We are removing our basement aggregate flooring and adding new flooring to the entire basement (living room, 1 bedroom, hallway area). We have contemplated vinyl wood look flooring and tile or wood-look tile. We are DONE with carpet. We are leaning to wood-look tile after looking at vinyl and just not loving the texture and feel.

The conundrum is our upstairs is real oak in natural/clear finish. We also have some stone-look gray tile in our entry way. The steps that lead into the basement are oak (see image). What color ideas do you all suggest to transition off the natural color oak steps and into the basement? Do we go similar to the steps or do a darker(?) contrast? Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!