There is a lot of good information on the flooring forum that also covers the vinyl planks, Trafficmaster Allure and Konecto. There are also various pictures. Hope this helps.

Wow--great responses, everybody--thanks so much for all the ideas! Those of you who used travertine or porcelain--do you like in a cold climate with lots of snow and cold? Very pretty look. backsweat: I love the look of slate, but I probably don't want anything that "slakes" off--which I hadn't known about at all, so thanks for letting me know. lovetorenovate: Sounds perfect! Our mudroom is only a three-season room, though, so we wouldn't be putting radiant heating in. jojoco: What a beautiful dog! Oh yeah, the tile's nice, too. :) Bunglow: Yes, it's real linoleum--thanks for the warning. Looks like we might have to think about having real, honest-to-goodness stone or porcelalin tile put in. Neither of us has the slightest idea how to go about doing it ourselves, so I guess this is going to be a more expensive project that we had hoped for. *sigh*

Today I actually looked at the vinyl luxury tiles that are grouted. Didn't think I would ever consider those but the more I learn about them, the more I think it may be the way to go. Wouldn't have to pull up my existing tile and it's very durable with a lifetime warranty. It mimics natural stone including slate, and it's warm on the feet. I'm actually looking at the Armstrong Alterna Reserve stone. It is expensive, but the cost will be offset by not having to pull up old tile. Does anyone have experience with this?

Wow. What are you asking for help with, exactly, since you say the "floor plan is set"? Do you mean the dimensions are set, but you can move walls? Do you mean you can't move walls, only cabinets? Or, are you asking how to put all that stuff in without moving appliances or walls? Also, where are these cubbies you mention? I don't see them in the picture. 5'4" is too narrow a "leg" of the room for front loading washer and dryer of normal size. By the time the washer and dryer are in, they will be at least 2.5' from the wall, leaving you less than 3' of "hall space" for your basket and to bend down to get items out of the machines. Unless you are very petite (in both stature and girth/trunk), it will be cramped to do that in the current set up (your behind will likely hit the wall behind you as you bend down). I'd consider turning the washer/dryer so they are at the end of the leg, facing the room, rather than on the long side, facing the wall. If possible though, I'd completely change your half bath and the whole mudroom/half bath layout. Is it possible to change from a square half bath to a long one?