Thanks to all of you for the feedback. I guess there are alot of dogs who are uneasy with the wood floors. They all have their own quirky personalities. I have been putting off having the hardwoods done for over a year now. I don't want to even tell you how old my living room carpet is. I should have gotten rid of it a long time ago. I have really wanted the wood vs. carpet and have put it off because of the dog. Now that I have decided on the hardwood, got the estimate, now just waiting for warmer weather, I feel guilty - about my dog. The hardwood floors alone don't bother her, it's just the hardwood stairs. I definitely am planning on some type of runner. If the runner went up on to the next level, instead of just on the stairs I think she will go up them. My concern is if doesn't go up past the stairs to the "landing" on the next level she won't go up them. How would that look going beyond the stairs and on part of the floor in the living room? The ramp is an idea that if the runner doesn't work I could try. I have thought that someday she'll need a ramp on the deck stairs, because there's times she learly of those. She's offically a senior now so I guess I have to make my house some accomodating for the elderly. She is famly after all and I hate to see her stuck to one room in the house, especially when my other dog goes everywhere.

We are 2 active and messy cooks in the kitchen with 1 furry Jack Russell Terrier who sheds white hairs everywhere. We have unstained maple floors, finished in place with 3 coats of Swedish. I vacuum every few days with the flat soft brush attachment on my canister vac. I don't use the beater bar attachment, just the plain floor sweeper head that gets attached to the wand. It doesn't scratch, and I'm careful to check it each time before I use it to make sure no grit or dirt is stuck on it. That gets up most of the crumbs, hairs, and dust/dirt. It's the loose dirt that gets tracked in that you want to get rid of, as it can scratch the finish over time. About once a month I'll use the Bona wood floor product with the microfiber mop that comes with it. That gets up any accumulated grease that might settle down over time. We put large washable cotton area rugs (some decent ones are at IKEA) in front of the stove and the prep sink/island. I make sure to vacuum and wash them periodically, and lift them to vacuum underneath as that's where a lot of dirt will build up. The most important rug is the one in front of the rangetop, as cooking grease that vaporizes and splatters onto the floor around the stove can be the most destructive to the finish over 20 years of use. All spills are wiped up immediately, even droplets of water from wet dishes and hands. And all chairs and even the dining table legs have thick industrial strength felt pads under them (the super sturdy tan colored ones from HD). The pads are changed at least once a year, as they can build up grit which then scratches your floors as you move the chairs. And most importantly, all shoes are left at the front door. No high heels and dirt are allowed to track on the wood floors in the kitchen or great room. It's been 3 years since the renovation and they still look brand new. Wood floors can be a wonderful investment, but you have to take care of them. Wall to wall carpet can take a lot of abuse and hide a multitude of sins, but your wood floors will show how good a housekeeper you are, LOL.

here is a couple of things that come to mind and are all my opinion 1- keep the oak. I replaced my fake oak with maple and it dings/dents like crazy. I am less than thrilled! in my defense my cabinets were not in great shape so replacing was my goal. I now wish I had gone with oak again 2- before you attempt to gel stain, use a bathroom cabinet as a trial. I stain a lot as we do tons of unfinished wood furniture and I find gel stain miserable to work with. I stick with minwax or another liquid stain. if your are a novice at staining wood, painting may be easier. also if your doors have a center veneer panel vs solid wood, I doubt it will take the stain well if at all. 3- I like your layout(kind of) the L shape gives you lots of prep between stove and sink so that's great. the fridge is a little awkward but not terrible. so getting new appliance would make a huge difference to the cook. 4- if you are concerned about budget, an expensive range hood may be too much especially if someone has to come in to create a vent to the outside. it is not popular here but I kept my otr micro that does not vent outside (for budget and convenience) and I like it just fine. I will say that I do not cook meat on the stove top so that can make a difference. 5- I love the orb/dark granite someone posted and it would give the oak a whole new look. plus you can always paint/stain them later so just chaining faucet,hardware and counter can be done first good luck!

Thanks for all the comments. I'll probably go with some dark, interesting shade of wood for the base, not sure if glossy or not; visible textures of wood can look fine too, also i think glossy cabinets don't look as genuine. I know the kitchen doesn't look big, especially to American people, but i'm satisfied with that space, it's just a student apartment. ;) Prices don't hurt as much with kitchen of this size, so i can go with any material i like, even exotic woods. Exotic woods are a lot interesting, something new that not many people have. Oh, and i thought the part where lower cabinets touch the floor will be of metal, to match my fridge. Also i think color of wood on the floor would blend with the wood of cabinets, metal will help see where furniture starts. Some things are difficult to explain so excuse my poor English. Lastly i think it's best to stay with 3 colors, 1 - glossy white color of upper cab./white glass on the back of the counter/white stone counter; 2 - dark wooden "base color" for the wall and lower cabinets (i'll have some other details in the room match that base color); 3 - floor color. Also 4th with the metal elements, the fridge, microwave, the oven. I'll have 3D plan made soon by the proffesional, so i'll ask for few different versions with different colors to compare in pictures. Better than my paint plan.