We are replacing our kitchen floors with 12x24 gray tile with grout that blends in with the tile. I've always liked a thirds pattern and pictured the tiles going horizontal by the cabinets.

But our contractor suggested going vertical bc of the narrow part that leads from entry to kitchen and to match the direction of the bricks. It just feels like vertical in the kitchen will look weird, especially next to the cabinets. Will this look odd? Do I go horizontal, vertical or a pattern instead to avoid this issue?