For a hallway + kitchen leading outside, porcelain tile (wood effect) is the more practical option. It handles dirt, water, and heavy traffic really well, and you won’t be worrying every time someone walks in with wet shoes. You’re right though, it can feel colder and harder underfoot. If you’ve got underfloor heating, that pretty much solves the “cold” issue, but it will still feel firmer than wood. Engineered wood will feel warmer and softer, and looks beautiful, but in that kind of space it does need a bit more care. Over time you can get wear near doors, and you’ll need to be mindful of moisture. If it were me, for a busy indoor-outdoor space in London, I’d probably go porcelain for durability, especially if you’ve got UFH. If comfort matters more and you don’t mind a bit of upkeep, then engineered wood is still a lovely choice. - Georgia from Flooring365.co.uk

I tested white porcelain with bright pink hair dye when I bought them for my kitchen and the dye just wiped off. In 7 years the white tiles have never stained. I've dropped a Le Crueset cast iron pan lid and the lid got damaged but not a mark on the tile. I've had some small chips at the edges when furniture has been moved over them but it is minimal damage and the furniture should have been lifted rather than scrapped across the floor. You can buy full bodied porcelain which where the colour of the tile is right throughout the whole tile and if you get chips, you should not see a variation in colour. I love porcelain and would not use ceramic after having it. The best place to go for it, is your local independent tile retailer, rather than the big stores like Topps and Tile Giant. Not all tilers are keen on fixing them it because they are harder to cut and drill than ceramics and they need diamond blades and bits which cost more. They are well worth the investment though.

I had this myself recently - I ended up I did go with a wooden table - a vintage one with multiple shades so it would still contrast and not look too much/samey. I also put a jute rug beneath mine and once you dress the top with a runner and a plant/vase etc it looks great. Alternatively white always works and I love concrete but expensive - concrete resin - metal can also be a good option - I wouldn't go with glass - I feel it's dated.

It could work if the floor is much paler, as in the example below, but it’s tricky. I think a nice pale grey or pale beige floor would be less of a clash. Laminate comes in many styles, not just wood effect, so worth visiting some flooring stockists to have a look. Or how about LVT which is warmer underfoot and seems to be very popular? PALER WOOD TYPE FLOOR BEIGE FLOOR LVT FLOORING - COME IN MANY COLOURS AND STYLES