OK, so basically there is no magic bullet that I'm just unaware of. So fabrication: The piece that abutts the tile should be level with the tile and the thickness of the tile and thinset. The part that will cover the wood floor will receive the rabbett. If the tile and thinset is roughly 1/2" and the wood is slightly lower (maybe an 1/8th), about how overall thick should I make the piece? 3/4"? Also, would you fasten it with a bead of adhesive then nail and putty? Thanks

So since there is open space on all of the other sides of the wood, grouting will leave enough room for expansion?? I know engineered flooring isn't as susceptible to expanding/contracting. I didn't know that caulking an edge is still considered leaving a space (thought it had to be open). Does grout still allow the floor to move?? Are there any options for no transition piece if the wood floor and the tile are NOT the same height? Thank you for your response! :)

roygbiv, this was exactly what I planned on doing. I have had the HARDEST time choosing between cream painted cabinets or the cherry... but for now, I am saying Cherry (but I so love cream too!!) and I will do the island in cream. jejvtr, thanks for all the links.. I got "stuck" on the rate my space, and spent a couple hours on it!! (of course, 2nd guessing myself again!) I did have hardwood in the kitchen in our last house, and I did really love it, however, I only lived there 7 months - barely enough time to settle in. The flooring is a Spanish mahogany, so it is a different wood species, yet I am not sure if it has enough of a contrast, or if it doesn't really matter much if I am going with a lighter (either in the gold or beige) granite and doing the island in a cream glaze.

Well the kitchen is almost done. The floor is my favourite thing! Absolutely love them! It is porcelain wood plank layed herringbone butting up against the hardwood floor. The hardwood and porcelain floors do not look the same but they do have the same tone. I think they look great together. It was hard to get a good pic because the lighting is different in the kitchen vs the hall.