Wow, this is all GREAT.................I am starting to come out of panic mode and seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I really like the continuity of having ALL wood - no seams anywhere - just ALL wood across the entire bottom level - BUT - some of these ideas intrigue me as well. Would a marble or mosaic look appropriate? We are in a higher-end home and my decor is very formal, upscale vs. a cottage look, beachy, rustic, etc. A hotel that we visit frequently had some wonderful marble mosaics as part of their lobby. Wonder what that might look like as an option? Thank you, Beth, for those pictures and being part of the sane ones talking me off the ledge of craziness with this whole situation, lol. And Flo. Very wise words - it is NOT brain surgery, you are right! I have a picture of the two gouges on my phone but I don't know how well they will show up. I'll try to log on from my phone and post the gouges so you can see. COuld be they can still fix what is there. I shall know soon! IN the mean time, going to see what else I might can put in that foyer - starting with the ideas already shared :)). Another quick question since everyone here is so knowledgeable - are the engineered hardwoods of 2017 much different than the ones in 2002? In terms of durability, resistance to scratching/marks?

I totally feel your pain! Remodels aren't cheap and it's not easy for everyone to picture what something will look like before its done. I had a similar situation - I just didn't feel that I could afford to redo the tile in the entire house - so I only did part of it. Huge mistake. I "solved" the problem with carpet squares. You can buy just what you need, get pretty creative and install them yourself. I'm sure there are many companies, I used Flor. I recommend getting samples - as it's impossible to accurately assess color from the computer monitor. (Samples are free during promotions and sales are frequent.) I would also suggest that moving the sofa to face away from the kitchen will not only cover up some of the transition, but also define the space in a way to enhance the separation of the rooms.

Well I am never quick to do anything it seems. I didn't realize I had started the thread as it says " last year". Anyway after obsessing and trying to find thee one.... I am really close to pulling the trigger. I know there are a lot of very fine brands out there that offer good value, but I am just a bit too chicken to coordinate ordering this stuff remotely and having it delivered here. I have done that with furniture and its fine but I cannot fathom doing it for lvp. (that's my issue). I actually had someone come to measure and give an estimate and am having one more come in a few days so at least I will have a ballpark idea of what will be involved for real in my situation. I am 95% going with CoreTec at this point and will be getting it from a local store. Their price is decent- not stellar but decent. They have a good reputation and I just don't want to spend thousands and have the manufacturer not stand behind it. I sincerely hope I don't need the manufacture to stand behind it, but it's a concern I have. To the best of my understand, the wear layer is a key component. Some say at least 12 mil is good. I am going for 20. That's my elimination process. I started out looking for super pale and uniform in color and have kind of evolved to medium tone and varied color. It's an adventure.

One more thought in case you haven't decided. Find a tile refinisher. Here's a picture from one in my area. Yes, you lose the contrasting grout but it might be a lower cost solution while you budget for the most desirable change, adding hardwood to match the rest of your house. (well, looks like pics are posting on Houzz again today, so here's a link to the site https://renov8co.com/gallery/#form) I've decided to refinish the olive green tile of a very, very rarely used guest bath shower (not my bath above) instead of replacing the tile. I'm doing three bathrooms at once, major painting, a new driveway and replacing flooring in a lower level. The costs are just crazy, crazy so I'm looking for ways to reduce the budget. When I read you have three elementary school age children, my heart went out to you. You may be flush with funds, so all these lower cost options might not be necessary, but just in case you aren't flush with funds, please don't get sucked into the HGTV vortex of having to have the very best renovation at the cost of other things in your life. Also, time impacts our decisions so much. I see countless design choices I really wanted ten, even five years ago that I am so happy I didn't do. All the best to you!