"I'm starting to think that color/tone of the tiles have changed over time - maybe because of a seal or wash or something? The first picture above taken several weeks before the herringbone fully installed is a lot more muted without the orange tone so much. Wonder if there is something that could "mute it back" to how it looks in the first picture? Yet, this could also be a result of more lights. A large window was installed since the floor tile and cabinets were purchased. " Yes, the difference that you see is because of the lighting. When I was looking at the pictures earlier, would venture that your first photo was taken with lighting from inside, likely a warm white incandescent (or it could be another type of bulb that is made to "read" as a warm white incandescent.) Your second photo shows as more of a natural light or possibly with flash...regardless, the light is coming more from the front in the second photo than in the first and the direction of where light hits will change coloration as well. Anyway, I think that the dark IKEA cabinet fronts are a great idea. I think they will work well with the flooring since it's not very likely that you'll want to change that.

Never heard of taun either. Bought it from lumber liquidators. Thought it was cherry when I bought it but now after the problems I have been having they tell me it's taun with Malacan cherry stain.. Maybe I spelled it wrong but that's actually how they said it was spelled. They said it was 40% harder than oak. They also said they never had this problem. Had it with bamboo and exotic woods but said this was a common floor. I don't believe it is very hard because I dropped the nail set I have had to use to drive the nails from 12" and it stuck in the plank. Can't see this floor lasting very long. Unfortunate being I tried to buy a hard floor that would last a while. All it's been is problems. Pre drilling is possible but it would take much longer to do that and line up the nail gun than just blast away and go back and sink the nails. Thanks. I very much appreciate the help and time you took to help me. This floor is going to kill me yet.

Thank you all for interesting information. I am committed to the luxury vinyl plank throughout the entire first floor of my home near the beach. I want to know if Duchateau is the best brand for me to go with. After going to many stores many times, I have to say its style, color, and texture is amazing and appeals to me more than that of the other manufacturers. Any comments on having Duchateau on the floor for a period of time? It is a brand that I am not familiar with. How does it wear?

Susan, the configuration is better, but I still get that you are not happy with it. Sometimes comfort out ranks aesthetics and if you have to put everything back the way you had it, then what can you do. The fact is that you have a very challenging room layout for the type of furniture you have and the added limitations on how to arrange it. In reality, the room is only large enough for two comfy recliners or a love seat and one small chair. I am so sorry that I am out of suggestions. I hope someone can come up with a workable solution for you. Good luck! :-)