Just about any type of material can go over a solid concrete floor, so long as a moisture-proof base is laid over it. Suspended timber, on the other hand, should be assessed by a floor specialist. You wouldn't want to lay heavy quarry tile, for example, before knowing the floor's load-bearing limits. Comfort and cleaning are considerations that differ with use. A kitchen floor must be easy to clean and able to withstand moisture and spills, in addition to yielding a bit for softer standing.
Durability is paramount in high-traffic areas like the hallway and playroom.
Wood, carpet and vinyl are more resilient and easier on the feet over long periods of time, in the workroom for example. Installing underlayment under the flooring can reduce the echo effect. In a small apartment or house, stick with one floor treatment as a general approach and change pattern or color only in the kitchen, bath or bedroom. Plain colors and solids afford a larger sense of space and are easier to match. Move through the rooms and imagine the floor changes.