There are so many exciting elements of designing a kitchen, but the flooring often becomes an afterthought. If that sounds familiar, this is your sign to make it a priority – especially if you want to avoid dated kitchen flooring trends.
From wood to tiles, there are so many kitchen flooring ideas to consider. It grounds the room and helps to tie a scheme together, so choosing the right one is so important, as is avoiding something that feels outdated.
And while there are plenty of great flooring options to choose between, we think it’s important to give you the low down on the dated kitchen flooring trends to avoid. Here, experts weigh in to help you make the best choice for your space.
5 dated kitchen flooring trends to avoid in 2025
Don’t make the mistake of choosing a kitchen floor design you’ll become bored of – it’s one of the most inconvenient features to replace. So, ensure these dated trends aren’t on your shortlist!
1. Glossy or high-shine floor tiles
(Image credit: Quorn Stone)
The kitchen floor tile options are vast and varied – the material and design you choose will depend entirely on the aesthetic of your scheme. However, there is one finish this year that feels decidedly dated.
‘Glossy and high-shine tiles are outdated choices when it comes to kitchens, with shiny polished flooring losing its appeal in recent years because of its high maintenance and impractical surface finish for a space that traditionally will see a lot of footfall and use,’ says Isobel Fernandez, of Quorn Stone.
‘Instead, we would suggest a matt or textured tile finish that provides a more natural and forgiving surface, as well as a lean towards country and rustic style kitchens, which many homeowners are favoring with the latest kitchen flooring trends. Tumbled limestone and stone effect porcelain are wonderful alternatives to outdated polished stone flooring,’ she explains.
2. Gray kitchen flooring
(Image credit: Plain English)
While there is still a place for gray in designs, it requires a more considered approach to feel on-trend. But when it comes to kitchen flooring, it’s a finish that’s very much out.
‘Gray is falling out of favor as we’re rejecting anything clinical or cold in pursuit of warm, cozy palettes. Beiges, medium browns, and dark chocolatey woods will reign for our floors in the coming year,’ says Neel Bradham, CEO at Parador.
These richer wood tones offer an alternative way to warm up a kitchen – plus, they’re timeless and go with almost any color palette. A win-win!
3. Checkerboard floor tiles in bright colors
(Image credit: Jaclyn Christensen Design / Photography Christopher Stark)
A colorful kitchen will never be out of style, but how the more vibrant hues are introduced is ever-evolving. And as we head into 2025, it’s time to move away from brightly colored checkerboard floors.
Adding interest and pattern with floor tiles is a great choice, but you don’t want to completely detract from the rest of your beautifully designed kitchen. So, instead of going overboard with color and pattern on the floor, focus those hues on areas that draw the eye up, rather than down.
Instead, use more muted tones for your flooring, like pastel color palettes and earthy hues. For a truly classic kitchen flooring design, embrace black and white or even a more neutral gray or beige with white.
4. Simple wood flooring layouts
(Image credit: Olive & Barr)
This year, simple layouts for wood flooring are out, with more intricate and interesting designs taking their place. Instead of simply laying wooden floor panels in a standard linear way, consider alternatives that feel a little more elevated and timeless.
‘Last year herringbone and chevron floors were a huge trend, and in 2025, we’ll take this a step further with the introduction of Parquet de Versailles-style patterns,’ says Neel.
‘The modern geometry of this basket-weave look accentuates the characterful grain of a warm, rustic wood – creating the perfect balance of past meets present,’ he explains.
5. Separate flooring in an open plan kitchen/living space
(Image credit: Olive & Barr)
Open-plan kitchens have become a staple in interior design. Whether the space is shared with a dining area or a living room, the lack of divide creates a more social kitchen layout.
But introducing separate flooring in each of the ‘zones’ is dated and very much out of trend this year. Instead of separating the different areas of the open plan space, create a cohesive flow with one consistent flooring option.
Not only is this approach more visually appealing but it gives the illusion of greater space. It will also make cleaning much easier. Wood is a favored flooring option here, but the right tile can look just as stylish. Just remember to layer rugs and cozy decor to add that homey atmosphere.
There are so many beautiful kitchen flooring designs to introduce to your scheme – so don’t make the mistake of choosing one of these dated trends. Whatever to opt for, make sure it’s timeless and works beautifully in your kitchen scheme.
