You could go with the tiles that look like wood and then maybe you would both be happy. They come in many colors are really easy to care for, but the install requires new sub floor and a lot of time . New sub floor will be needed usually anytime you install tile as you can't have movement in the floor. Just so he knows. Why is he so adamant about tile?

if the budget allows for it, porcelain tiles are my recommendation. They look better, have smaller grout lines, can get them to look like any modern stone, like marble, granite, travertine or even available in wood look slats. My hot tip is the less grout the better, which means the smaller the tile the more grout lines, stay away from mosaic on the floor, I've seen too often these being ripped out because the grout dates and ages from soap scum etc. After seeing grey, black and various colours on floors, I would always go with white on the floor, easy to keep clean and no fading of the tile profile. Good Luck!!

Hi Andrew, I think you are asking what type of timber you can use to match your floors. You may like to consider either Karri, ( or Spotted Gum, Nyatoh or Tasmanian Blackwood) as these are readily available hardwood timbers in this varigated tone and grain pattern you have. It is also worth noting that Timbers that start out with red in them also actually fade over time to turn this nutty colour. Once you decide on a spiecies, your Cabinet Maker may also be able to hand pick colours to get the closest match. Hope this helps; regards Malcolm.

Firstly find the product you want to use to work with the upstairs floor. That will guide you as to what you do with the tiles. Personally I’d remove them as I like to have a clear base for any improvement work I do. But plenty of people lay floating floors over tiles. Your flooring supplier will tell you which products can go over tiles.