I think you'll need a fairly large budget for this project. Replacing the flooring is going to be messy and disruptive, and could be expensive if you go with hardwoods. Whatever you choose--solid hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, LVP, make sure it's a nice warm wood color, a medium neutral brown.

As far as the tile on the fireplace area, you can cover that with wood or another tile without demolishing it. You might even be able to paint it.

Agreed!! thats why i will do it small increments! I !

Picking the floor is where I need the most help as obviously I dont want to get somethjbg that will fall apart and i want something that is timeless and not trendy. a safe color for my warm neutrals!!!

You need to go to a good flooring retailer, not a big box store, and view their offerings. You could go with a good engineered wood, and take home a few samples to see how they look in your house. Then before you buy the whole lot, buy one box to make sure that the sample is indicative of the current stock. There have been so many design dilemmas here on Houzz where the sample doesn't match the actual inventory.

Or if you have the time and budget, have raw solid wood planks installed, and then stain them however you want. There's no shortcut, no one online can tell you which is best, because you need to trust your own eyes.

You go to a dedicated flooring store, not a big box.

You think about the feel you want in your home. More defined, than NOT GRAY!!

Then...you narrow down to some engineered you like in the store. Borrow the boards - narrow that down to No more than three......

Order a single box, each, and lay them out on your floor at home.

Will you have spent a little money . Yup. But there won't be a surprise : )

The answer to the fire wall? Fur it out a couple inches and DRYWALL. As much as you can. A large format tile for what is needed for code around the fire.

I will just add that with warm flooring your kitchen will look a lot different and maybe you won't have to do anything to it other than change the backsplash. When looking at flooring I would see if you can find something that does look good with the cabinets as is. It will save you a lot of money if you only change the backsplash. Painted finishes on cabinets usually aren't as good as factory finishes.

Yes, you are absolutely right!!! The flooring will make the biggest difference. I have to find a nice neutral warm shade and quality material. Any recommendations?