We are not accustomed, I think, to seeing vinyl tile kitchen floors that *read* dark and streaky and complex. For example, there were a number of comments about the floor in the fantastic 1956 Tennessee time capsule kitchen (at right) — readers were kind of startled at the drama in that floor. I’ve been looking at vintage interiors for so long, though, that my *startled* almost immediately turns to *luv,* because I like to be shaken out of what is customary and accepted today. In this same vein, I love the floors that Brian and Keri chose for their retro kitchen update:
Azrock VL-130 vinyl composite tiles in classic blue gray (update: Azrock now owned by Tarkett).
The rest of the kitchen is so… graphic. This floor works, just like the vintage resilient tiles in the time capsule kitchen. That Brian and Keri — who both work in the visual arts — have a good eye — as they should!
Azrock VL is available in five colors. Note: I used Azrock Cortina Autumn Haze in my kitchen.)
Sherry says
Searching for some 12 x 12 vinyl tiles to fill in my mid-century kitchen floor. They appear to be a streaky (gold colored) tile that was top-stamped with an embossed pebble-shape design. “Pebbles” range from 1/2″ to 3″ long. These tiles are thinner (1/16″) & more flexible stock than VCT, but the streaky flecky background is the same look as some common VCT. Can email a pic to your email. Any ideas on Sourcing either vintage or retro stock (I already looked thru the right-hand sources to no avail)? Thanks, Sherry
pam kueber says
Sounds like old tile, likely that you can only find these vintage as far as I know.
Be sure to consult with a properly licensed professional to know what is in those tile and how to handle appropriately…
Note, all our research is at the top (in the blue navigation) – the stuff in the right hand sidebar is ads.
Chuck says
Hi. Azrock is discontinuing this line. There are a few boxes available of three of the colors. We are going to get some of the VL-122 Grey and do our kitchen.
I can’t tell from the image, did you lay the tiles in a pattern opposite one another, or all in the same direction?
Thanks.
Chuck
Terri says
Very disappointed to read this! Just got the long-dormant kitchen refresh kickstarted. 🙁
pam kueber says
Whole ‘nother line introduced, though… See Kitchens/Flooring category!
Linda says
Having seen only a small sample, I had a floor installed, which I do not like and want to replace. The sample was very small, and did not convey that the material looks and feels like a thin rubber mat. While I would prefer to find a floor that has an underlayment like a laminate floor, I need to know what the terms mean. Resilient (rubber-like?) Vinyl sheet goods (rubbery like this stuff?). What I want is something that looks and feels like the (probably asbestos) tiles we removed 35 years ago!
pam kueber says
Hmmm. I think you need to see larger samples before you install… My Azrock Cortina Autumn Haze looks and feels like the old stuff *to me*… Here is one story that will help you to a degree — https://retrorenovation.com/2012/02/08/vinyl-vs-vinyl-composite-tiles-and-meet-margaret-lowe-matico-color-stylist/
However, since you have already been disappointed once, I think you need to get down to a big floor tile store and talk to the experts there….