kitchen extension project -flooring

Wsb5tails

We have the plans now we have to make decisions and there are so many. There will be velux roof lights and 3 meter french doors on a south facing kitchen/ dining/ family area which will also be home to 2 large young dogs. I need a floor that will look cleaner than it may actually be, that will withstand the dogs running about scratches, wet muddy paws and not fade in the sun. I have karndean in the bathroom and love it for it's warmth, lack of noise and ease of cleaning but I'm not sure it will take the sun so well.
A friend has an expensive natural travertine floor that looked fab for a few weeks untill someone dragged furniture over it and caused unsightly deep scratches.
I'm thinking about wood brown tones to hide the dirt.
What do you think?

lee111s

I have grey slate tiles in my kitchen, also have two young (mental) dogs!

Being grey it doesn't look dirty reall, even when it is! I keep ontop of it with a steam mop. I wouldn't consider it cold but I have a modern warm home. The dogs love it in the summer as it does stay cooler than the rest of the house so they lie on it when they're hot!

Doozergirl

My sister in law has flagstone type tiles, they are riven, have lots of different colours - greys, browns, coppers and don't show much at all.

We have walnut flooring, it shows everything, the surprise is like owning a black car - you think it won't show the dirt, but it does!

I would think that Karndean or Amtico would be an excellent choice with such long guarantees, they're both known for quality.

Wsb5tails

walnut sounds beautifull and I love the big creamy gloss tiles that you see in all the magazines and showhouses these days. I wonder if some magic flooring exists that looks that good, is dirt and dog proof and doesn't need daily mop and polishing. I'll look at your suggestions but I haven't seen a riven style I can live with yet, seems like the grubbiness will just sit in the texture.