Kitchen Flooring Do's and Don'ts with Hickory Cabinets
With their rich, reddish-brown tones and attractive grain patterns, hickory cabinets are a popular fixture in modern kitchen designs. But choosing the right flooring to pair with hickory cabinetry can be tricky. The wrong flooring can clash visually or even detract from the beauty of the cabinets. That's why careful coordination is key.
By understanding both the do's and don'ts of matching flooring with hickory cabinets, you can make sure your kitchen decor flows flawlessly. Let's explore the best practices for complementing hickory cabinetry with cohesive, eye-catching floors.
Choosing Flooring Materials
Do: Select Wood Species That Contrast or Complement
If you want wood floors to match your hickory cabinets, select species that either contrast dramatically or coordinate seamlessly. Light woods like maple or oak offer a bold, lighter counterpoint to bring out the deeper hues of the cabinetry. Conversely, darker species like walnut or Brazilian cherry double down on those saturated tones for a enveloping, moody aesthetic.
Mid-tone woods like pecan or ash provide a middle ground, balancing out lighter and darker hickory finishes. Just don't choose flooring too similar to your cabinets--you want some visual distinction.
Don't: Pick a Floor That Matches the Cabinets Too Closely
While wood floors offer an obvious pairing with hickory cabinets, matching the textures and tones too closely creates a monotonous, visually overwhelming look. Different shades and grains keep the kitchen visually engaging. Try coupling rich hickory cabinets with understated white oak flooring, for example.
Varying plank size and direction is another technique; just don't overcomplicate things. Remember, some cohesion is key for a put-together space.
Do: Consider Alternatives Like Tile, Stone, and Vinyl
Looking beyond wood opens up plenty more possibilities for complementing those handsome hickory cabinets. Natural stone surfaces like slate or travertine deliver an intriguing contrast with their cool, earthy tones. Dramatic patterns like a herringbone brick backsplash make a bold statement as well.
For a more budget-friendly option, modern wood-look vinyl replicating oak, walnut, or exotic species wears well and resists moisture. With technology improving mimicry, vinyl captures the warmth and texture of real hardwood flawlessly.
Determining Flooring Style
Do: Complement Hickory Texture With Appropriate Finishes
The finish you choose for your wood floors should align with the overall look you want to cultivate. Play up the natural variations of hickory cabinets with a subtly lustrous matte floor finish for a low-key, organic look. On the other end of the spectrum, a high-gloss finish amps up the sleek sophistication.
Split the difference with a softly glowing satin finish. It dresses up wood floors without veering into over-the-top opulence. Just ensure the finish plays nice with your flooring material--the last thing you want is improper wear and tear.
Don't: Use a Finish Unfit for the Flooring Material
While a glossy varnish works wonders on solid oak, applying it to moisture-prone bamboo or softer pine would be a recipe for failure. Make sure to choose a finish designed specifically to work with your wood species. Prefinished flooring takes the guesswork out, with protective finishes cured for durability underfoot.
Do: Select Plank Widths and Lengths to Match Room
Wider planks running longer lengths are very much on trend when it comes to wood flooring. And for good reason--they make small spaces appear more expansive by minimizing visible seams. Contemporary linear kitchens benefit from the streamlined look of long planks.
On the other hand, a herringbone pattern or mosaic parquet add vintage charm. Just adjust proportions to the room size. Plus, varying width and direction from surrounding floors defines the kitchen as its own decorative zone.
Configuring Floor Layout
Do: Consider Layout Based on Room Shape and Features
When deciding on floor layout, think about how you can use it to highlight architectural details or dictate traffic flow. Arranging planks radially from the center island outward draws attention right where you want it. Perpendicular flooring makes narrow galley kitchens appear wider.
Converging plank lines toward zones like sinks or stoves mimics movement, while horizontal flooring matched to countertop height fosters clean sightlines. Well-planned alignment with room shape prevents awkward transitions or cramped bottlenecks.
Don't: Completely Disregard Room Layout With Flooring
On the other hand, thoughtless floor planning in relation to the room can really disrupt visual harmony and spacial functionality. For example, arranging flooring longitudinally in a narrow galley forces you to walk across the planks. This chops up sightlines and makes the space feel cluttered.
Kitchen work zones should help guide flooring layout as well. Make sure sink and stove areas align sensibly with cabinet configurations so moving between tasks flows intuitively.
With hickory's strength, beauty, and style versatility, it's clear why these cabinets appeal in everything from cozy cottage kitchens to sleek contemporary spaces. Their impressive look demands flooring that enhances, not competes. By resisting matching hickory cabinets too closely or haphazardly planning layout, you allow their finest qualities to shine.
Thoughtfully coordinated floors invite visitors deeper into the kitchen's heart to better appreciate those stunning hickory cabinets at center stage. So take this advice into your design process. Those small but important decisions make all the difference in cultivating a comfortably welcoming yet richly stylish kitchen space.