Well, the genuine answer is "not carpet." It is a matter of taste, but a lot of people use wooden floor in their kitchens now because there is a vapor barrier. In a traditional home you might put wood throughout the whole downstairs including the bathroom as well. People put ceramic tiles in kitchens and they also use resilient. There is a lot of resilient being used out there, especially by those with a tight budget who cannot afford expensive ceramic or hardwood. The advantage of ceramic is that it lasts a long time. Unless you decide that you don't like the color anymore, it lasts forever.
