that stretch across the floor are storming the trends in 2022. The extra-long boards which are also wider than normal allow for fewer seams, ultimately creating a sleeker and more cohesive appearance. Should you be going for a full kitchen revamp, consider teaming your oversized hardwood planks with rustic accents such as unfinished wood shelves and balancing it all out with modern cabinetry. 

2. Oakwood Finish

Consider recreating the natural beauty of oakwood in your kitchen with porcelain flooring.

When it comes to practicality, real wood might not always be the best option for a space where spills are common. But this shouldn’t stop you from attaining that organic look. One ideal alternative that can mimic the appearance of natural timber is porcelain flooring with a wood effect. Oakwood-finish porcelain tiles, for instance, are gaining a lot of traction this year. Not only do these popular kitchen features give off the authentic and warm vibes of real wood, but they also pair beautifully with other wooden elements such as timber beams. 

3. Large Flagstone Tiles

Flagstone tiles in kitchens are “going big” this year.

Flagstone flooring has been around longer than one can imagine, gracing estates and country houses everywhere. Its durability and timeless appearance have allowed it to stand the test of time. Even to this day, this immense popularity shows no signs of stopping as homeowners are striving to bring the classic look into their kitchens in the form of “free-length” or “random length” tiles. The widths of the flagstones are normally fixed at 500mm or 600mm whereas the length can range up to 1000mm. Large kitchen floor tiles can work well in just about any kitchen size and tend to maximize the focus on the elegance of each flagstone. 

4. Chevron or Herringbone Pattern

Chevron and herringbone patterns are zigzagging their way into 2022.

Another flooring style that has made its way to the trends in 2022 is the ever-so-famous herringbone — and chevron — pattern. Available as parquet tiles or wood-effect materials such as kitchen linoleum, these alternating formats add visual interest to an otherwise plain surface. The main difference between the two similar patterns is that herringbone planks form a 90-degree angle that creates a zigzag appearance, while the ends of chevron tiles are cut at a 45-degree angle, allowing them to neatly line up against each other. Although both formats are widely popular this year, the herringbone variety is the more traditional option for parquet kitchen flooring — and offers the high-end aesthetic of European designs. 

5. Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood flooring is “reclaiming” its rightful place in the trends, and kitchens are all for it.

No flooring material exudes authenticity quite like reclaimed wood, and it comes as no surprise that this organic style has stepped into the latest trends. The rustic appearance of distressed wood evokes a sense of warmth and character, making it ideal for a farmhouse kitchen floor in addition to other “lived-in” designs that thrive on coziness and individuality. If real wood isn’t a viable option in your kitchen, you can recreate the reclaimed wood effect with alternatives like vinyl plank flooring — without having to worry about humidity, spills, and other types of damage.

6. Cream Limestone

Cream-toned limestone tiles can set the stage for a wide selection of kitchen designs.

Limestone kitchen floors with neutral shades such as cream or dijon tend to complement a wide spectrum of kitchen color palettes as well as a range of interior design styles. This type of stone naturally consists of minerals, fossils, and calcite veining, making it an excellent choice for flooring. It’s durability and classic appearance also make it an ever-so-trendy option for kitchens. Cream limestone tiles are available in various finishes including tumbled, brushed, and seasoned — and a variety of sizes to choose from. 

7. Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo flooring is back in the spotlight, cementing itself as a trendy choice for kitchens.

Prized for their speckled detailing and timeless appeal, terrazzo tiles have been around for quite a while. This flooring style features a soft texture that is understated yet stylish and is making a huge comeback this year with a wider variety of patterning. The water-proof qualities of terrazzo tiles, combined with their hardwearing characteristics and classic beauty, qualify them as a trendy pick for kitchen applications. In most cases, you don’t have to worry about a clash of styles because terrazzo flooring tends to correspond with various interiors ranging from classic to modern kitchen designs. 

8. Mosaic Flooring

Mosaic flooring is an old idea, but a gold idea.

While mosaic flooring isn’t exactly something new, it’s not exclusively meant for vintage kitchens. Mosaic tiles are, in fact, right up there with the likes of oversized tiles and reclaimed wood when it comes to kitchen flooring. As far as patterning goes, the possibilities are quite endless so you’re sure to find a design that works with the surrounding decor and resonates with your taste. That being said, you may want to balance it out with monotone  — yet corresponding — elements such as white cabinetry to prevent an overwhelming appearance. 

9. Whitewashed Look

If you go with the whitewashed look, make sure to laminate your floor to ensure moisture resistance.

If light and airy appearance is something you’re looking for in your kitchen, the whitewashed style of flooring is your answer. The soothing, neutral hues of the planks help in creating a bright kitchen that carries a coastal aesthetic. The whitewashed effect is also perfect at hiding the wear and tear caused by daily foot traffic, which is quite normal for a busy space like a kitchen. As with other wood-style floorings, you can emulate this look with moisture-resistant alternatives such as waterproof laminate flooring for kitchens — while making floor maintenance a breeze. 

10. Beige Porcelain

The creamy color ensures seamless integration into most kitchen color palettes.

The past several years have seen a recurring trend of gray kitchen tiles. Recently, however, more and more homeowners are leaning towards warmer tones, with beige porcelain tiles taking center stage. What’s best about this stone-effect porcelain flooring is the myriad of shades and prints that you can find on the market. Ranging from rustic to creamy beige porcelain tiles, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the right option for your kitchen floor. 

11. Gray Limestone

The classic gray limestone has a charm like no other.

There’s just something about gray limestone tiles that homeowners just can’t seem to get enough of. The classic elegance of the color has allowed this style of flooring to retain popularity throughout the recent years; and this year, it’s more popular than ever. Whether you go for a pale shade of gray or a richer tint that varies from tile to tile, limestone has a natural charm that evokes a sense of peace in an otherwise busy space. Gray limestone flooring can also be an ideal choice for kitchen designs that follow a monochromatic color scheme.