If you can't match the existing flooring in the adjacent room then I agree with your husband that a slate look porcelain tile would be your best bet. I put that in my primary bath a couple years ago when I remodeled and I love it. It does not show every speck of dirt and IMO it goes with everything. I do have reservations about your putting in an island and having the flooring change in the middle of it. If you want input on your floorplan, post a drawing of the kitchen and the next room. But if you're referring to the wall between the kitchen and living room, removing it is going to meet with limited enthusiasm. I have seen this done in flips and I can't say I care for it. I don't want to be able to see the kitchen from the front door, or from the living room, but if the house is small overall and you have young children it can be practical. Maybe there is a way to achieve more openness without completely removing a wall. I don't know without being able to see the floorplan.