These White Kitchens With Dark Floors Are The Ultimate Balancing Act
No matter how many trends come and go, there really is nothing quite as timeless as a white kitchen. It's clean, classic, and undeniably beautiful.
And yet ... sometimes we can't help but feel the urge to divert from the risk-free choice. Can you blame us? We may not be ready to paint the cabinets red or go all-black, but we can't shake the thought that a hint of contrast or unexpected depth could make what's already good great. And that's where dark kitchen flooring ideas come in.
While commanding and bold, a white kitchen with dark floors is also a timeless design choice, and will be sure to age well with your home. Ahead, we've rounded up eight jaw-dropping examples that will make you cross over to the dark side.
1. Balance slate flooring with dark hardware.
This jaw-dropping cook space by Leanne Ford feels fresh and updated thanks to slate tile in an off-set pattern (peep those nice, subtle grout lines), white cabinets, black hardware, and copper accents. The white backdrop with pops of black throughout keeps the dark kitchen flooring from feeling too bottom heavy, and strikes just the right balance.
2. Infuse a hint of industrial spirit with stained concrete.
This otherwise traditional kitchen designed by Christine Zeiler gets a hint of modern, industrial style thanks to stained and polished concrete floors. To keep the look in line with the rest of the classic and feminine space, layer a traditional runner on top for a touch of warmth.
3. Make it modern with hexagon-shaped tile.
Liz Adams of Hello Adams Family adds a modern touch to her farmhouse-style, white kitchen with dark floors thanks to hexagon-shaped tile in a charcoal finish. A clean and classic subway tile backsplash complements the flooring without competing for attention.
4. Go retro with budget-friendly vinyl.
Okay, so technically this white kitchen with dark flooring isn't ALL white, but we love the way this luxury vinyl tile (yes, you heard correctly ... VINYL!) looks just like natural stone. It's the perfect solution for a budget makeover. Styling tip: Throw in wood accents to warm up and soften the overall look and feel of your cook space.
5. Add classic style with a herringbone pattern.
This ethereal kitchen design by Heidi Lachapelle Interiors feels classic but distinct thanks to small-scale slate tile laid in a herringbone pattern. Seriously, we're drooling. To recreate the look, add texture and warmth with a wood island to play off the cool gray tone of the floor.
6. Stay traditional with wood flooring.
Danielle Moss's clean and simple white kitchen proves that you can't go wrong with rich, dark wood floors in your cooking space. To bring this look into your own home, pair modern, polished chrome hardware with a warm, vintage accent rug and dark island for a balanced and eye-catching juxtaposition.
7. Inject a hint of Spanish flair.
Follow the lead of Amanda Masters; her Hollywood Hills bungalow showcases a white kitchen with dark floors that manages to strike the perfect balance. While her white cabinets, countertops, and backsplash tile all reflect tons of light around the petite cook space, her moody, Spanish-style tile grounds the room with character and depth. Pro tip: Be sure to use light grout to allow the unique shape of the tile to really stand out.
8. Opt for oversize tile.
While herringbone floor tile is often thought of as a classic flooring idea, the larger scale and defined grout lines on Jennifer Cavorsi's floor steer the overall look to a more contemporary vibe. To make your white kitchen with dark floors feel even more current and on-trend, pair with gold hardware and lighting for a hint of glam.