Is there a hard and fast rule for picking out hardwood flooring? We have oak in a foyer and family room which abut the kitchen. Wife wants the kitchen and a powder room done. Not sure if I like the idea of keeping the same shade throughout the entire first floor, but I can't picture if changing the shade and grain would look good or not. At around $5K for the lumber and labor I don't want to hear, "Told you so," for the next 20 years.
(Yea, I am trying to get her to consider tile).

If it were me, I'd stick with the same wood and stain color throughout.
I agree tile is nice but might be more money.
I'm not sure if there is a rule about it but just that it would flow better if the same stain.

keep it the same if it was me. I've never seen hardwood floors mixed,