Anthracite brings an industrial, grounded edge to a kitchen that a paler neutral simply cannot manage, smoky and dramatic, but with enough warmth to avoid feeling cold underfoot.
For the floor, large format porcelain in anthracite is the practical choice, available in wood, stone, cement, and plain effects, and easy to keep clean through daily spills. A decorative anthracite tile works brilliantly on a splashback or surround, and in a smaller kitchen, bringing that same tile onto the floor can add real character rather than leaving the room feeling flat. Since the kitchen takes more spillages than any other room in the house, a tiled surface remains the most sensible way to protect it. Anthracite pairs beautifully with warm timber cabinetry or brass fittings, which soften its cooler edge.