I feel similar to . I prefer open living, but that inevitably leads to such "problems." Currently, we have engineered parquet floating in all areas, including the kitchen. In the dishwasher and sink area, it drips more often. Tiles/stone would of course be optimal there. I also dislike the tile-to-wood transition just as much. We have discarded large-format tiles/screed floors or similar, also because the floor is usually cold despite underfloor heating. Recently, we had modern rooms with "cement tiles" around the kitchen island, which looked really good. But that won’t work for us because we would not glue down our parquet floor but lay it floating as we do here now. That naturally makes the transition to tiles or similar even more difficult, or one could only use unattractive transition profiles, which is definitely out of the question. I think there simply is no perfect solution, and you should choose the floor you like best. "Just" because of the kitchen, putting a second winner in the living/dining room would not be an option for me. Gluing down wood/parquet is also out for us, as is sanding later. Even though it is often claimed otherwise, we don’t like the circumstances and results of sanding; otherwise, there will eventually be one or the other stain. I also consider the scenarios described of puddles of dishwater in the kitchen somewhat exaggerated. A wooden floor has no problems with water as long as it does not remain there permanently. Ergo, the current favorite is - again - floating engineered parquet, and if needed, something will be replaced. For the "problem area" kitchen/refrigerator etc., maybe there will be an idea yet. Ultimately, every product has its disadvantages. Because of the vulnerability to damage mentioned here, I wouldn’t exclude or prefer any of the systems, since everything can be damaged depending on what falls, and in 10–20 years something will definitely fall, and the tile floor will have its dents just as the wooden floor will. We will probably put in second-choice parquet from Meister or Haro again; technically it’s first choice and costs under €30. We have it here, and it’s just great. It’s called "matte lacquered," but looks oiled and does not need special care like other oiled wooden floors. If someone prefers vinyl or laminate, I can understand that too, because that also has its advantages and ecologically or overall, one certainly commits bigger sins in house construction and everyday life. What I want to take a closer look at regarding compatibility in the kitchen and overall appearance is liquid cork like has, or linoleum.