Maybe it’s the smell of freshly-baked cookies, or coffee brewing on a cold morning. Maybe it’s the sound of vegetables being chopped for Grandma’s famous chicken soup. Regardless of how you remember it, the “bright country kitchen” is definitely a warm and inviting place. Usually, the kitchen is the center of the home, which is why such care is taken in kitchen design and construction. That beloved bright country look starts from the floor up. Let’s take a look at a few flooring lines that can add the undeniable sense of warmth that makes a country kitchen feel like home.

Hardwood flooring is typically the best option. For a brighter look, a lighter shade always works best. Oak, hickory or maple hardwoods with light stains or clear natural finishes are ideal for capturing the light look. All three woods are naturally lighter in color, as opposed to mahogany or walnut. Since the kitchen is a high-traffic area where liquid spills can occur frequently, an engineered hardwood is always a reliable choice. In contrast to solid hardwoods, engineered woods typically expand and contract less, and are somewhat more resistant to spills and foot traffic. Mullican’s Austin Springs, and Armstrong’s Beckford collections are both excellent options.

If natural hardwood doesn’t fit into a customer’s budget, there are other options to achieve the light country look. Laminate flooring is an excellent alternative to traditional hardwoods. Recent advancements in printing and manufacturing technologies have helped laminate flooring surge in popularity in recent years. Laminates are typically more economical than hardwood, and are usually more resistant to abrasions and liquid damage. Because of this, many designers see laminate flooring as the ideal option for family kitchens. Quick Step Classic collection, Shaw Natural Impact, and Mohawk Montreal are all fantastic laminate collections.

Porcelain tile also offers some interesting options that capture classic country kitchen coziness. The same High Definition Porcelain digital printing technology used to create natural stone looks, can also be used to create stunning wood-look tile. These remarkable crossover wood-look tiles do not expand or contract with temperature, they’re incredibly durable and are nearly impervious to liquid spills and stains. Florida Tile’s Berkshire collection and Marazzi’s Reflesi de Legno line are both beautiful examples of high definition wood-look tile.

Designers and builders can tell their customers to start beating the biscuit batter because the classic look of a bright country kitchen is now more accessible than ever. To discuss flooring options for a particular kitchen remodel or custom build, please give us a call at 586-344-5100.