Don’t visually shrink your kitchen with the wrong flooring.

Gayrat Tolibov/Getty Images

In a well-lived home, the kitchen is usually the busiest room in the house.

Expansive flooring options combine functionality and style to create the illusion of spaciousness.

A small kitchen with a tiled floor in a checkerboard style in a white design

Photo:Gayrat Tolibov/Getty Images

From color to pattern to material, here’s what experts say matters most when choosingflooring optionsfor asmall kitchen.

Color, pattern, and material are all key to finding the right fit for your space.

“These options help brighten the space, making it feel airier.

Also, choose sleek finishes like matte or satin to avoid overwhelming the space with high gloss.”

“They create fewer visual breaks, which makes the room feel more expansive.

A neutral tone, like light gray or beige, complements the effect.”

This style of flooring looks unified and uncluttered, making the space seem like a wider continuous surface.

“If possible, continue the main flooring from the rest of the house into the kitchen.

“Introducing a different material can interrupt the visual flow, making the kitchen feel smaller.”

If youre looking to make a kitchen feel enveloping and cozy, these styles may work.

But, if space is already limited, these flooring choices can make the room feel cramped.

If you opt for a glossy finish, try soft shades to balance out the effect.