During a free design consultation, the British Standard by Plain English design team works with the client to achieve a layout that fulfils their practical requirements and overall aesthetic aim. To help you choose a striking but hardworking floor, this week Adrian Bergman, design manager at British Standard by Plain English, gives us his advice on some of his favourites.

“Flooring is largely dictated by practicality and personal taste,” says Adrian. “Classic solutions include wood, stone, and tiles; however, we also love to recommend concrete and linoleum – the latter of which is enjoying a strong resurgence.”

Stone

kitchens, kitchen design, kitchen floors, kitchen design — Metallic cladding on the kitchen island and terrazzo floors all engage the senses, while the furniture and objets d’art have been chosen to further stimulate with bold colour. Photography by Greg Cox.

“Stone flooring options include limestone, travertine and slate. With huge variations in texture and pattern, and reclaimed pieces offering beautifully storied patinas, stone offers something for all tastes. It is important to consider the tile size, shape and bond as this will impact the overall look and feel of the space – for example, larger slabs will make a small space feel bigger.

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“Stone can be colder underfoot and as a result is often used together with underfloor heating. Alternatively, introducing a beautiful rug is a great way to provide warmth underfoot whilst also adding a pop of colour and texture. We are seeing more and more clients incorporating hard-wearing vintage rugs like kilims into their schemes.

“Don’t forget, all natural stones are porous, so it is worth bearing in mind that it will need to be re-sealed from time to time.”

Wood

kitchens, kitchen design, kitchen floors, kitchen design — Image courtesy of Ferm LIVING.

“Wooden flooring has an unparalleled warmth and character and is a favourite amongst the British Standard by Plain English design team. There are many colours and species of wood to choose from. A classic choice is ash, for its extreme durability and natural look. All wood develops a natural patina over time, and rather than worry about this, we encourage clients to enjoy the rich character that this offers.

kitchens, kitchen design, kitchen floors, kitchen design — Image: Supplied.

“If you are looking for a way to breathe new life into existing floorboards, or don’t have the budget to replace them, try painting them in a contrasting colour to your kitchen cabinets. Checkerboard designs have been hugely popular in recent years and act as a playful and inexpensive update.”

Concrete

“Whilst concrete is sometimes more complex and costly to install, a polished concrete floor is easy to maintain as it is resistant to chips and cracks. Concrete offers an unparalleled clean and seamless look. As it is becoming more popular, there are now myriad colour options on the market. Some companies can even colour match, meaning it is very versatile.

kitchens, kitchen design, kitchen floors, kitchen design — The home’s clearest objective is maximising quality of life through an acute attention to the details. Photography by Greg Cox.

“Like stone, to make it water and stain-resistant, concrete needs sealing once it’s set. It can also feel cold, so benefits from underfloor heating or layered rugs.”

Tiles

“Porcelain tiles are increasingly popular as they are extremely durable and available in a huge variety of finishes and sizes. They require little maintenance and are waterproof, stain-resistant and scratch-proof.

kitchens, kitchen design, kitchen floors, kitchen design — Image: Supplied.

“Tiles are a great way to add colour and pattern. Terracotta tiles, for example, are a natural option that bring a lovely warmth and will sit very happily in a traditional kitchen. You could choose a simple square tile in a diamond pattern or a hexagonal tile for something a little different. Note that these will require sealing.

“If you are looking to incorporate an intricately patterned tile – such as those seen in historic Victorian buildings – opt for an encaustic tile. Unlike a glazed tile, these tiles are made up of two or more colours of clay or cement inlaid together so the pattern won’t wear off over time.”

Underfloor heating

“Lastly, if you are considering underfloor heating, we always plan this with our clients from the start of the design process. It must be positioned so that it is not below the floor cupboards, as it can spoil food and cause the joinery to shrink and split.”

This story originally appeared on our sister publication House & Garden UK