SHOULD FLOORS BE LIGHTER OR DARKER THAN YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS?
There are no hard or fast rules when it comes to whether your floor should be lighter or darker than your cabinets, but as a general rule of thumb, use darker floors with light cabinetry and vice versa. When it comes to striking the right balance between your kitchen cabinets and your floor, contrast is a useful tool. This doesn't necessarily mean a monochromatic black and white kitchen, but it does mean experimenting with contrasting textures and tones.
1. USE A LIGHT FLOOR FOR KITCHENS WITH PLENTY OF NATURAL LIGHT
Here's a little bit of color theory for you. Lighter colors reflect more light, so, if you want to maximize the benefits of your large south-facing windows, go for a pairing of light floors and cabinets. Paler colors also recede, giving the appearance of a larger space is smaller rooms. This makes a light-on-light floor/cabinetry combo perfect for small, bright kitchens.
2. GO DARK ON DARK FOR A MOODY LOOK
While light on light is the more risk-free option, that doesn't rule out the possibility of dark kitchen floors and dark cabinets together. While care must be taken to ensure your artificial light helps to compliment the space (and small enclosed spaces aren't recommended) a black kitchen can have a really dramatic effect.
3. FOR INTRICATE FLOORING DESIGNS, USE SIMPLE CABINETRY
The concept of contrast doesn't only apply to color - it applies to detail, too. If you decide on a more intricate kitchen flooring idea, it's best to go for simplistic cabinetry to complete the perfect look. 'If your flooring has intricate styles such as Herringbone or Versailles, it’s best to opt for classic wooden kitchen cabinets to offer a timeless look,' says Carolina. 'If your cabinets are modern or glossy, you will want to avoid clashing styles - a single plank wooden flooring is usually complimentary for more modern kitchens.'
SHOULD YOU MATCH YOUR FLOOR AND CABINETS?
How about matching the color of your flooring and cabinets? In most cases, designers are very much against the idea. Instead, if you want a cohesive, color drenched feel, use tonal layering with different shades of the same color with a few neutrals woven in.