What Kind of Flooring Should I Put in a Modern Retro Kitchen?

Checkerboard

• Checkerboard floors are a classic retro flooring option. Move away from the standard black and white to choose a modern color palette. Lemon yellow and white, chocolate and cream or red and grey are all options for a retro-inspired color scheme. Cherry red cabinetry with yellow-and-white flooring, littered with lots of chrome and aqua blue accents will create a modern retro look for a new or an old home. Look for checkerboard accents like dish towels, tablecloths and drapes in the classic black-and-white to further the theme.

Painted Hardwood

• To make the most of existing hardwood, paint a retro pattern and varnish it with several coats of clear polyurethane. Work with a stencil to create bold geometric graphics inspired by retro fabrics or linoleum. One idea is to stencil a pattern of concentric circles onto the floor. Paint it lime green, aqua and red with black accents. Choose a wall color from the floor palette. Other ideas for patterns include stripes, botanicals and florals. When stenciling the floor, keep other patterns to a minimum. This will allow the floor to shine and it won't have to compete with other busy patterns.

Hardwood or Bamboo

• In a kitchen heavy on the retro elements, add a modern touch by choosing sleek flooring. Options include hardwood and bamboo in a variety of colors and finishes. Whether you choose a light or dark finish will depend on the overall color scheme of your home, as well as personal taste. Another factor to consider is the cabinet and counter top colors. If the cabinets are dark and the counter tops are light, choose a dark wood for the flooring. Visit flooring retailers for samples of flooring to decide which will work best in your kitchen.

Other Ideas

• With orange cabinets and 1970s-inspired wallpaper in a wild print, the flooring can anchor the room to modern times. Slate floors with color markings will tie the room together. While slate is primarily a bluish grey, color variations in the stone include green, rust, brown and purple. White ceramic tiles are another option for a modern retro kitchen. One idea is to design an all-white kitchen -- floors, cabinets and counter tops -- and decorate it with retro accents with bright jolts of color.