We would recommend a vinyl plank or vinyl tile product. As far as colours, I think you'll have a better grasp on that then we will. You know what you like and in the end you are the one who it will matter most to! If you can bring a sample of the upstairs flooring and the maple entrance wood I suspect a local flooring store would be very well equipped to help you pick your downstairs floor. Good luck!

Thanks for the response. We are planning to place the laminate on the entrance step with tile as well. The stairs will also be redone (railing replaced with wider hand rail and newl posts added to bottom and top of stairs). I guess what I really want to know is if choosing a wood look tile to match the vinyl we chose upstairs is a good idea? We are also considering installing Saltillo (terracotta tiles) on the entry step to math the outdoor front porch. What to you think? Kind of like this photo

I really like the photo you sent. As far as whether you need to match upstairs I don't think so. There's enough of a break there. I think you should go with the tarracotta tiles! Good luck!