I am just taking some photos so will upload them in a bit. I have the hardwood floor sample board at home now, so I can show the differences in some photos. The thing is my house was not that well put together in terms of interior design when I bought it, but it had a lot of things going for it at the time (it is my first house). My big problem is that the house is decked out in variations of golden oak but literally EVERYTHING is a slightly different shade (more orange, more yellow, more red etc.). The trim (baseboards, window trim) all over the entire house is that fake wood stuff (one colour), slightly different than the living room baseboards which were replaced as contractor snapped the plastic one in half and it could not be matched so went with similar real wood trim dyed a somewhat similar colour but that was a tricky match to make, slightly different colour than the kitchen cabinets, slightly different colour than the wood doors, slightly different colour than the door jambs and inner window casing, slightly different than the laminate flooring in the den, slightly different colour than the large kitchen window that had to be replaced including the casing, slightly different than the stair rail to the living room. In the end, it seems trying to "match" the hardwood floor to anything in my house is a waste of time given that everything is slightly different!! So I thought that for now I should get a hardwood floor that blends and works with everything (find some sort of a balance and that in particular works with the things that are in proximity to where this hardwood floor would go), but not necessarily match any one thing. And then over the years, I can gradually changes things in ways that make things more uniform and that make sense. TBH, money is a limitation, so I have to make choices that also work now as I don't want to live for the future but want to enjoy my house now. This post was edited by Scarlett001 on Sun, Apr 7, 13 at 17:52

"Are you suggesting I paint the fireplace mantel, staircase, etc a totally different color like blue or green? " Yes,as appossed to re-staining because (A) re-staining is so difficult to do a lastng job,and (B) paint offer's unlimited shades and tones to work with. Matching colors is far easier than coordinating them,stain make's it even more difficult. Frankly I'm not certain what I'd do after seeing the home in person. I suggested blue and/or green based on your discription(which I believe is accurate) of red floors and orange elsewhere. Call major paint distributors to see if they have a consultant in your area. If not,consider asking a paid consultant to have a look or taking actual samples of wall paint,floor and other woodwork to their office. Alternatly,use a camera with higher color resolution. After hearing you are already pleased with blue gray in another area I'm confident you can hit a double or triple useing it again. A color pro might turn it to a home run or grand slam. In the interest of full disclosure,this is not my field of expertise,it's just something I injoy messing around with. I may also be underestimating your eye for color and your desire to accomplish decorating without consulting decorators. I do it all the time simply because I like the satisfaction of "making it my own" rather than doing it "according to the book".

Shoes are not allowed in my house. I love white painted risers and if there are no shoes involved, then it isn't a problem. I don't like carpet on stairs because I would rather poke my eyes out than vacuum carpeted stairs. As for iron or wood spindles, it's just another fad thing. In the 60's and early 70's everyone wanted wrought iron. Then it wasn't "in" so everyone went the wood and turned spindle route. Then it's back to wrought iron once again. And don't forget the polished brass nightmare that made everyone go to nickel, then oil rubbed finish, then to black and now brushed brass. I always just stick to polished chrome as that never goes out of style and is timeless. Painted risers have withstood the test of time. I also like painted spindles. Do what you like and try not to be too influenced by flighty trends.

I'm not sure what LVT is. :) I have an appointment with the flooring person for Saturday to test out samples. Cherie, we hate forced hot air because it bothers my and the kids' asthma and allergies so I am actually very happy about these baseboard radiators as radiant heat is much easier on the lungs since it's not blowing hot air all over the place. There is central air for the summer months. We live in Northern NH... it gets cold here for sure. I am going to keep the tile in the kitchen for now and the rest will be new flooring *all going in the same direction* ! We are ripping out the red carpeting, which is in all four bedrooms as well as on the stairs. We want to replace that with flooring and we don't want yet another type of flooring in the house so it makes sense to do the living and dining room as well. When we reconfigure the kitchen, we'll have to match it up and remove the tile at that time.