The Once-Timeless Tile Floors That Are Completely Dating Your Kitchen

Timeless is one of those labels that gets slapped on trends that stay relevant for decades, if not longer. They tend to work in most homes and blend in with many styles. Knowing what these trends are can help you choose the best type of tile for your kitchen floors so that you pick a design you won't have to change down the line. But as the interior design industry evolves, some once-timeless styles become less desirable. For example, big black and white checkerboard floors were thought of as classic and enduring. Now, it's starting to feel outdated. This iconic design that represented a playful era in kitchen trends doesn't quite fit in with today's soft and warm interiors. Once incredibly popular in retro diners and homes from the 1950s, it used to be that they instantly added personality to a space with their bold pattern.

Many homeowners believe that the black and white palette was neutral enough to go with everything, no matter how much the rest of the kitchen was altered. But while color plays a big role in design choices, so does scale and contrast. These once sought-after floors now feel visually overwhelming, creating a statement that often dominates the entire room. This is one reason why design experts are starting to say you're better off avoiding it. In today's kitchens, people are embracing warmer tones and have floors that subtly blend in with the space. To avoid a kitchen flooring trend you might regret, let's see what designers are favoring now.

Designers are moving away from checkerboard tiles and trying out alternative patterns that still offer personality but pair better with modern kitchens. For example, parquet and herringbone floors can bring a gorgeous texture to your kitchen without pulling focus from the rest of the room. Finding other tiles with an unexpected pattern is also a great way to make your kitchen feel more unique. You could even find inspiration from further back in history, looking for vintage tiles that play with color and scale. Options like a basketweave or hopscotch pattern could add some charm to the room. 

Checkered patterns have a long history, with origins dating back thousands of years. This design has inundated everything from décor to fashion. So, if you love your checkerboard floor, no-one is suggesting you have to completely get rid of it. But it may be time to evolve. The key is to put a modern twist on the dated pattern. You can do this by adding more unique color palettes and alternative materials into your home. Think about earthy, muted tones with less contrast that will bring warmth into the space. Also consider the scale of the checkers in comparison to your room. Large checkers in small spaces can look busy. By leaning into soft patterns, you can create a look that honors the classic style without aging your kitchen. For inspiration, just look at these timeless kitchen floor ideas that are still popular today.