1. Start with Inspiration

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of design, gather inspiration. Look through design magazines, Pinterest boards, Instagram idols, and home improvement blogs to find styles and layouts that resonate with you. Pay attention to the types of floors that catch your eye, as these will be the base upon which your kitchen design is built. At White Hall, our wide selection of stone and engineered oak flooring offers something for every taste, whether you're drawn to classic flagstones, sleek limestone, traditional oak, or modern herringbone. We also have a range of layout styles and edges, whether you like rustic hand-cut paving stones, sawn edges, or something timeless to compliment the history of your period property with mixed widths (available in stone or oak). 

2. Set a Budget

Budgeting is crucial in any renovation project. Allocate funds to different aspects of your renovation, ensuring you reserve a significant portion for high-quality flooring. The floor is a visual canvas, and one of the most used surfaces in your home, making it a worthy investment. Opting for durable, stylish flooring from White Hall can ensure your kitchen looks stunning and stands the test of time. Ensure you allocate a budget for the work and craftsmanship involved. We also work hand-in-hand with many local and national kitchen and interior designers so let us know what you're looking for and we can offer our recommendations. 

3. Choose Your Flooring First

The floor you choose can influence every other design decision. This is more important if you're renovating your entire home, and want a cohesive flow throughout your property to link different colour schemes from room to room. Stone or engineered oak floors provide a timeless, versatile base that can complement and unite many interior styles—from traditional to contemporary. When selecting your flooring, consider the color, texture, and finish. For example, a rustic limestone floor can offer a cozy, warm, inviting feel, while a polished neutral-toned smooth tile exudes luxury and sophistication. Once you've chosen your flooring, you can select your cabinetry, countertops, and appliances to match or contrast, creating a cohesive look.

4. Consider Your Lifestyle

Your kitchen is the hub of your home, so it needs to work for your lifestyle. If you have a busy household with children and pets, you’ll want a floor that's durable, easy to clean, and resistant to spills and scratches. Stone flooring is a practical choice that combines elegance with hard-wearing functionality. At White Hall, our range of stone floors includes options with slip-resistant finishes, ideal for homes where safety and durability are a priority.

5. Plan the Layout

Once you've selected your floor, start thinking about the kitchen layout. Consider how you use your kitchen: do you need more counter space for cooking? Is a large island essential for family gatherings? Your flooring choice can influence the layout by highlighting certain areas. For example, a herringbone pattern can draw the eye toward the center of the room, making it an ideal spot for an island or dining table. Alternatively, a multi-width pattern can add authenticity to an older property, or break up repetition to create a truly timeless floor that can flow throughout every room in your home.

6. Coordinate Colors and Textures

Your floor will set the tone for the color palette and textures used throughout the kitchen. If you choose a richly textured stone floor, consider balancing it with smoother, more subtle finishes for your cabinets and countertops. On the other hand, a sleek, smooth stone floor might pair beautifully with matte or distressed wood cabinets. At White Hall, we offer a variety of stone finishes. These can complement or contrast with your chosen materials, ensuring the perfect look for your style. We also supply different colour tones for engineered oak flooring suitable for use on other wooden items such as stairs, doors, and windows.

7. Think About Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in how your stone floor will look. Natural light can bring out the unique patterns and colors in the stone, while artificial lighting can highlight its texture and shine. When planning your kitchen lighting, consider how different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—will interact with your flooring choice. Well-placed lighting can enhance the beauty of your stone floor, making it a focal point that enhances the room. We recommend viewing your samples in different lighting to get a feel for how the finished floor will look.

8. Don’t Forget the Details

The finishing touches can make or break your kitchen design. Once your floor is laid, consider adding area rugs or runners to define spaces within the kitchen, such as under the dining table or in front of the sink. Choose rugs that complement your stone flooring and add texture and comfort underfoot. Accessories like handles, faucets, and light fixtures should also tie in with the overall aesthetic set by your floor. 

9. Plan for the Future

Finally, think long-term. Choose materials and designs that will age well and remain stylish for years or even generations. Stone flooring or a high-quality engineered oak is a timeless choice that offers durability and classic beauty, ensuring your kitchen will look fresh and inviting for decades. At White Hall, we pride ourselves on providing flooring solutions that are both beautiful and enduring, helping you create a kitchen that will be loved for generations.

Final Thoughts

A kitchen renovation is a significant investment, and every detail counts. By starting with the floor and building your design around it, you ensure your kitchen is beautiful but also cohesive and functional. This also ensures that should you want to update the colour of your cabinetry or change elements in the future, you don't have to completely re-do the floor, especially if you have underfloor heating installed! Our stone and engineered oak flooring provides the perfect foundation for your dream kitchen. 

Your kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it's the heart of your home. Let us help you lay the groundwork to create a space that reflects your style and meets your needs.