nosoccermom, Yes those tiles were the ones we had actually looked at already. We definitely need a new floor, the old one has been really beaten up and in fact was only glued around the edges, and it's coming up around the wall in some parts, and overall looks dingy. We weren't sure how the color would fit in with the kitchen however. The interior designer recommended something called "grey washed" is what I have written down. I like the appeal of the luxury vinyl, they aren't cold tile, easy to install, and the grout is actually a better version than regular tile group in that it's not porous.

The "oil finishes" are hardwax oil products that are applied as a single coat. They are traditionally a matte finish and they require maintenance by the homeowner. You must be prepared for the maintenance. Many of the factory finished engineered floors with oil finishes can require (or would benefit from) an application of maintenance oil applied as soon as they are installed. This isn't a huge issue (because it is relatively easy) but it is something that most people do not know and therefore "miss" the opportunity to add this little bit of extra love at the beginning. Once installed, the oil floors are beautiful, raw-looking wood finish. They are low gloss. If you are someone who likes the look of a "clean shiny floor" then you will be horribly disappointed by the floors and will spend days and days trying to "clean" the floors to a "shine" - without any success. Tears are soon to follow. As for "UV oil finish" this is just a fun way of saying the factory used UV lights to speed up the curing of the finish. Instead of 2-3 days, the cure can be reduced to a few minutes under UV lighting. That's it. That's the whole difference. Other than that, UV cured vs. natural cured hardwax "oil" finishes are the same beast. If you love the look of oil finished flooring, then go for it. But PLEASE FIND OUT the maintenance requirements and purchase ALL of the maintenance products at the same time that you purchase the floor. That includes any "colour oil" products used to create the colour at the factory. Once the floor has been delivered, I would find a "culled" or warped plank (an imperfect plank that will not be installed) and start playing with your maintenance products on the board (or boards) so that you are well schooled BEFORE a little "oopsa" occurs. It will make your life MUCH easier.

That is a truly beautiful and elegant kitchen. i can see why you'd want to replace the backsplash. I think you'd tire less of the lighter tile in the long run. For starters on the lighting, I'd check anything by Visual Comfort & Co from Circa Lighting. The light quality from those lights is superb. Also take a look at the modern designs from Hinkley Lighting. On your floor, you might consider a product like Loba's 2K Invisible Protect or Loba 2K Supra A.T. without a stain. White oak in lighter tones is very popular right now without any stain. Here's a video showing how Loba products prevent tannin pull in white oak when applied correctly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbu7kCzd1P0

Your countertop is beigy-beige. Be sure that your walls would not clash with it. May be to go with off-white color?