An increasing number of today's homeowners and designers are going against the grain, and opting for something a bit bolder when it comes to their kitchen floors.
Statement kitchen floors—in particular, encaustic or faux-encaustic tiles (also called cement tiles)—are popping up everywhere. If they look familiar, it's probably because you've seen them all over Pinterest, in the pages of our magazine, or in rooms styled by big-name designers like Joanna Gaines and Emily Henderson.
Considering that white, greige, and neutral kitchens are the go-to look right now, these colorful, patterned tiles are certainly mixing things up. They're a subtle way to add some pizazz to a kitchen, which is why Country Living named 'em one of the top kitchen trends for 2017.
Encaustic tiles, which are made by mixing various hues of clay to create the pattern, have been around since medieval times, according to Apartment Therapy. Because the patterns are formed in the tile, instead of painted on, they'll never wear away. They also come in a wide variety of colors and designs, and can complement pretty much any aesthetic you have going on in your kitchen.
You can also choose from a range of materials, including long-lasting concrete or porcelain. "It's incredibly durable," designer Amy Storm told Houzz. And thanks to the glaze-free finish, the tiles give off a perfectly distressed, rustic appeal that ages beautifully. You can also opt for inexpensive faux-encaustic tiles, available at The Home Depot and Overstock.com, if you're looking for cheaper options.
