following

Why not real wood? I wouldn't use it in the bathroom, but it's fine for the kitchen.

I'm not a fan of wood-look tiles, I just don't think they fool anyone, very few people install them correctly, and they might be too cold if you live in a snowy climate. If you're looking for durability I'd go for a high quality LVP in a wood look. But again, if you're going for a rustic home nothing is going to beat the real thing.

Vinyl plank has come a long way and some of it is really quite beautiful and water proof as much as is possible.

It does get quite snowy in the winter...thus the actual hardwood is not first choice.

Wood-look tiles don't fool anyone, but LVP does? HA!

The first time I saw wood-look tiles I had to touch them (because I couldn't believe anyone had gotten away with putting wood on the walls in a restaurant bathroom). Fooled me standing only 2 feet beside them.

Nothing vinyl will ever be "upscale", as the OP wants.