If the chair rail is glazed on both the top and bottom edges, it shouldn't be a problem. Line them up next to each other, just as they would go on the wall, and you'll be able to tell how it looks. Sorry, I don't understand the problem with your second question. I can't see how the chair rail affects the crown molding. Perhaps a sketch would help.

i'm doing this in our master bath. 16x16 porcelain and hardwood w/waterlox. we'll also install a heat matt. they're laying the floors right now so i can post back when the room is finished.

I love that floor. I have seen travertine and wood mixed together like in the picture and really, really like it. I love to go into a house and find the unexpected (in a good way) Have you thought about stained concrete, you could get the look of the two tone flooring, like in your picture. I don't know if you are on slab or not, but it would be less expensive. What color is the wood and travertine in the picture?

This might not be helpful, but we have hardwoods in the front-dining room, library, foyer & we've just ripped out the carpet/tile mix in our kitchen/family room-sounds sort of like yours-one large room. We refinished the d.r & library shortly after we moved in 6 yrs. ago, then after 2 yrs., replaced the vinyl in the hall/half bath w/ hardwood. My husband didn't want to replace the tile, because it was relatively new, but it was 'distressed' ceramic tile, so it had little pits to hold the dirt & I HATED it! The carpet suffered through several aging pets' illnesses (enough said-it was gross). It was a horrible job to rip out the tile, but they stained it today & the poly goes on tomorrow & it's going to look amazing! It cost just under $5K,(they moved all the appliances, except dw, & did oak underneath). After watching them rip up the tile, I'd never have it again (but most people don't put in tile, thinking they'll have to remove it). Linda