Thanks Garnercat. The quotes I received for polished concrete were high due to the fixed costs of having to have Lorraine's mixing the cement so I was advised that micro cement would be a more cost effective option for a small space as it's applied in a thin layer but has a similar look. If you could let me know the name of the company you mention I will contact them if they're based in the London area? Thanks again :-)

I love your floor as it is but appreciate you need to change the kitchen part. Have a look at Claybrook studio, they have some beautiful tiles. I hate laminate everywhere. It would put me off buying a house but thats just me. If you change all the flooring then I would definitely try and use wood or engineered wood. I don't know how long you are planning to stay there or your budget but I would seriously think twice before ripping up pine floors to replace with laminate or LVT. I have engineered oak everywhere. Not my choice but nice to live with as it looks warm. You could refinish your pine floors everywhere else with white oil after sanding and stripping. It would look amazing. I did it years ago. No one would believe it was the same floor. If you decide on a laminate and some are very tempting I would try and keep it in the kitchen only. Your console sounds lovely.

Hi! Thank you for all your suggestions so far 😊 I don't mind dark, but I was fearful that black tiles would make it too dark, and make the kitchen feel smaller. If tiling to the ceiling is what I will have to do if I get black tiles, I will find some lighter ones where I can cut down cost and only tile halfway. I was looking at tiles similar to what Minnie suggested too, as well as some others that are white/cream/off white with a 'dirty' effect or textured, then use a dark grey/black grouting (possibly). I also liked these tiles. I thought even though they are white, the gold/amber colour running through the tiles would tie in with the gold marble effect on the worktop - but it may also be too much gold running through things. Also quite expensive so would try to find something similar but cheaper 😂 I'm not against just painting and putting up a glass splashback, but I would feel I'd have to do this behind the sink too? My washing machine is 'integrated' (free standing but hidden behind a door and a kickboard) at the moment and it drives me insane! I'm constantly worrying that my socks or other wares are going to drop in the gap between the kickboard and the machine and I'm going to have to fish it out from the spiders lair! A black washing machine is a good compromise and is something I can work towards. I don't have to do it source it from the kitchen designers nor do I have to get it immediately

A hotly debated topic Tiles vs Wood flooring. Without being too technical, below is a small list of reasons why Wood is often preferred to Tiles. 1. Warmth and Comfort Underfoot Physical Warmth: Wood feels noticeably warmer to the touch than tile, which can feel cold and hard. This is a major comfort benefit, especially if you spend a lot of time standing and cooking. Visual Warmth: Wood brings a natural, organic, and inviting warmth to a kitchen that tile can struggle to match. It creates a "softer," more lived-in feel compared to the harder, more clinical feel of tile. 2. Comfort and Safety Softer Surface: Engineered wood has more give than ceramic or porcelain tile. This is easier on your legs, feet, and back if you stand for long periods. Dropped Items: If you drop a glass or plate, an engineered wood floor is more likely to result in the item bouncing rather than shattering into a hundred pieces. Traction: A matte or brushed finish on oak provides good grip, even with minor spills. Highly polished tiles can be very slippery when wet. 3. Aesthetic Appeal and Design Flexibility Seamless Flow: One of the biggest trends in modern homes is using the same flooring throughout the ground floor (e.g., kitchen, dining, living room). Engineered wood creates a beautiful, continuous flow that makes spaces feel larger and more cohesive. Transitioning from a tile kitchen to a wood living room can feel disjointed. Timelessness: The look of natural wood, especially oak, is a classic design choice that has enduring appeal. While tile trends can come and go (remember the avocado green?), wood rarely goes out of style. Adds Value: High-quality wood flooring is consistently a top feature sought by homebuyers and can increase the resale value of your home. 4. Installation (In Some Cases) Floating & Glue Down Floors: If you install a plank engineered wood product, it can be floated over the subfloor (and often over existing flooring). This can be a faster and less messy DIY-friendly project compared to the mortar, grout, and cutting involved with tile. Tile is often the practical, utilitarian choice. It's incredibly durable and waterproof. Engineered Oak is often the emotional, comfort-driven choice. It adds warmth, beauty, and a feeling of comfort that tile cannot replicate. Modern engineered wood is far more capable in a kitchen than its reputation suggests. For many people, the aesthetic and comfort benefits far outweigh the need for extra care, making it a fantastic and beautiful choice for a kitchen floor. At Woodfloors4u we specialise in wood flooring, based on the tiles you are looking at I have some wood options that maybe of interest: https://woodfloors4u.co.uk/product/dark-active-oak-brushed-and-oiled-wood-flooring-220-x-4-20-x-2200mm/  https://woodfloors4u.co.uk/product/new-heritage-xl-range-oyster-oak-brushed-wax-oiled-engineered-wood-flooring-220-x-4-15-x-2200mm/?srsltid=AfmBOorUJHE_UYHb5NYSqXfCU2szDYTNjEJ765py3WclScJrK2AJZX-O  https://woodfloors4u.co.uk/product/heritage-xl-range-oyster-grey-oak-hardwax-oiled-4-15-x-260-x-2200mm/  https://woodfloors4u.co.uk/product/new-heritage-xl-range-marina-oak-brushed-wax-oiled-engineered-wood-flooring-220-x-4-15-x-2200mm/  And many other options, you can always call or email our sales team to discuss the project on 020 8500 1940 / info@woodfloors4u.co.uk