The middle of the 20th century was a great time for design, with famous designers like Eero Saarinen, Ray and Charles Eames, and Florence Knoll making big statements across architecture, furniture, and even textiles. Today, the midcentury modern style remains a popular one, making a recent resurgence both in private homes and hotels, restaurants, and bars.
If you're looking to add some midcentury flair to your kitchen, don't forget about the kitchen flooring! Check out some of the best flooring materials you can use in a midcentury modern renovation.
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1. Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a composite material made of crushed chips (oftentimes a stone like marble or quartz, but sometimes even glass) mixed with a binding agent. Dzek invented marmoreal, a similar surface used in this California retro look.
2. Laminate
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product that's much more affordable than hardwood flooring, so it was quite popular throughout the midcentury era. Today, laminate can actually be a quality product, and it's designed to be comfortable underfoot and longer lasting than ever before.
3. Slate
One of the most durable flooring products out there, slate kitchen flooring is a great choice for a kitchen, especially one with midcentury modern vibes. You can go with more natural looking tiles that come in a variety of shapes, or keep it neat with rectangles or squares.
4. Terra Cotta
Terracotta kitchen flooring is a bold choice due to its rusty hue, but it gives a midcentury kitchen a bit of earthiness, which contrasts with the stark geometry and fluid, futuristic forms common with the style.
5. Hardwood
In the actual midcentury era, hardwood floors weren't all that common in kitchens, but contemporary designers are using wood to add warmth to otherwise midcentury inspired spaces.
6. Concrete
A polished concrete floor adds an industrial element to a midcentury kitchen, which would appease many midcentury era designers. Pair it with wood counters.
7. Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is quite similar to linoleum in aesthetic and texture — they both look and feel a bit plasticky and rubbery — but whereas linoleum comes from organic materials, vinyl is totally synthetic. As such, vinyl is quite durable.
8. Ceramic Tile
Midcentury designers weren't afraid to use patterns, especially geometric ones — you'll find geometric ceramic tiles on the floor of many midcentury modern kitchens. Black-and-white tiles are favorites for midcentury floors, but you can also go colorful for a funkier effect.
Where to Shop Midcentury Modern Kitchen Flooring
If you're ready to incorporate midcentury modern kitchen flooring into your cook space, here are a few places to consider when it comes to shopping. Keep in mind that it's always a good idea to check your local retailer and supplier to save on shipping costs. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
Retailer Build Direct carries a variety of flooring supplies for both residential and commercial spaces, including slate tile.
Naturally, The Home Depot carries a number of flooring options — particularly ones at affordable prices. It's a good place to look for vinyl flooring.
As we mentioned previously, Dzek is known for offerings like the engineered marble Marmoreal. You can shop tiles and slabs in different sizes and styles.
This big-name retailer carries a number of flooring materials including underlayment and installation tools.
True to its name, The Tile Shop carries kitchen floor tile in a range of materials like porcelain and ceramic. Check product specifications and details to see which ones are best for kitchen spaces.