My opinion is that it's a good idea, if you use a darker colored grout. Tile is easy to clean, grout isn't, and since this is an entryway and will get plenty of use in all kinds of weather the grout should show as little dirt/stains as possible.

In your pics the tile is a stark white - I think an off white or almond might be warmer and more welcoming.

Thanks Bobbi. The tile may appear a little lighter in the photos than they actually are. They are somewhat of a plain taupe color. The hardwood is already quite busy and dramatic, so i thought a simple tile around the base of the fireplace and maybe in the entry landing would work. If i go with the tile, I'd try to make the grout lines pretty small. Thanks for the advice!

Hi, I forget the specific name, but it comes in a green bottle. It is an teflon infused 20 year sealer. I use it on all my products with no issues. Home Depot carries it. It will be the most expensive.
Tile in the entryway is great, Play with your layout, split the tile in thirds, try laying with the floor etc, then choose the best one.
Be sure to install a bonding
substrate before you lay that tile! (1/4 in hardybacker) Do not thinset to the floor.

If you use a light tile with a dark grout there will be a checkerboard effect. And, I think there is too much contrast between your wood and your tile. I appreciate you wanting to keep it simple, but bring more tiles home to try: I think one in the darkest of the wood tones would look good, rich and warm. Plus, no checkerboard effect with dark grout.

Also, remember that this floor will get wet from rain soaked shoes, and different tiles have very different traction! Don't go for smooth, look for some texture to help prevent slipping.

I think tile is fine for entries. One thing to think about is the type of tile and the amount of traffic. The tile in our entry becomes a deathtrap with any moisture on it.

I have to agree with Carolyn, I think you should continue the wood into the entry. I think making that tile entryway is kind of defeatist, like saying, "it's going to get dirty and lined with muddy boots anyway". Well if that's the case then you need a mudroom, or people with dirty shoes need to use the back door! (Side door, enter through the garage, etc.)

I might understand tiling it it if the entryway was unto itself, either raised or sunken. But it's not. And it seems to me like you would then alway have to keep that sofa in front of it as if to hide your little area.

I live in an old house from 1929, oak flooring right up to the front door. Yes, I do have a covered porch but that's wooden too, albeit painted. So I guess I'm saying wood is pretty tough itself.

I agree with Carolyn, and continue the wood into the entry or use a complimentary tile. In either case I would consider painting the door instead of staining. The tiger wood is beautiful on it's own.

Do love entry tile but have to agree with other responses - select alternative choice keeping in mind your beautiful wood tones. Also, the entry way space shown seems extremely large - or maybe just the tile selected - it seems off. Once you do find a tile that transitions well, do as others have suggested regarding water wear. The slate has tendency to hold water spots and yet other tile - the cautionary slippery when wet! Looks like a beautiful start -

Thanks for all the great responses. Yes, the entry (which isn't reallly a defined, separate space) is kind of large for the size of our living space. We've been going back on forth on the tile vs hardwood throughout. I see the later points regarding the 'defeatist' thing. I guess the tiled landing appeals to me because I follow the 'no shoes' policy and it seems like the tiled landing would be a good place for people to stop and take their shoes off...but I guess the same could be accomplished without the tile. Some of you are absolutely right...the Brazilian hardwood is extremely hard and would probably would hold up just fine. Thanks!

I think I would use some sort of stone instead of tile, if you want to go that route. Nothing light in color. A more natural gray or brown stone closer to the wood in brightness/darkness. If it were me however, I would keep going with the wood and put some sort of rug down.

There are great tiles available that look like slate in various colors. They have a texture to avoid the slippery when wet problem. It is very practical, looks good and you don't have to worry about wet shoes. Also, if you go with tile use epoxy grout to avoid any staining.

I would continue the wood. I think slate tile is a bit dated and personally wouldn't want anything that "looks" like something. If you're worried about the floor get a nice entrance rug for boots and shoes. As for the door, if you continue the wood I would paint the door not stain it.

there are also now tiles that look like the hardwood (although tiger wood might be a bit tough to match)
I think it will look odd to just have a patch of tile - unless you make it a statement.

Make the tile meet the hardwood in a curve - hard to do - but then it looks like the tile was supposed to be there. I'll search for pictures.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/20-great-examples-of-transitions-in-flooring-stsetivw-vs~356574

especially #1 and #4. #1 is a bit more dramatic than I had in mind - but that's the general idea.

I love tiger wood. You have guts - I've never been able to talk the hub into it.

I have a tiled entry which enters onto carpet. What a mess. Slippery, edge of carpet gets filthy, etc. I would install the wood floor all the way to the front door.
Just as important is the area on the other side of the door. A length of five feet is necessary to prevent dirt from being tracked in. Use a series of doormats, or a commercial grade runner.
Inside, provide a shelf or long waterproof tray on the hinge side of the door where people are to put their shoes. A friend who has lived in Japan has a BIG basket of soft slippers made from woven leaves just inside the door for guests and family alike. All sizes. A stool is helpful for people who have trouble balancing on one foot!

Yes, the tigerwood is beautiful, but quite dramatic. I've toned everything else down to compensate. The wide planks helped a little too. Tipi, I really like the idea of a floating shelf or something by the entry for shoes. I'll have to think about it a bit more, but there's definitely something there for me. I'm Chinese and have grown up with a pile of shoes next to the door (at practically every relative's house). In my own house, I've had benches with sliding doors at the base to store shoes upon entering the house in the past...but the old piece will not work in the new house. I was thinking of getting something custom made. Thanks!

Macandme,
Please post a photo of your custom made shoe area! I would very much like to see it. Tipi

Will do.

wood all the way unless your planning to add a 1/2 wall behind the sofa.