Kitchen's suffer from extreme humidity variation, so you should fully adhere the solid or engineered flooring to avoid a bowing/warping floor in a few months time However, here's another viable option; luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). Generally, LVTs are 2.5mm thick, made from 100% pvc (therefore waterproof), come with a thick polyurethane wear layer that normally is backed up with a manufacturers warranty, with a wood or stone effect finish. LVTs are great with underfloor heating and unlike ceramics, they don't break when heavy objects are dropped on them and unlike wooden floors, once laid, LVTs need no further maintenance other than regular vacuuming and washing. LVTs are almost indestructible! There are many options available but us Flooring Gurus recommend going for a recognised brand. The whole idea about an LVT is for it to look authentic. They need to genuinely look like the wood or stone flooring they are mimicking. Cheap alternatives, when installed, look ... well ... awful! Try looking at Polyflor's Colonia and Camaro. We sell these products online at www.flooringmegastore.co.uk and if you made contact with us, we'd be happy to despatch a few free of charge samples to you, plus a glossy catalogue, to help you research the products a bit more. We're the Flooring Gurus!

Hi I want to brighten up a kitchen. I am on a tight budget. I am considering painting the pine kitchen units and perhaps replacing the black laminate counter-top. Any ideas on colours - the room is north/ north-east facing?

You should probably think of the floor covering in the overall plan as a light colour or dark colour may have an impact on whether you choose a light or dark colour for the worktop. Two different worktops, one on the island and one on the rest of the units might look well too. I like timber for an island but only if you don't need the worktop to be heat resistant and it's not near the sink. We've picked a dark grey for our island and will probably choose an off white worktop with a vein in it to contrast with it. Good luck with your decisions!

Hi there, We have selected the Silstone Stratutaria for our counter top and are very happy with the look of it. Can anyone suggest some suitable paint colors for the cabinets (these are being re-painted as they are solid wood and still in good condition). We want to keep the room light and bright so are thinking of an off-white that would compliment the quartz. We are considering a herringbone wooden floor and warm rich colored high stools for the counter. Any ideas on paint colors would be so much appreciated as the vast amount of options is very overwhelming!