Inspiration for the perfect mix of effortless practicality and stunning good looks
WORDS PAULA WOODS
A lower carbon footprint
Some porcelain tiles are made with a percentage of recycled materials, often a mix of post-industrial waste from manufacturing glass or ceramic bathroom and kitchen fittings. Suppliers should detail the amount of recycled content in the product description.
Tamarisk Walter porcelain tiles with 41-60 per cent recycled content, 600x600mm, £69.94 per sqm, Claybrook (claybrookstudio.co.uk)
Seam-free surface
Polished poured concrete is a durable and easy-to-clean material that takes at least 28 days to cure and requires professional installation. A faster drying option is microcement, which is applied in a few thin coats.
Polished poured concrete flooring, from £120 per sqm, Lazenby (lazenby.co.uk).
Extension by Project 3 Architects (project3architects.com)
For lasting benefits
Linoleum is made from ingredients including linseed oil, wood flour, pine resin and jute, which biodegrade or can be recycled. It’s an eco-friendly choice with a lifespan of around 40 years.
Marmoleum Solid sheet linoleum in Concrete Fossil, from £24.43 per sqm, Forbo (forbo.com)
When bigger is better
Large-format tiles limit the grout lines, which helps make a space appear bigger and reduces any dirt accumulating in the gaps. Sizes range from 600x600mm to 1,200x2,800mm.
Frammento Multi porcelain tiles, 600x600mm, £54.21 per sqm, Fired Earth (firedearth.com)
Suitable construction method
When only timber will do, engineered boards perform well in the kitchen as their cross-laminated structure stays stable through changing levels of heat and humidity.
Neston Rustic engineered European oak boards, £235.95 per sqm, Havwoods (havwoods.com)
Robust and reliable
Limestone is a versatile natural material that comes in a range of tones, formats and finishes such as tumbled, honed or riven.
It needs sealing to make it stain and water resistant.
Worn grey limestone, from £55 per sqm, Floors of Stone (floorsofstone.com).
Real Shaker kitchen, from £18,000, Devol (devolkitchens.co.uk)
A quiet and cosy choice
Cork is a renewable bark that regrows after harvesting. It has sound and heat insulating properties and comes in natural or coloured tiles or engineered plank formats.
People and Planet Natural Cork flooring in Golden Sunset, £69.99 per sqm, Carpetright
