In article >,
Goomba > wrote:
>I've mentioned here that we're updating/improving our kitchen. We've
>ordered the cabinets and granite, and just purchased the new range (the
>top rated gas model listed in Consumer's Reports recently) and over the
>range microwave oven/hood. I'm looking for a bottom freezer refrigerator
>but we can live with the old one until I find the perfect appliance at
>the best price. Lighting changes and flooring are still undecided.
>
>I'd love to hear input from folks who have tile as to how they love or
>hate it? I currently have vinyl, but have had heated tile in the past. I
>was younger then so might have been less aware of problems, but am
>concerned with the "hardness" of the floor for comfort? I am getting
>older now (sob!) and don't want to find tile floors are ergodynamically
>poor choices down the road after standing in the kitchen for extended
>periods. I recall my mother explaining how good dance floors are wood
>and impact absorbing properties over hard cement floors that are more
>jarring to your body. Yet wood floors aren't too practical in kitchens,
>are they?? I'm also interested in linoleum as I keep reading that it
>might be fairly "green" as well as good cost.
>
>The floor choice would need to be practical for the kitchen, breakfast
>room, mud room, laundry room and guest bathroom. The rest of the
>downstairs is hardwood.
>
>Thanks for any input
>Goomba

Goomba,

I have Marmoleum ("original" linoleum, made with linseed oil) in my
kitchen and utility room, on recommendation of my designer - I have hw
floors in the living room (adjacent) and she recommended against hw in the
kitchen because it might be hard to match (and it was a good visual
change).

It comes in marbled/"sponged" colors and will last forever. Foot-feel is
comparable to modern "linoleum" (vinyl) although it's more pleasant
to walk on barefoot. If you get someone skilled in installation
(we have a local floor shop where there is a floor artist in residence
.... he's done an "oriental carpet" in Marmoleum) you can get some nice
designs. My kitchen is pretty basic - burgundy plum edge/backsplash,
white border, sage/celadon green body (that has black, white, and gray
"sponge" patterns).

It would be totally appropriate for all the rooms you mention. Like I
said, it will last forever.

Charlotte
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