Charleygirl- that's really pretty and I like the contrast with the black bathroom cabinet. Do you think it will be slick though? And do you think wood floors would be a bad idea in a kitchen and laundry area? I worry about moisture over time.

I have black and white tile on a diagonal in the kids' bath with this texture and never regretted it.

Here is a picture of my granite up close.

Deenie, the tiles I have seen are not shiny and don't look like they would be slick. I've seen them install them in a number of re-hab kitchens on HGTV. If you have a small leftover piece of granite, I'd take that to a tile store in your area and have a look. Try to find a big tile store that has tile samples actually installed on the flooring in the showroom.
I have wood in my kitchen and know the risk, but I love the warmth of it. I have a big area rug in the kitchen. The finish seems to be great, if I spill something, it seems to bead on the floor and I can clean it right up. So far, so good. It's an engineered floor, but the way.

I heard engineered floors do well with moisture. I love the warmth of wood too. However, I love your suggestion of the tile that replicates wood. I just would need to learn more about it and get a sample.

Love my wood floors in the kitchen... Third house we've installed it in! So much nicer on your back if you spend a lot of time in there. Wipe up if you spill and sweep to keep grit from scratching, otherwise nothing major ...

Kgbtt brings up a valid point. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, tile can be very hard on your back. You would want a thick rug on it.
By all means, get a sample of the tile and also a wood sample you like. Take your time. It's a big investment.

The only person I have ever know to complain about their tile floor in a kitchen was a new neighbor who loathed the uneven Mexican tile in her kitchen. I've had tile for 15 years and have never given it a thought. To each his own.

I have stone in my kitchen and love it.

Miacometlady- when you have small babies and the main entrance to your home is on a glossy tile it's a recipe for disaster with wet feet, even with a rug at the entrance.

Thank you to those that offered some great solutions. We are going to take our time and pick up some samples.

http://www.harveymaria.co.uk/Floor-Range/Neisha-Crosland_2/Parquet-Charcoal

We installed this Harvey Maria flooring when we remodeled our kitchen/laundry/mud room. So far it has survived wet northwest winters, two dogs and kids beautifully and it's easy on the eyes! Aside from the grey and white pattern I linked to, they do a handsome wood look product.

Where did you purchase the Harvey Maria flooring? Thanks!!