Slate look porcelain is used a lot in entries - usually at back doors, but since you don't have wood at the front door, there's no reason you can't use it there. Medium to dark gray goes with most wood. 12 X 24 is the most popular tile size if you're trying to keep it simple. It also hides dirt. But if you want something lighter, bring home samples of neutral colored tiles to see which ones you like with your floors. Every brand has a wide range of neutrals. It looks like the tile goes down the hallway too, so you need to think about which color is going to look best with your furnishings and wall colors.

I’d choose based on the material that best suits your needs and home. It’s easy to complement your flooring and a luxury vinyl tile done in a pattern could tie in in nicely.

@Maureen Thank you for attaching a picture for reference, I do like that color as it goes with our trim paint color on the outside of the house. Had never heard of LV tile, only planks. Is it as durable? I would like to get something that is durable especially with kids and pets and this being an entryway. But also want it to look pretty and go with the oak laminate floors. Thanks!

May want to read up about its pros and cons and installation, as that can make a big difference. We used in our kitchen and are very happy with it (was glued down).

Honestly, if you want an updated entry, I would focus on replacing the carpeted stairs and the metal hand railing.

When I had my kitchen renovated a few years ago, I chose to keep my Pergo laminate oak look flooring. I love my Pergo flooring; looks great, does not ding or scratch, nothing sticks to it, easy clean up with diluted vinegar and water. A year later, I decided to get new flooring for my entryway flooring that runs perpendicular to my kitchen flooring. My kitchen Pergo flooring was discontinued. I carefully chose some Italian porcelain woodlook tile flooring for the hallway; that matched relatively well with the Pergo. I then had a new oak staircase installed, and the carpenter carefully matched the staircase stain to my entryway flooring. I think it all blends well together. My husband and I are happy with the renovations! Best of luck on your journey

Your tile actually goes reasonably well with your oak laminate. What's totally off, as another commentor noted, is the stairway carpeting, which would be much cheaper to replace with a warm, patterned runner that doesn't show so much dirt, and add an oak railing. This would be budget friendly and make a huge difference.

Chatham Mallow · More Info

Besides a stair runner and rug at the entry, and possible oak and white spindle railing, consider an attractive mirror and ledge shelf for your entry wall. You could also paint the interior of the door a warm color that coordinates with runner and current tile and oak laminate. All these tweaks would get you a nice entryway for a long time.

I would check if the oak laminate is still available and extend it into the foyer instead of continuing to break it up with another time.

@emily The oak laminate was made by Harmonics Flooring and was done a long time ago. This flooring company is no longer in business and might have been acquired by Mohawk. I do see something similar on Mohawk's website for Harvest Oak. I can order a sample and see how it looks. I guess I was hoping to update the entry with a prettier tile vs. laminate flooring to make some kind of statement or at least modernize the feel of the entry. These red brownish stone tiles are original and so old that some of them have holes in them. Thanks for your suggestion!

@housegal200 - Thanks for the input and agreed on the suggested changes for decorating the entry way! I am planning on updating the banister (it is out of code per the inspection as the rails are too far apart). What kind of stairs would you recommend? It seems that a very classic look is to have wood on the top of the stairs and a painted white face underneath. I do worry that reupholstering with carpet again will result in dirtiness. Will this type of staircase be long-lasting in terms of style or is it already outdated? I'm afraid we don't have a completed staircase underneath the carpet as I think the carpet looks original.

@kculbers - Thanks for sharing your floors - they look beautiful! I really like your staircase, it reminds me of our laminate except ours is more brownish in color. Can I ask what the face of your staircase looks like? Is it painted white like the picture I posted below or are all of the faces of the staircase in that shade of brown oak?

Karen Roan: Thank you! The face of my staircase is all stained oak. I chose all stained oak, as I never cared for the painted white, as they seem to attract scuff marks.