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.  

I switched to a neutral ceramic tile.

Lavatories, buy a good wrist blade faucet and separately get a 0.5 gpm aerator.Kitchen sink, get a good wrist blade faucet without spray and get a 1.0 gpm aerator.Faucets, ceramic cartridges are great.

New plumbing, electrical, demolition,landscaping,drywall, bathroom rehab toilet,pedestal sink, ceramic floor tile and tub and wall surround were completed by me.