Hardwood is a great flooring choice IMO. If you have high traffic areas, you can plan on having it sanded and refinished every ten years or so, but otherwise it wears well and is easy to keep clean.

Bathrooms and mud room all had carpeting when we bought this house and I've since ripped it all out and replaced with tile. I'm not fast, and it takes it's toll on my knees, but in wet areas, tile is a great option.

In the basement we ripped out the carpet and put in laminate. I have plenty left over in the event of water or any other damage. It is easy to replace.

With hardwood, you can always go with area rugs or wall to wall over top. We once had a house with the most hideous 30 year old carpets. Underneath was some of the most beautiful hardwood and it didn't need any refinishing at all. Over the long haul, I believe hardwood is the best flooring option.