I have a similar kitchen although the work tops are not dark. We have a light, white/Ivory tile on the floor. Looks lovely and bright, especially for our small kitchen.

You mentioned 12mm laminated floor yet you are asking about 'wood'. These are often two different floors. Are you asking about an engineered HARDWOOD that is 12mm thick or are you talking about a 12mm LAMINATED floor (fibre board with a pretty picture of wood on the top)? Engineered hardwood works well in a kitchen (just like Oak & Broad points out). Laminated flooring normally DOES NOT do well in a kitchen. That means the answer to your question could be "yes" or "no"....depending on which floor you are talking about. Please clarify.

Is a wood floor practical in the kitchen ? Is laminate better then real wood?

Hi Mogo, I found a nice laminate that looks like wood!! It's villeroy & boch flooring I think and it's a wide plank so it looks well. I went with the shade "moon". I'm going with a boost white tile in the kitchen/hallway/utility and the laminate in the living area. Good luck with your build!