Kitchen flooring goes through changes in decorating styles in much the same way as colour and cabinet preferences come in and out of fashion. What’s hot for 2014 floor fashions? Here are some trends we’ve been watching. Lighter Wood Floors We’ve come past a stage when dark espresso floors were very popular. They complemented dark wood furniture very well, but this type of flooring was also quite unforgiving when it came to scratches and dust. Pale wood has come into fashion in 2014, and homeowners with children will find that it’s easier to keep this style looking neat and clean. White oak is very popular, and a light tan hue is turning up in many kitchens these days. Vinyl Flooring Vinyl flooring is continuing to grow in popularity with homeowners. It is available in a variety of colours and styles. The quality of this product continues to improve and it is not easy to distinguish from ceramic tile, stone, or wood plank flooring, which means that a homeowner can get a more expensive look for a fraction of the price. It’s also easy to care for, since spills can be easily wiped up with a clean cloth or a mop. Cork Tiles Cork kitchen floor tiles are a stylish and popular choice for modern homes. Not only do they look beautiful, but they are very comfortable to stand on for long periods of time. Cork is a natural product, which will appeal to consumers who want to lower their carbon footprint. Since cork can be stained or dyed to almost any colour, this product is available in a variety of options to suit just about any kitchen decor. Pigments are added to the material during the firing process to create the desired tone. Darker colours are fired at a higher temperature than lighter ones. Each individual tile will have a unique look, but this material does tend to show marks from chair scuffs, pet claws and high heels quite quickly. It’s a good choice for consumers who don’t mind a product that has a weathered look in the heart of their home.