Whatever you choose, go big - 12 x 12 or larger. I am a huge fan of slate as an entry material; what about a warm brown slate, maybe with some variation towards a rusty red veining? You could then recarpet when you are ready with a solid, maybe with a little texture or a pronounced loop, and not have that seem boring. It would be a nice, soft foil for the more active patterning in the slate. Would you consider doing electric radiant heating under the stone or tile? It can be on it's own programmable thermostat and you can set it to be up to temp when you get up in the morning.
As for the wall color, a very good friend of mine, who is a fantastic designer, once said to me when I was obsessing over the possibility of having to redo a freshly-painted room, "Michael, it's only paint." It is the cheapest thing you can redo, frankly, if it needs to be done, and there are an infinite number of colors to choose from. Don't let three gallons of latex drive the bus.

I was also thinking of an organic-looking porcelain, but I think that "slate" floors would be too much contrast (color, texture, mood) for this room. Instead, take a look at some of the wood-look plank porcelains carried by Bedrosian and Florida Tile. Economical and very attractive!
Best of luck!,
Shaughnn

Hi cfriberg, there are basically 2 ways to go about this. Do you want the tiles to blend in or contrast with the kitchen cabinets ? Personally I think a slate textured floor tiles adds warmth to any space.

www.architonic.com/pmpro/floor-tiles-steel-metal-look-f...

Thank you all for your great responses. I brought home some slate samples, but thought that that look was too busy. Maybe I should try again since that was one of the first things I tried. The wood-look plank porcelains are fantastic, I tried that too, but thought it was just too much wood! If the area were smaller, I would definitely go with that -- love it! Dytecture, I was going for the look of the tiles to blend with both. Do you not do that? What look I am going for is one that you would walk into my house and go "wow, when did you do this? This is beautiful." Some of my friends who did not know I replaced the countertops have come over and not even noticed. I do not want that to happen with my flooring! But I don't want it to be too overpowering.

Modem, that is very interesting. Is that metal?

I would love to do radiant heating, but unfortunately, it is not in my budget : )

I believe polished glazed porcelain to look like metal, not sure the cost....it seems everything I like is pricey. I do really love that look.

I found this link that sells it. http://www.ppltile.com/ceramic-tile/tagina-fucina-24x24-tile.html

Whoa, that is expensive stuff, but beautiful. I'm looking at spending about half that price or even less. Thanks for the link. I'll keep dreaming.

What about a wood floor with an inset pattern at the front door . That would get noticed

Do you have a visual to refer to? I can't picture it. How would I transition it around the curve/walkway into the kitchen?

Sorry, wrong word. A feature at the front door such as a marble medallion inset into the wood. Or a pattern made of wood You can buy them premade .
http://greatbritaintile.com/tile-stone-medallions-inlays.htm?gclid=CI6zj8i48q8CFQgJRQodPkesVw

Some friends have one tile one inset into their wood at the entrance.

I have seen some premade ones at cheaper warehouse marble places also.

How about a rectangle tile like this: I looked for floor tiles and I think you have to make sure that they have the texture required for flooring.

I think wood tiles would look great. Don't think it would be too much for the area. After all, you could go for real wood for the entire area as many people do have wood in the their kitchens. It certainly would get noticed and in a good way.

Mmmk, I really like your idea! Thank you.

If you are hesitant to use the porcelain tiles that resemble slate or wood, you might consider a neutral tile laid in an interesting eye catching pattern. Our tile installer put down a great "pinwheel" pattern using a 6x6 surrounded by 6x12's. An out of the ordinary configuration is sure to get noticed.

Michigammemom, I like that idea too. Do you have a picture of your project?

Not a great photo, but you get the idea. The pattern creates a 18x18 square.

Where do I go to see your photo? I'm not seeing it here on your post.

Sorry, will attempt again.

I love that look. Now if I can find tiles that would work with my countertops and cabinets and not be two dark and not too light.