Agree with suzyforan who totally made lemonade out of lemons. Wood tile flooring is getting so much better, and people are drawn back to wood (or wood look) so perhaps this is the way to go.

I have put a few wood floors in kitchens. As you found out with the laminate, there is not much you can do about a flood ;( . Solid wood and engineered wood will stand up better than laminate when soaked and they usually will return to close to the pre-flood condition when they dry out.
You may want to consider a "gym" finish in the kitchen area as it will stand up better to the use and abuse than a standard finish.
I would not in any circumstances have wood at the entry. The grit and dirt tracked in, will make short work of the flooring; and a mat can be deadly when it slips. I always have a ceramic landing/entry at an exterior door. It should be at least 3' square and should go into the closet also - if the closet is beside the door. Done correctly this ceramic floor mat will be flush with the wood floor

Cork is very nice, looks classy and it is great to stand on in a Kitchen. Comes in many different colours and patterns.

Acceptable Solution E3/AS1 lists suitable finishes for wet areas as:

timber and timber-based materials, such as timber strip and overlay flooring, particleboard or plywood, if they are sealed with a waterproof applied coating
compressed sheet (fibre-cement) used as a substrate
waterproof sheet material such as vinyl
terrazzo, concrete or cement plaster with steel trowel or polished finish
ceramic and stone tiles with 6% maximum absorption (joints must be waterproof and bedding material specified as suitable for wet area use)
cork tile or sheet with a waterproof coating and sealed joints.

http://www.floor4you.com/pattern-design.aspx
http://www.kashianbros.com/wood-floors/wood-flooring-galleries/cork-floor/
http://www.pinterest.com/bellek8m/cork-floors/
https://www.onekingslane.com/live-love-home/kitchen-makeover/

Even solid wood floors are prone to buckling ect. When soaked in water. I think tile is a great alternative and I have heard good things about cork. I would not install vinyl as I do think it would effect resale.

I think tile would look good. Maybe a cream color that looks like concrete or saltilo- not a completely flat surface? with tan grout, not charcoal or anything dark. Nothing too busy. What is your backsplash and counters in the kitchen? I personally do not like tile made to look like wood next to wood. no bueno.

I saw this at Sam's. It was very nice. 20 yr warranty click and lock. Oblong shape. Pretty but maybe too dark but you can look online: http://www.samsclub.com/sams/mountain-slate-4pk-click-vinyl-tile/prod16090254.ip

1.5 year old post.

oh! thanks! lol