install the tile to resemble a rug.

What Lyn Nielson said - we've had a dark one in one of our previous homes and it looked terrific:

A simple slate look porcelain will look nice next to your hardwoods and brick hearth. Will you share a picture of the space?

I'm with Kendrah on the waterhog mats. I have one at every entrance to my house. Even if you tile you need something like that, so maybe you could have a wood foyer. Where I live now my first floor is all wood. They make waterhog mats in a lot of different sizes so get one as large as you think you will need. Granted they're not as pretty as an area rug, but I love the practicality. We get some snow and plenty of rain where I live. Also look at ruggables washable rugs which are also popular with people on this site. My next door neighbor just bought a couple of them.

For the best advice, post a picture of the area you're referring to so everyone can see what you're dealing with.

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions & beautiful entryway photos. I’m away & can’t take a pic of my space today, unfortunately.

I’d love to go with hardwoods + mat, but it is a heavily used door so I’m worried water will get underneath.

The pics below are nice but none are of a tiled area in a living room. They are all of entryways, which it sounds like you don't have.

With a waterhog mat you have to get one that is large enough. I never had water go underneath mine and it was at our main entrance. We had not garage or side entrance to our house, so this was incredibly heavily used in all kinds of weather. These mats are waterproof on the bottom and drink up and retain the water.

Kendrah and kandrewspa, I think you’ve convinced me that wood will be the best option for this spot. Thank you very much!