When it comes to revamping a kitchen, we usually tend to focus on whatever's happening up top. We paint the cabinets, swap out the knobs, put up a new backsplash, and call it a day. And as transformational as that may seem, it's not always enough, especially if the floors are an unsightly distraction. But don't fret, whether you're working with dated tile, hardwood, vinyl, or linoleum, there's a fix that doesn't require a gut reno: kitchen floor paint.
Before you begin, thoroughly wipe down the floors to get rid of dust and debris — you don't want anything trapped underneath the paint. If you're working with hardwood floors, sand and prime them before you begin painting, this will prevent a clumpy finish. Since the kitchen is a high-traffic area where spills and stains are a part of daily life, you're going to want to go with a durable, long-lasting paint that can stand up to wear and tear.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Begin with a primer, to even the playing field, and go over it with a semi- or high-gloss paint. Latex paint is great for patterned ceramic tile while an oil-based enamel option can be used to give hardwood floors a glossy finish — but keep in mind, the latter will take longer to dry. Once you've settled on a hue, cover the baseboards — and anything else you want to safeguard — with painter's tape, and get started. You'll need a paint roller to get the job done efficiently and a brush to get into hard-to-reach spots and tiny crevices.
Ready to get started? Scroll on for seven kitchen floor paint ideas worth your consideration.
1. Pattern it out.
Colorful cabinets are one way to make a statement in a kitchen but combine that with an eye-catching floor tile and you really have something special. Follow the lead of Jessica Davis from Atelier Davis and revamp your floors (and cabinets!) using Annie Sloan chalk paint and a patterned geometric floor stencil for added oomph.
Get the look: DizzyDuckDesignsUK MIDAR Tile Stencil, $9 - $76.07
2. Go green.
Hardwood kitchen floors don't always come in the most inspiring shade of brown, so why not take the opportunity to dress them up a bit? Enter Brittany Kingery's swoon-worthy cook space. Using a semi-gloss paint, the design stylist transformed her monochrome culinary headquarters into a certifiable design moment with a bright splash of green designated for the floors.
Get the look: Rust-Oleum High Gloss Interior/Exterior Paint
3. Think geometric.
Instead of splurging on expensive ceramic tile, use kitchen floor paint to create a design of your own. Blues rule in this industrial-chic spot, designed by Therese Winberg, where a slew of diamond-shaped patterns create an illusory effect. Start out by selecting a palette of three or four tonal shades. Use painter's tape to section off an array of geometric shapes, and then get to work!
4. Paint it black.
We can't get enough of this clever kitchen floor paint idea spotted on Annie Sloan. While the majority of the space is finished with a matte-like graphite color, the spot underneath the table is painted in a gloss chalk paint lacquer to mimic the effect of a rug. Genius!
Get the look: Annie Sloan Gloss Chalk Paint Lacquer
5. Make it farmhouse chic.
If you're all about the modern farmhouse look, this one's for you. Beautiful Chaos' take on the popular aesthetic means pairing rustic furniture and a sliding barn door with distressed kitchen floors. To replicate the look, go over your existing floorboards with a primer, and then apply the specialty floor and porch paint. Next, sand the color to reveal the original wood below — going about it sporadically for a non-contrived finish.
Get the look: Sherwin-Williams Porch & Floor Enamel
6. Stripe it out.
To complement the vibrant, hot pink cabinets and black and white terrazzo backsplash, Sarah Akwisombe decided to go with a chunky striped floor design to match the space. Replicate the look with painter's tape, measuring each line to ensure the stripes are even, and use high-gloss paint for optimum impact.
Get the look: Annie Sloan Graphite Chalk Paint
7. Channel the future.
Craving something sleek and modern? Consider covering your existing tile in epoxy, a self-leveling resin that's durable and perfect for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen. Take a cue from this ultra-contemporary spot and line the floors with gray paint, before the epoxy, to emulate a polished concrete finish.