Having just gone through this, I'd start with selecting a tile first. It might take a while as there are so many choices. Also, you may have to order the tile during which time you can search for an installer. The worst that could happen is that you'd end up with a few boxes of tile waiting to be installed.

Don't forget to choose a tile grout which you also may have to order.

Emser has lots of floor tiles and it has stores from which you can get samples around the country. I'd suggest you get a sample of any tile you're considering to bring home and look at in your space.

I would start by asking friends for a recommendation of a tile installer. We were lucky to have found a good one. He did the measuring and we were able to use his nice discount at the tile store.

You need to first get advice on if your floor joist system can handle the additonal weight of the tile system.

Millworkman, no joists there, it's on the slab. I haven't peeled the carpet back fully, but from what I can see, right now, it's slab, plywood, padding, and carpet.

I'd start by at least going to some tile stores and bringing home some samples if you can to get an idea of what tile you might like. While you're thinking through tile options, start looking for a good installer. I've always done the work myself so I can't make suggestions on where to find a good one, but I do know it's important that it's done right! In my last home I replaced some old ugly brown (1970s) entry tile with beautiful Ostrich Gray Slate and it made a huge difference. Hope you'll share pictures when it's finished!

pricklypear used what I was going to suggest and that is to look at slate. It's more forgiving for uneven walls and slightly uneven floors with often slightly wider grout lines. That's why we used it.

We just had our entry done with tile. I got the installer as a recommendation from a friend. I went to 2 local tile shops and brought some samples home. I found 2 that I liked. I ended up ordering them on-line and having them shipped to my house. Neither tile shop would price match the on-line retailer. I would love to use a local business but they did not even offer to come down in price so there was no reason for me to consider using them. I saved close to $500 ordering on-line.

The house was build in 1969. I will start looking for tile for ideas; there are a number of shops around, including an Emser, I see. I'll bring samples home to see how they look in place as well.