The tiles used in open plan on top/at end of stairs is rusty/brown. I do not want to use real hardwood floor because I live in a climate where it is not ideal. Plus since the entrance is next to the door, it could rain and out on the street, there would be a water 'river' flowing.

I like the uniqueness of the tile. Why don't you want to use them at the entry?

Your stairs could be reclaimed wood

You could alternate your rust tile with a contrasting tile and create some type of pattern.

Grey is always great for an entry.

I was thinking of doing the rust in elongated tiles but I am scared that since it is a 'small' entryway, it will make it dark! I was also thinking of doing the tile 'sand' that is in the same range of the rust...but i dont know..i just wanted something different!! I know these pics from the movie Holiday, i love cam dias house!!! This is the sand which i was going to do in the kitchen but finally settled on rust because I wanted it to be different and not the neutral shade of cream where you find everywhere! also grey will be hard to match stairs with the rust on top!

I think without knowing your style this is really just guessing . I like cement tile for enrtys and as the risers on stairs to connect the upper floor I would use the same wood as your flooring for the steps . If you google cement tile you will get a good feel for how they look. This is just an idea of using them as risers as fancy or a plain out with some pizazz

The grey works in The Holiday house because all the walls are light, light light. Can't do these dark tile colors and then dump colored walls on top.

Just remember the rust tiles are going swallow light in your home. I do like the cement color also. What is the tile manufacturer, if you don't mind my asking?

I am not doing anything fancy. So no prints not even on the stairs! Those prints and vintage tiles are very common where i live so im trying to eliminate that style. I have a glass lacquered white kitchen..everything sleek and modern! The rust chosen has a cement look. The manufacturer is Acustico 12 by Viva

I was thinking something like this but maybe too much for what you have in mind...do think a concrete look would be nice.

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Can you do a terrazzo?? Very sleek cool and modern. many colors. Or they have quartz tiles that replicate it. (terrazzo is pricey). Or what about having someone come in and polish the concrete? you could leave it or acid stain it with a different color.

terrazzo style tile floors

I would use the same tile that you are using upstairs, so your wall paint color can flow from one space to the other.