This topic has been discussed a lot on the Kitchens Forum, so you can do a search for other threads. But, regarding looks, I had tile in my previous kitchen, and I far and away prefer my wood floors now. The grout in my previous kitchen was stained, and yes, it had been sealed. The problem with sealing grout on floor tile is that over time, the seal can lift, even microscopically, and then stains can get trapped underneath the seal. I had a spaghetti sauce stain that never went away. Also, the grout turned dingy after a while too. And, if you drop something heavy on the tile, you could end up with a cracked tile, which will be pretty permanent since it's a pain to replace a floor tile. So, just on appearance alone, wood wins IMO.

Although you didn't ask about other considerations than appearance, I would add that I prefer wood because it's not cold underfoot, and it is easier on your back and legs to stand on for longer periods of time. And don't be scared off by the stories of water and wood - for spills, water will wipe right up from wood. If you have a real leak, and your wood floor warps, wait some days and the wood will dry out and return to its previous shape. On the other hand, tile underlayment, if it gets truly soaked, will heave, and crumble, and never return to its previous state.

There seems to be a general preference for wood floors on this forum. There also seems to be a preference for white and light painted cabinets (though there are many stained wood ones too). And, it seems that wood floors with painted cabinets really do look great together.

My own opinion is that a contrast between materials is really nice, so if you have painted cabinets, then wood floors look great. If you have wood cabinets, then I personally like the contrast of tile.

The debates on the practicalities of wood versus tile are all over this forum but the OP said the major concern is what would look best.

Looks are not my first consideration for a floor. Heck, people thought *carpeting* looked pretty! lol

No hard tile to make my joints age even faster, please. Our house has hardwood throughout. Our Maui condo has tile throughout. My feet are always happy to get home!

I had this decision to make earlier this month. I've had both tile and hardwoods in previous homes. I liked both for one reason or another and I've disliked both at times. Realizing that I could live with either, I went onto MLS and looked at what homes that were valued near and $50K above my home had for flooring. I found that all had hardwoods. I then looked at every house over $600K in my town an all had hardwoods. Based on this, I choose wood. I think it also largely depends on what part of the country you are in. Most high end homes in the South have tile.

It really depends on where you live. Being in So. Florida, porcelain was the only logical choice for us. We have 3 little dogs, a pool, and a large yard. Most of our time is spent outside and in the pool. Though I covet hardwood, it never would have survived our lifestyle. For the past 20 years, I've known nothing but tile so my back, knees, joints dont' know any different. I love our tile... however, if I lived in a colder climate with a different lifestyle, I would have chosen wood.

I've had glazed ceramic tiles in my kitchen for 20 years and I would never, ever go hardwood.

The grout does darken, but you can use dark grout to begin with. The tiles are so easy to clean, and they haven't a scratch or chip. After I wash them they are like a mirror.

The hardwood in the living room, on the other hand, is looking shabby, and I'm going to have to re-do it, and waste the original wood, which isn't good for the planet.