Sorry it would let me attach images in 1st post!

Photo 2

With island lights

Photo 4

you could use the floor tile in a smaller format size like 3x6 bricks for the field. and break it up at the stove area by making a deco 'rug' centered on the stove /pot filler area with same tile but 6x6 on diagonal with a border tile surrounding it. I think the dark tile and variation lends itself to a nice look.

Update: I decided on London Fog 2"x 10" Ceramica Rondine Tile.