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Kitchens are communal gathering spaces where families come together to start or end their day, where guests are entertained, and where some of us now work, thanks to the pandemic. With so much activity taking place in one area, your flooring needs to be durable and beautiful!
There are many flooring options to choose from; however, vinyl flooring can withstand heavy foot traffic and moisture resistance all while providing on-trend aesthetics. Unlike the vinyl products of yesteryear, the latest iterations are stylish and varied — they come in just about any color, texture, style, and pattern you can think of.
14 Vinyl Kitchen Flooring Trends
This list of vinyl flooring trends will help you navigate your kitchen remodel or new home build with confidence.
1. Improved Wood-Textures
Innovations in embossed-in-register (EIR) technology have improved the texture found in wood-look vinyl flooring products. EIR technology creates a realistic 3-dimensional appearance of wood graining, knots, and cracks. More wood-look products are now being offered with a matte finish that serves to enhance all the textural features of wood while emphasizing wood’s natural colors. Be sure to take a look at luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) when considering a wood look for your kitchen.
2. Darker Colors
Light, natural earth tones, including greys, have been highly popular for years with the occasional niche home or office renovation warranting the need for a darker colored flooring product. But, as in most things, trends can be cyclical. Darker colors, ranging from graphite, black, and charcoal to rich mahogany and chestnut, are making their return in 2022. Perhaps to enhance that vintage industrial look you are going for?
3. Waterproof Vinyl
Vinyl is known for its water-resistant capabilities, but there are now more waterproof options available via wood plastic composite (WPC) and stone plastic composite (SPC) rigid core vinyl options. WPC vinyl flooring has been the gold standard for waterproof floors for a number of years, but now, SPC rigid core vinyl is considered a much more effective waterproof solution. The stone and plastic mix used in SPC rigid core vinyl prevents it from warping, making it a highly durable option that is available in both a wood-look and stone-look visual.
4. High-Variation Styles
Wood-lovers have another option beyond simply choosing a uniform colored, wood-look vinyl flooring. A high-variation floor features color variations between each plank and within each plank. The inconsistencies found in wood combined with the color variation make for a rustic look that can be paired with contemporary décor. High-variation floors have a lot going on visually and work best in large, open spaces like kitchens, dining rooms, or living rooms.
5. Handscraped Textures
If you thought handscraped floors were only available in solid and engineered wood, think again. Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers the same “wavy” look and feel of handscraped wood only in a more affordable format. The handscraped texture of vinyl flooring ranges from subtle to a reclaimed look and, as a bonus, hides imperfections like scratches and dents, making it ideal for areas of the home where solid wood can’t go. Want a log cabin look and feel? Go darker. Want to warm up a space with a subtle rustic look? Stick to light and medium colors.
6. Wire Brushed Textures
Wire brushed, also known as distressed, is a technique that provides an aged or well-worn aesthetic. On wood-look vinyl plank flooring, the wire brushed texture mimics the look of the technique used on solid wood and engineered wood flooring. Just like its handscraped counterpart, wire brushed vinyl flooring hides imperfections and is considerably more affordable than solid wood flooring.
7. Herringbone Patterns
Elevate your kitchen’s design with a herringbone pattern. The zig-zag pattern provides an elegant, textured aesthetic that is timeless. While solid wood has historically been used to create the intricate patterns, wood- or stone-look vinyl planks provide a beautiful and affordable alternative. Consider combining two shades of your chosen look to achieve a more complex design aesthetic.
8. Large Stone-Look Tiles
For a unique kitchen look, consider large stone-look vinyl tile. The large format will make your kitchen feel more spacious, and you can create a contemporary look with smooth white, black, or grey marble tiles or a rustic feel with travertine visuals. Other stone looks to consider are that of limestone with its natural patterns or slate with its rich, matte coloring. Consider going with the standard 12” x 12” tile or even something larger, depending on how much square footage you are working with.
9. Metallic-Look Vinyl
Metallic-look vinyl is popping up on design radars as an artistic way in which to create a modern yet abstract statement in any space. You should consider pairing the flooring with modern décor to complete the look. Metallic-look vinyl comes in a wide range of subtle patterns and finishes.
10. Marble-Look
Marble floors are everywhere! Restaurants. Condos. Retail spaces. They do provide a low-maintenance option, but they do not provide a positive underfoot experience. And the space can be loud! Want the industrial chic look, comfort underfoot, and lower costs? Marble-look vinyl tile is your go-to option. It creates the same sleek, classic look as real MArble without the noise, and your joints will thank you.
11. Upgraded Vinyl Sheets
No longer your grandma’s “vinyl rug!” When speaking of vinyl sheets from years past, what is the first thing you think of? Brick? Upgraded vinyl sheets now cover the spectrum from realistic stone and wood looks to vibrant, decorative patterns and authentic, ceramic tile visuals. The addition of fiberglass core and backing technology has enhanced vinyl sheets’ durability.
12. Blonde Wood-Look Styles
Blonde wood-look flooring styles have been one of the hottest trends for some time now, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The light, subtle wood patterning brightens up any space. Use it to design a rustic, farmhouse style kitchen or perhaps a more contemporary, clean aesthetic. Either way, blonde wood-look vinyl floors are perfect for creating an open and airy feel in your kitchen.
13. Decorative & Patterned Vinyl
Wanna mix it up a bit? Decorative and patterned vinyl can mimic any pattern or color. Consider a trellis or retro design in vivid colors to create that vintage feel. What about a geometric look in a monochrome pattern or contrasting earth tones for a more artistic look? The sky’s the limit when it comes to the range of decorative and patterned vinyl options.
14. Hexagon Vinyl
Hexagon tiles have traditionally been used in kitchen backsplashes. Expect to see them migrate to the floor, particularly larger format hexagonal shapes. Hexagon vinyl tile or hexagon vinyl sheet is a nice touch simply because it does not overpower the other design elements in your kitchen. Be on the lookout for the trickling pattern where hexagon vinyl tiles blend into another look, like wood.
How to Find the Best Vinyl Flooring for Your Kitchen
Keep in mind that the flooring is the design foundation for any space. What you choose impacts the other elements within the space. In order to find the right vinyl flooring for your kitchen, you need to ask yourself a few questions.
Is affordability at the top of your list? Remember, you do not have to sacrifice looks or durability to achieve the look you want. Do you need waterproof vinyl flooring or will water-resistant do the trick? There are now a range of waterproof options that were not available only a few years ago. Next, what sort of feel are you going for? The rustic farmhouse? Industrial chic? Or perhaps a more contemporary vibe?
As a flooring professional, we know you’re looking for a wide selection of options, affordable price points, and efficient delivery options. Working with BuildDirect, you’ll get everything you need to improve your business and impress your clients. Become a pro member today and discover the many ways in which BuildDirect can make your life a little easier.
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