Just for one more personal situation, my home has hardwood (6-inch Hickory) over all the lower level, including the kitchen and we like it fine. You have to be careful to wipe up spills because eventually they could damage the wood, which of course would never happen with tile.

Hi Rasi,
I have that combination at home and am very happy with it. It looks great ( as long as the colors don't make it look like a rainbow), and healthier than going with the carpet of any sort. I don't agree with the tile throughout all main areas, because it looks like there is no separation between the kitchen, dining and living room. Go to flooring store, they have those big displays of floors, see if they can take them off of the book display and lay them out on the floor, so you can see how the two look together.
Best of luck. And stop worrying, you got the right idea, now just follow your taste.

Rasi:

Lots of homes in this area have that combination - there simply needs to be a transition between tile and wood to even out any differences in height and provide a visual transition for the eye.

Tile is a great choice for the kitchen because of its durability. I personally do not like tile in living spaces such as family rooms it is hard and cold – I much prefer wood floors. Our own house has that combination and it looks very good.

Builders sometimes have additional motives.....our recommendation is to step outside this environment and into the world of the flooring specialists. Try visiting several stores and try picking the brains of individuals that work with floors as a specialty.

If their imperssion is compatable with the builders recommendation your decision may be clarified.

Good luck

Rasi it may be a midwest thing but that combination is common here. Even my own home has hardwood and tile. Pay attention to how they look together and select colors that compliment each other.

Also you can have your buyers agent find some homes that are finished like that and schedule showings on them! You never know you might even find a home you love for less than a new construction home.