Why Wood Flooring is the Ultimate Kitchen Upgrade

For decades, the "rule" of flooring choice was simple: tile for durability, wood for living rooms. But rules are meant to be broken, and modern design has officially embraced the warmth, character, and timeless appeal of timber underfoot.

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, choosing wood flooring isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s a commitment to a space that feels lived-in and layered. From rustic farmhouses to sleek, contemporary penthouses, here's how to use wood flooring to anchor your kitchen’s aesthetic.

1. Finding Your Grain: Rustic vs. Refined

The beauty of wood lies in its versatility. Your choice of "character" in the wood determines the entire vibe of the room.

Rustic Charm: For those leaning into the "modern farmhouse" look, a floor with visible knots and high tonal variation as found in our Rustic Plank will add instant history. As seen in many traditional layouts, a richer, honey-toned plank pairs beautifully with deep forest green cabinetry and marble countertops, creating a grounded atmosphere.
Pristine Minimalism: If your style is more "Scandi-chic" or contemporary, look for cleaner grades. Our Pristine Plank offers a clean, more uniform appearance. Finish in a lighter, desaturated tone such as Driftwood or Hay Bale are perfect for reflecting natural light, making even a galley kitchen feel expansive and airy.

Pristine Herringbone in colour Hay Bale

2. Playing with Contrast and Tone

One of the most effective ways to use wood flooring is to play with the contrast between your floor and your cabinetry.

In a modern penthouse setting, light, wide-plank oak provides a neutral canvas that allows a bold, ochre-coloured island or dark architectural beams to take centre stage. Conversely, if you have dark, espresso-toned cabinetry, a medium-toned wood floor prevents the room from feeling too "heavy," bridging the gap between the dark furniture and light walls.

The Rustic Plank

3. The Power of Texture

Wood isn't just a colour; it’s a tactile experience. In kitchens that feature stone backsplashes or fluted cabinetry, the natural grain of a wood floor adds a necessary "organic" layer. Opt for our Heritage Plank - with its hand scraped surface texture it gives the impression of a floor that's been down for years and will ground a more modern kitchen scheme.

Consider the interplay of materials: a matte wood floor softens the "coldness" of a marble waterfall island or a concrete-effect wall. This mix of textures is what makes a kitchen feel like a designer space rather than a showroom.

Pro-Tips for Kitchen Wood Floors:

Go Engineered: While solid hardwood is beautiful, engineered wood is the gold standard for kitchens. Its layered construction makes it more stable and less prone to warping in environments where humidity and temperature fluctuate.
Direction Matters: Laying planks parallel to the longest wall or towards a light source (like large sliding glass doors) can help elongate the room and create a seamless flow into the garden or dining area.
Maintenance: Modern finishes are incredibly hardy. A high-quality UV oil or lacquer will protect against the occasional spill, provided you wipe it up promptly!

The Rustic Plank in colour Cotswold Stone

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re under a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams or in a sleek, handleless modern space, wood flooring brings a sense of "home" that tile simply cannot replicate. It’s warm underfoot on chilly mornings, kind to dropped glassware, and—most importantly—it only gets better with age.