You should have a professional installer in your area take a look at your home so you can discuss what end result you are wanting. You may need to use an engineered wood. This is still an all wood product and is much more dimensionally stable than solid wood. This is a huge advantage if you are in an older home or in the midwest where humidity levels can drastically change from season to season. A solid wood will cup or curl if humidity and moisture levels are not managed. Your installer should do a moisture test before installation to make sure the installation does not fail. All warranties will be voided if this step is not taken. Also, your transitions will need to be considered. Is the new wood floor going to butt up to tile, carpet, or vinyl? The height difference in the two products will need to be taken into consideration. You will have a greater selection of thicknesses in the engineered woods. Engineered wood should be several plys, all wood. If you choose a solid wood, the hand scraped versions are fantastic for a high traffic area with children. Hickory, Red Oak, most Brazilian Species, and even Bamboo are hard enough to take everyday traffic and still look terrific. Good luck!

Hi Travis and SoYoung - thanks for mentioning the fireplace.....I was thinking that I would keep it simple with a wood shelf over it and a large piece of Art but I now think it might be a bit lost. Would love some ideas as it needs to work with the built-ins which are slightly domineering. Also, Liam_Boyle - agree re the unbalance. The TV will be staying but I have a lovely coffee table and 2 identical sofas coming so I'm hoping to lay out symmetrically in the room. Will keep 1 of the chairs. Hope this will balance up. Thanks.

I believe the cabinets are a dark charcoal, sometimes also known as off black... The valences can be even more super simple to make yourself if you buy two table runners with a similar design and sew three ends together :) then sew rod pocket and install the rod on the back of the overhang :) If you can't find table runners, it's such simple sewing that definitely can be done by a beginner.

Hello Shassad85, As Far as the description of the house interior. I can suggest checking out at Benjamin Moore Brand paint color: Soft Sand 2106-60 That's the paint color number. Other one You can check out is Portland Gray 2109-60, Hope this Helps