Jack, I love hardwood floors everywhere but the kitchen. Actually it is nice in the kitchen as well much better than tile comfort wise, however, I like ceramic for durability and possible water damage. We have old hardwood floors thorought the entryway, hallways and livingroom bedrooms but they need refinished. I refinished the bedrooms and they look great, however no way to do the hallway and living room without the family moving out for a couple weeks, wouldn't have access to the bathroom & bedrooms during finishing etc. it would be a nightmare for us. So the livingroom and hallways are getting a new laminate floor very soon, tile will replace the vinyl in the kitchen.
Corey