This definitely isn't a resilient material for the floor. But clay tiles are another wonderful choice for kitchen flooring, as it's a natural material, it has a durable surface, and it adds warmth with its clay coloring. The material isn't just reserved for Tuscan villas (though image 5 is incredible): We've seen it used in everything from turn-of-the-century apartments to mid-century modern houses. Take a look:
• 1 This kitchen incorporates a little detail from many styles and eras, but the tile is a great way to pull it all together.
• 2 There's a little bit of old-world feel in this kitchen.
• 3 Clay floor tiles and comfy kitchen shoes.
• 4 A graphic black and white rug against the warm floor in Ellen Pompeo's home.
• 5 A Tuscan terra cotta floor is reflected again in the herringbone brick work of the ceiling.
Related: Kitchen Tour: Kenny Lao of Rickshaw Dumpling Bar
(Images: Rachael Smith, Decodir, Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan, Tim Street-Porter/Elle Decor, Christie's via Atticmag )
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These are the tiles that I have in my 1978 kitchen - I love them! I have new appliances, but the dark wood of the cabinets works with the flooring - I just wish I could get rid of the reddish ceramic tile counters!
I love this look but I think they're hellish to stand on for a full day of cooking. I guess I should get my FIL a gel mat.
Please, please, please do not get stone flooring in your kitchen if you like to cook! Yes, it's beautiful, but it is just hell on your back and legs. I have it, but I've had to cover half of it up with ugly black mats so that I can cook in there. Without the mats and good shoes, I feel exhausted and achy all over after a long cooking session.
I was on my feet all morning yesterday in my ceramic-tiled kitchen and my back is still unbelievably sore. Also I don't like how fast the floor gets dirty. It looks nice, but it wouldn't be my choice if I were redoing the kitchen. It was there when we moved in.
Okay, we've got hard, hard, hard ceramic tiles on our kitchen floor now. My feet were dying after standing on them for even forty minutes, let alone the three or four hours for a big involved meal.
The only answer seemed to be a) wearing sneakers while cooking (not for me--I don't wear shoes in my house) or b) buying a $120 gel mat that I didn't even like the look of so much. Please don't judge me for what I am about to say, but I'll tell you my $14 fix...
Crocs. Well, "mock crocs" if you will. I went into the gardening section of my Target and got a pair of gardening clogs that look kind of similar to a pair of crocs, except they have no holes in the top. They provide my feet with cushion, and since there are no holes on top they provide some protection for my feet should I spill or drop something hot. I never wear them outside the house. Ugly? Yes. Wicked comfortable and perfect for long hours in the kitchen? YES.
It's tiled in our kitchen too (rented - so no choice over it) The floor is cold, and uncomfortable. Also, the grout between the tiles is difficult to keep clean. I bought myself a very cheap cork mat which helps with standing for long periods, but every now and then wonder about just putting some lino over the top to see if that would help - if anyone has any thoughts, it'd be much appreciated - would the cold of the tiles still come through?