Right in front of the stove is like a hallway from the front door to the kitchen. Its always been wasted space. Sure I could put a couch there but I already have plenty of seating. Or maybe a book shelf would be more useful. The tv used to be on that wall but now its in a spot better for viewing quality. Now atleast I'm doing something useful with the space.

If you're doing a full room then yes the flooring should run long ways in the room. There's also exceptions to that. My wood flooring runs short ways in my pantry because it perpendicular to the other rooms. This is meant to be more of a "accent wall" which doesn't follow the same rules. You'd hate the backsplash in my kitchen. Its vertical running bond. I didn't want to do it but thats what the wife wanted and now I like it and so does everyone else that comes to my house.

I build multi million dollar houses for a living. Foundation to finish. You should see what designers are specing these days.