Avoid materials that require frequent maintenance, especially by specialists. Consider materials that residents can maintain themselves. Provide floor coverings appropriate to use in room - generally use resilient flooring in kitchens, bathroom, laundries, dining rooms and entries. Consider "healthy" building materials for interior finishes and materials, and when selecting carpet, resilient flooring, paint, glues, cabinets, etc... Evaluate selection of materials in terms of lifecycle and environmental cost.

Resilient flooring is used in the dining area of this Oregon townhouse, while the living area is carpeted. 
(Nuevo Amanecer Apartments)

In this Sacramento townhouse the living/dining area uses wood while the kitchen uses resilient flooring. 
(Southside Park Co-housing)

The choice of flooring clearly differentiates the kitchen/dining area from the living room in this Los Angeles unit. 
(Villa Esperanza)