I have 2 rescues, one of which is a puppy mill rescue. Max was an owner surrender to the shelter but he hates the crate. I think he was punished in his crate by his previous owner. I absolutely don't ever crate either of them. I don't even allow it at the groomer's. I have the crate set up in my room, but they never go in it. Actually, if there is a toy in there that they want, they lean in as far as they can without putting a paw inside
I'm sure they could learn to like the crate over time, but I don't push it. They are pretty good, and when I leave they stay downstairs which is tile. In your case, perhaps you could block off an area like the kitchen?