It goes without saying that carpet has no place in a kitchen. But while good old-fashioned tiles are perfectly okay, alternative options abound for gorgeous hardwood foundations that keep a cook light on his or her feet while making magic in the kitchen.

From the new leather-suede options from storied companies like Armstrong (above) to a fresh update on the classic black-and-white checkerboard, the sky — ironically enough — is the limit when it comes to the floor.

We’ve all heard of “penny round tiles,” but there’s an eye-catching literal translation that’s actually made of real pennies; while they’re already a captivating conversation-starter, just imagine what a collectible they’ll be once pennies are out of circulation altogether. Consider it history, preserved.

For those interested in keeping their home renovations environmentally conscious, bamboo is the go-to option for sustainable wood flooring.  Although not all bamboo is created equal, a bit of homework can uncover the best local options for ethical manufacturing and truly eco-friendly materials.

As far as all of these materials are concerned, though, a little spilled milk is nothing worth crying over; if nothing else, it’s an excuse to get up close and admire the handiwork of a smashing kitchen floor.

Photo credits: Armstrong, Kriebel Design, Mandalin Mosaics (via Flickr) and StarCraft Custom Builders

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