I'm purchasing my first home...it's a half-duplex built on a concrete slab. Living in the midwest, winters can get pretty cold. Having said that, here's my dilemma. The kitchen floor currently has carpet (with pad underneath) and I know I can't tolerate that for long, due to cleanliness issues. I love to cook!! I'm considering having vinyl flooring installed, but am concerned about problems with cold floor. The only reason I'm bringing this up is, I can't imagine WHY the current owners have carpet on the kitchen floor in the first place. Does anyone have experience with this subject? Thanks in advance for any suggestions...