OK...first things first. Where are you and what 'ranks' as mid or high range in your area? In my neck of the woods (second most expensive city in the world...only Hong Kong beats us) a 'tear down' house on a small lot = $900K. And even those sell OVER the asking price....but $200K!!! It's INSANE.

And your LOCATION will let you know about TILE. Any tile. South Carolina? You bet. North Dakota? Please don't.

As for wood in a house/kitchen? It's been done for HUNDREDS of years in Europe. Today's technology offers 'moisture sensors' under the flooring (any flooring...but kitchens are the most common or the floors outside of bathrooms) = couple hundred dollars worth of AWESOMENESS! Now THAT is worth it's weight in gold!

Can you have wood? Don't know. Don't know where you live or if you have HUMIDITY CONTROL in your house. Wood needs CONTROL...tile does not. Check your HVAC system. You *might need an upgrade which was not budgeted at the beginning of the Reno. And no, your contractor won't ask...most (not all) don't care.

Agreed with above, we need location and examples of high end pricing in your area.

Thank you! We live in fremont, east bay of SF area. The home is located in a desirable area with estates, very large lots and older homes that sell for around average $2.3M-2.5M. Tear downs here go for around the same price as you mentioned above with maybe slightly larger lot sizes. I like the install it and forget it ease of tile and the bad leak experience previously was horrible and we had to replace all the floors...it happened while we were out for a day

The wood look is quickly winding down. I like to see tiles or stone used in situations like yours. The house style will help you pick the look of your stone/tile.

If you have a Spanish Colonial then have fun with tiles from that age. If you have High Modern then play in that sand box.

You need to like the floor you purchase....but there is always an option you will like while still maintaining respect for the style of th home.

I think good quality wood look tile has a place, but in your area I would probably go large format porcelain tile instead, especially since you mention it is open concept. As SJ mentioned, choose tile that goes with your style home. Some pictures would be helpful!

Thank you both! I loved the warmth and neutrality light wood color brings but am now looking at large size tiles; up to 24x48. Most of the tiles in that size have patterns I’ve so far seen I’m not a big fan of. Looking for neutral colors in the greige family not too patterned... I’ll bring in the warmth with modern wooden cabinets. Any recommendations you would have for tile vendors or style recommendation ? Thank you!!!

Does that tile get dirty super easily though? Cause I love the look, but have 2 kids and a dog…

I have Italian wood look porcelain tile by Energie Ker. It is grade 4 tile: the strongest. I have it in my hallway and 2 smaller bathrooms. I love the look and it is easy to clean, looks good and is water resistant.