Stained/sealed concrete or ceramic tile with regular grout sealing would be the most durable.Same, ceramic tile counter tops with unsanded ground with a hardwood bull nose stained/painted.  

I typically go with a neutral ceramic tile in the kitchen and baths, vinyl plank in other rooms.

ARV is $135,000 clean out incl demo bath and kitchen  $2000 shingle roof $6,000,    ( inc tare down old roof) complete ceramic tile floor throughout $9000 new kitchen cabinets and counter (10x10) incude stove and refrig  6000 bath 3 fixtures  inc tile walls  $3000 AC/heat (has duct work intact) $6000 Paint interior $1700 replace one window and install new sliding glass doors $1700install base and crown molding throughout

I think we're going to go back with brick with a herringbone pattern OR ceramic tile with a nice molding on the toe kick.  

They like to see ceramic tile in shower area too. 

A better quality vinyl will have a thicker finish/wear layer and will often have a base closer in colour to the finish (making cuts and deep scrapes less obvious).In addition to laminate and vinyl, there are many other flooring options: tile (porcelain or ceramic); linoleum; hardwood (engineered or traditional plank); bamboo, etc.  

Would it make sense to put ceramic tiles in all rooms?

I know I saved a lot of hassle and money that way.I'm glad I knew how to do some jobs myself, so I could save the installation costs on things like natural stone tile - it isn't any harder to install than porcelain or ceramic, but looks 1000% better.

I'll spend over $6000 on appliances where Brian plans to spend $2200, and that 3x factor probably translates to all finishes (marble vs ceramic, vinyl plank vs solid hardwood, etc).

I saw ceramic tile prices ranging from $1-$3 per sq ft.