What is the reason they give for not removing the tile? Can you post a picture?

Both sources said the job is simply too big. It's approximately 200+ square feet of tile. Like I said I could do it or at least begin to do it myself, but I am worried that I will not be able to remove it all and I may need to repair the flooring beneath. We could do it at a later date, I suppose but I wanted to see if anyone had any other ideas. A photo will not really help in any way I think, because it's really about what to do if the tile stays in. I know what I would want in its place. As far as my style goes, I was hoping for a clean neutral floor that would not stand out from the existing wood which has a rug on it anyway at all times.

I am confused about why you do not show us the tile. Because I think you are asking us how to decorate the spaces if the tile stays.

a picture would help though. it could help us visualize ways to work with it.

you might be able to have it painted, which is a nice holdover until it can be ripped out and replaced. there are companies that do professional enamel painting so it's more durable than DIY. you would want to put down some runners to protect it. (runners would also cover some of the area and steal focus so it's less noticeable that they are painted.)

covering with a vinyl tile product is a fine idea as long as it's flat enough. don't worry about the fact that it will be higher than the wood, that's what transition strips are for. vinyl tile is thin so the transition will be minimal.

if you do that: choose vinyl tile as a cover up, not LVP. a faux wood floor will never look right installed right next to real wood.

edit: I just saw that you said your floor is uneven in areas, so maybe covering with vinyl is not the best idea. but painting might be work for you, depending on your style. for the best effect, I'd recommend choosing matte so the grout lines blend in (shiny grout lines on painted tiles look terrible).

the outcome is not perfect, but in some situations it can really transform ugly old tile.

like, I don't exactly love this grey example below, but I would take it in a heartbeat over the original color, especially if I had no other choice:

I agree with you on all points. Although a local flooring shop has some very nice laminate that could absolutely be matched to the existing wood, but as I mentioned the transition would not be seen so obviously. We have and continue to consider applying some sort of enamel that would at the very least unify the tile to look cohesive. I’ve already thought of buying some of the indoor/outdoor sisal flooring that can be installed over tile but this will not work where we live. I am in snow country and need a floor which can tolerate wetness and pets etc. Laminates install by snapping together and so this kind of application cannot be next to the wood.. for any type of new flooring it seems our only choice is to take out the tile.
Thanks for your advice!

To Helen, I know tile is removed all the time. I’ve done it myself too. And money is not the issue but manpower is. The floor people told me as much. My existing wood is 20 year old maple which has yellowed to looking like pine. The new laminates are so carefree and can withstand foot traffic and wetness where wood cannot, so for me I wouldn’t mind it. I’m going to do some kind of paint job or layer of something. Like Seattle MCM mentioned above. This is actually a consideration we’ve talked about before consulting the flooring people. We will get to it perhaps on our own but right now my husband is remodeling our bedroom bathroom and we are also getting a new roof. So I’m just out here picking people’s brains to see if they have an idea I haven’t thought of yet.. cheers!

Thank you Seattle mcm.. I am not Houzz savvy. I made a booboo when responding plus I am not sure how to list a photo either haha! You know, my husband suggested the hard surface enamel or paint done professionally but I would rather just sit tight with the floor as it is and when we are ready to tackle it I think we will. As I mentioned in another comment we have a lot going on at the moment. I was hoping to have the floors done in the fall but at this rate we may just not do anything until we scratch the other projects off the list. Thanks for your help and the photo examples ❤️

glad to help! I'm a DIYer, and I love thinking of temporary solutions, hacks, budget-friendly alternatives, etc.

good luck! post before and after pics here if you can. I love seeing updates!

So are we! We re-built our entire house practically! I will keep you posted for sure! Thank you! 🙂

Tile is unnecessarily demolished in many cases; this is one. You got an excellent recommendation; go over.