Hi Donna, the world is your oyster really, your kitchen sounds quite neutral so you can go for almost anything. Gillian is right there are lots of porcelain wood effect tiles around these days and some look better than others. Porcelain tiles are very practical and hardwaring and easy to keep clean. Think about the look you are trying to achieve, do you want the floor to look ultra plain or would you consider a concrete/stone effect tile? Stone effect tiles can look stunning and will hide a multitude of sins, necessary if you have children or animals in the house. Natural stone is also a possibility but these do require more maintenance. Hope that gives you a few ideas. Have a look through our website for more inspiration. Karen

If you haven't already decided, if you are really keen to have two types of flooring, have a break at the mid point of the island - I can see why you might want the business end of the kitchen in something different. But don't have a rug - it would be a trip hazard - and flooring comes in so many different forms that you prob should be able to find a solution that works - engineered oak is coated in a non porous finish - so if spills are mopped no prob - and tiles are easy too. Decisions decisions! Jenny H

I too suggest painting it. Makes such a difference. You’d need to get in touch with a decorator/painter for a quote as it varies considerably depending on where you live. It is a fiddly job and some painters don’t undertake this kind of work. Some on the other hand specialise in this so ask around for quotes.

Oh lovely thank you! Any ideas on what type of stone used for the shingle? I want it the same as I’m also using blue Lias stone for my paving. This photo was taken at The Newt garden in Somerset.