I think a Bronze mix Hex would be a nice compliment to the area rug you show.

I would do avery plain porcelain tile no pattern at all with that rug, probably a darker brown one

Do you need tile or can you switch to a wood that matches the existing hardwood? That would be my first choice. Otherwise, I like the idea of a nice slate (or there are porcelain look a likes). It would hide a lot. I can’t imagine white in my entryway. It must be difficult to keep clean.

I am going to attach another picture with a blue rug which might give some other ideas. My kitchen is blue and white so it makes sense I think to lean that way or blue/grey etc.

Love the tile Lyn showed.

I like the idea of slate, too, as mentioned. Not cut as large as these, just showing for color.

Similar to this sample you have:

Another vote for real slate

If you live in a metro area, go to a big tile specialty shop and spend a few hours looking at every tile and display. It’s fun! Bring a sample of your wood flooring or if you don’t have one, try to find a printed sample that matches. Go in with an open mind, any color or stone or size is an option. It’s easier to narrow it down from several options than to look for something specific and not find it. You will learn what you like and why blue and green tile won’t work (or will it?).

I used to hang out at The Tile Shop regularly - they had a beautiful showroom near my house. There were other privately operated tile shops as well. Daltile may have a showroom, although the ones near me were not very large. After you have toured a nice big well-lit shop, you can look at the warehouse stores and see if you can find something you like. Warehouse stores are hard to shop at until you know what you like.

As an alternative to slate, I would look at stone-look porcelain or ceramic tile. It’s pretty and you may be able to go with a lighter color. The gold-tone of your floors may be a limiting factor. You may even get an idea for the risers. I chose 18” square marble-look ceramic tile in a diamond pattern with a mosaic stone border. The foyer was a 7.5’ x 3.5’ rectangle. It was really nice and a lot of work, but worth it to make an impression.

My sister in law is coming over tomorrow to help me. She has much better taste than me. I get completely overwhelmed with this type of thing, and have boxed myself into an installation date!

black basalt