Hi ritevibe, It seems that many of your worries are to do with the ongoing maintenance and wear that will inevitably come from renting your property out. Timber would quite obviously look amazing in your space, though the damage and maintenance could be restrictive. Have you investigated timber look 'parquet' tiles? Being porcelain, you are not going to find anything more durable and long lasting. It is definitely worth a look at what's available in this material, I will attach some images for your reference and a link to give you a starting point. (http://www.houzz.com.au/projects/683682/par-ker-timber-parquet-porcelain-tiles) In such an environment, I think cost effectiveness would probably be better understood over the life of the floor, as vinyls and floorboards are going to require significant amounts of maintenance, are going to cop a bit of a beating and are not going to last as long as tile. If you want more info I am happy to help out, Best of luck!

I can see some large fluffy Folaki (sp?) style rugs in here. They come in room-size large rectanges as well as the more common little ones you can get at IKEA. Add a bit of glam with some mercury glass candlesticks, some art, maybe a sculptural piece or even a tapestry, and a teak bench, and it will be fantastic. I would go for just a few really bold and big pieces, mostly white and chrome. I would hold off on painting until you add a rug and some accessories. I like the contrast and it won't looks so stark when more stuff is added. I hope you have plenty of towel racks on the wall we can't see! Nice thick white ones would work with the rest.

Good idea....tomorrow i will put some sample cards next to the tile and see what colour matches up best...I will also post a photo on here and have you guys help me ouf if that's okay :)) In about 5 minutes I will be posting up a post about coloured roof tiles - Would LOVE your help if you can find the post on here....Thanks guys! :)

jersey you have no photos in your idea books. Search for photos of kitchens here on houzz - save all the kitchen photos you like in one idea book. You can refine the search to include white cabinets bench tops and tiles and see what comes up. I have 10 ideabooks but many here on house have dozens! So start looking now ; ) Having an all white kitchen with white floor tiles could look a little sterile or bland , look at introducing some colour or texture or elements of timber for warmth. See photos i found here on houzz! The first one to me seems very sterile but the second one introduces some timber elements and the third a little bling .