can you post the pics of what you are considering? rectangle is a good option. what color are your hardwoods? pics help a lot. leathered option is also good for the look you want. what color are cabs? splash? wall color? need more info and more pics.

Sure, here's the current cabinets, which I'm keeping and the flooring I've considered so far. I feel like none of these are quite right though.

The walls are white, backsplash is white, so I can switch out the floors and counters to just about anything.

Daltile might be an option?

here's the black slate Ellsworth mentioned,,,(they come in all shapes and sizes and tones)

or a large (14") porcelain Hex tile, also in different colors, this one is black, obviously. But they have grays and whites.

http://tilebar.com/seville-efeso-24x24-porcelain-tile.html

tilebar has tons more. just search gray porcelain tile. they will send you out samples.

That's remarkably helpful! Thanks to you both. I really appreciate it!!

Did you ever install this Armstrong Alterna product? Considering the same and can't find any recent posts with information on how it has performed for others.