woodburngirl, I did a serpentine walkway that leads from my front porch to my pond and rock garden area with the new rose/charcoal colored poured stepping stones that Lowe's started carrying last year (at least they had them in Auburn, WA). I love it. It's the stuff that is designed for 5 different shape steps to make a square pattern. Since my path was very curved, I simply placed them in such a way as to fit and be spaced not to break stride. I haven't planted my thyme or star creeper or whatever it is I decide to use yet but it really did turn out great. I've got a pic that is probably way too big to post here but I can e-mail it if you like. I think these were around 7.00 each. They fit my scheme perfectly because the walkway was formed with the same colored stackstone and lined on both sides with hinos.

You know, it's interesting how when we travel to Europe or other parts of the world where we can see buildings several hundred years old, we appreciate the patina of age on things -- plaster showing its age, cracked stone paving, irregular color in brick, time-worn marble, and so on. In the US we always want to rip out the old, solid materials because of minor imperfectons, and replace them with something shiny, new, and not necessarily of equal quality. If there is a real problem with your tiles -- undermined and unstable surface, safety issues, water leaks, or whatever -- sure, replace them. But otherwise the older material has charm that pavers do not have, in particular with your nice brick wall and balusters. You'd want all your architectural elements to be speaking the same language.

Here's a link to a photo: http://206.12.140.8/netpub/server.np?find&catalog=catalog&template=detail.np&field=itemid&op=matches&value=404&site=Gallery

@Beth Thank you! We have had a concrete driveway for many years and there are also no tire marks. But I think it's because it had an aggregate type finish. I would love the more modern smooth finish - that is what we are getting on the walkway (broom finish to ensure its not slippery). When I walk around my neighborhood, there are several houses with this finish and they all have tire marks. Maybe it's because of the finish? Or maybe it's because it's newer and, therefore, in a year or more the marks won't show? Or is it dependent on the skill of the contractor and how it is installed? We are tinting/coloring the walkway concrete to a light gray. So I do hope that will not show marks as easily and also won't be as reflective (in the CA sun). I agree that pebbles in between is not a good idea. But I've come to terms with that! I love the look. I'm going to be careful with the sizing and also won't fill the gap so that the gravel is level. The gravel height will be lower than the concrete height - in the hopes that this will contain the gravel. The second photo you shared is very similar to my plan in that the slabs are right next to the driveway but separated by 6" of gravel. Fake grass is a smart idea (2nd photo) but I'm afraid I don't like fake grass. Sorry!! We did consider doing the look in the 1st and 5th photos. I LOVE that look. But my husband vetoed it as he feels the gravel would be too messy there. We can live with the messy sidewalk but not sure we can live with a messy driveway. But I really do love this look! The driveway in the 7th photo is a different color to the walkway so that gives me hope that pavers might work! Your observation about the white garage door is so accurate. I had not noticed this at all but, now that you point it out, it's completely obvious. My garage door is also white and you are making me realize we need to change the color. Thank you! Thank you so much for all your insights. I so appreciate it!