I love all kinds of wood but especially I like oak. Yes it can seem overdone and there is a lot of cheap looking oak around.
But oak evokes all kinds of emotions for me - oak trees, oak library tables (love books, love libraries), the whole philosophy surrounding the arts and crafts movement illustrated by great oak furniture and built-ins, trim, stairways, huge mortise and tenons. Its hard to know what you like vs. what's in style, a fad, soon to be dated (granite I hope). I'm not a big fan of red oak, but oak can be fantastic depending on what you like and what your going for.
I think the way oak is typically used tends to be a bit more casual or rustic or earthy which suits me fine. I don't like over fancy and formal.

So what made you change your mind? Were you looking at existing houses all along or did you just wake up one morning and say, that's it, let's go find a house?

Oak can be stained to give it a very different look. True, it has a strong grain that may {{!gwi}} but it can give you a {{!gwi}} from the traditional golden oak.

You can even get a really light look, depending on how you finish it, and whether it was stained before. Unstained oak *can* sand up lighter, and sometimes it is the finish that yellows to that golden tone.

That would be my tack, rather than ripping out a perfectly good existing substance (not "green," and not economical).

i'd rather have that money for "upgrading" my retirement and the experiences of my life.

Congrats on the house! Think of all you can do with all the time and angst you have saved!

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

I know oak is out of vogue, but I love oak. The wood has such warmth and character. Eventually oak will come back into favor again, just like the birch of the 50's is in favor again. Congrats on your home, enjoy!!

Oak floors are still very popular. Six panel solid oak doors sound great. If they are stained and you don't care for it you can always paint them.

Oak is not trendy right now but is classic and still popular with a lot of people. I predict that 10 or 15 years from now people will rediscover oak and it will be trendy again.

Congratulations on your new home! One-story living is great. We have elderly dogs, and it's nice not having to carry them up stairs at night.

If you've got dated oak cabinets may I suggest painting them? The heavy grain looks beautiful when painted. Just this morning I finished putting a final coat of creamy white on cabinet doors for my brother. The look has gone from scuffed Builder-Grade Blah to fresh new Custom.

Took a couple pics of inside on Friday, we might take down the wall between kitchen and living room. We might change floors, I've been conversing on Home Decorating forum.I'm thinking I'll paint something similar to Olde Salem Gray, or Olive Branch.,,Baby Turtle might be too tan, I'll consider it. I will be buying new furniture for this room, probably something neutral.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

Here's closer to the house, additional driveway to backyard, and also poured steps, beautiful landscaping which I failed to take a picture of...next time, we move in Nov 1.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

Here is the backyard. I love it.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

Congrats on buying your home instead of having to go through all the "gut-wrenching" problems of building.

Your home looks great and your yard area looks wonderful..just think how long it would have taken to
grow all of those beautiful trees.

I am sure that you can up-date the house to make it feel like yours with a little imagination and help from the Decorating forum....a great group who is so helpful and knowledgeable on that site.

Good luck...and post pics when you are done~~

What a pretty back yard! I think the oak in your house is very pretty and warm.