The yellow color or "ambering" is not related to the stain color. From all I've read it is a result of an oil based finish. I did read one interesting blog recently that suggested first applying an oil based finish and then applying a water based finish. This goes against everything I know about finishes (my father was involved in formulating finishes of all types his entire career). The blogger claimed it was done in her house. That said, my oak floors are a medium brown stain with an oil finish. After 12-13 years I don't really see any ambering. I think by the time you begin to notice it, it will be time to refinish the floors anyway. Here is a link that might be useful: Why hardwood floors change color.

Donna, I'm not sure why you think vinegar/water will harm our floors over time. For 11 years that's all I've used and they look as good as the day we moved in. That was what is recommended by the guy who installed them. They were site-finished, with 3 coats of polyurethane. And when I mop, I wring the mop out real well, so that the floor is dry within 5 minutes. I do agree about the rugs, the ones that are rough/scratchy on the back can dull the finish under it, esp. if it gets slid around alot on the floor. I use 2 cheap rubber backed rugs, one in front of the stove and the other in front of the sink. Floor looks fine in both of those areas. Our dog is not a big drooling one, but if he comes in hot and panting, there will be drops of drool on the floor. When you mop those areas, the water doesn't bead up on those spots - you can see where they are when the floor is wet. After the floor dries tho, they're gone. My floor guy said that was because some kind of enzymes in doggy drool affects the finish on the floor. But I wouldn't go as far to say that it ruins it, just thought I'd mention it. If there is a place that seems damaged as compared with the rest of the floor, it would be where the bar stools are. Boys have a thing about wanting to tilt the chairs back when sitting there. I've screamed until I'm blue in the face about it, its just a terrible habit one of them can't break. I have taken sand paper over that area before (very lightly) and brushed on clear min-wax - it disappears! no more scratches/dullness from the chair legs. so for the long post - just wanted to add some thoughts here.

It looks like your cabinets have a slight orangey color to them. So you probably can’t go with a cooler color gray but maybe you can try a chestnut gray since it is warmer looking. So here is a photo for your consideration. I have a mixed stain (1/4 classic gray and 3/4 chestnut) on my red oak floors.

Thanks, all, for the feedback! I’ll keep it consistent. Absolutely agreed that I don’t want a choppy look either, but I wasn’t sure if something like an office could afford or want a different look, if the whole thing would just look like a monolith, or if there would be a strong voice for carpet in the bedrooms. . The upstairs has some layout issues for a modern home (IMHO), and a little more homework to do before proceeding with flooring. Thank you!