boycrzee, yes I have seen (or heard) about stairs that have drawers in them. I thought it was a good idea too. Just make sure no one leaves one open while walking down the stairs late one night-LOL! Well, I did get two of the four holes taken care of, in taking down the towel warmer. My DH put a towel bar that was just the right space apart. I still have the two upper ones to take care of. If you didn't know they were there, you probably would never notice it, but, I know, and my eyes fall right to those two holes in the wallpaper. And, really, since I got the sink grid for the farm sink, it really is so much better! Either that, or I am getting use to it. I do have to say, I like being able to fit big pans in it. brutuses, I was really trying not to sound like you offended me, but, I guess I couldn't get the right words out. I didn't take it that way. I bet we will be hearing some "Hallelujah's" when you move into your home. At least on yours, you've taken the time to really think things out. We had to rush through some things, but, did try to think of everything-which never happens!

If you have or will have pets as well as kids, definitely buy a steam cleaner == probably $200-300 and well worth it. As one who recently installed wood, I wanted to point out that your options for wood flooring will never be greater than they are in a new build. Now, you builder might want to limit what they do or charge you a lot more for upgrades, but at least in theory, you will never again have as many options for types of installation, price, etc. Later on, you are stuck with the foundation, transitions and other factors. I couldn't put down the kind of solid floor I would have loved -- I was limited to engineered floors. If your foundation is not the same under the carpet, you could have issues if you want to later put hardwood in your family room. My utility room and bathroom tile were set in place, so the flooring has to match or transition to them. Rugs don't have to double your flooring cost -- we have bought 5 cine we put down the wood floors, ranging from $49 for a hall rug to $135 for a room sized wool rug on clearance at Marshall's and about $300 each for a couple of room sized rugs at Macy's. I know some folks use outdoor rugs inside, but they would not be soft for little ones sitting or playing on them. I have heard that some folks use polypropylene rugs and hose them down. I have a couple, they are very soft, but I have not cleaned them yet. The synthetic fibers should be easy to clean though -- and much easier than carpet fixed in place over a pad as pointed out. Anyway, I wish we had installed the wood when we bought the house (some of the wood replaced tile that was not properly patched in our kitchen remodel and some replaced carpet we installed and didn't wear well). If I ever had the opportunity to install wood from the get go, no doubt I would. Keep in mind that your builder and real estate agent will not live there and will not have to deal with making changes later. The only negative that matters in my mind is your DH and I would look at that is something for the two of you to talk about. Listening to other people about what you want can be an expensive mistake. I am sensitive to that right now because I let DH talk me into trim paint I didn't want twice (pick your battles) and we are redoing it all now because of those. More time than money in this case, but still....

You are most welcome. Color has enormous impact on the feeling of any environment, and it is one of the most difficult things to control, inside and out. I am actually delighted to hear that you may shelve the idea. Is is possible that what you are reacting to is the newness of the concrete? Given age and wear, concrete can look very much like stone. You haven't told us your climate, but if you have any moss in your yard, and if your concrete is not too smooth, here's a tip from an old Southern girl who thinks older is always better. This works much better in an area that is not in the bright sun. Go buy a quart of natural buttermilk at the health food store. Scout around your yard for some moss, and scrape up a few handfuls. Rinse off all the soil you can. Make sure you don't have any rocks or pieces of rocks clinging to the moss. If you are married, wait until your wife is not at home. Put a cup of buttermilk and a handful of moss at a time into your blender and whirl it up. Use up all the buttermilk. Take the whole disgusting mess outside and pour/rub it all over your concrete. Then rub some garden dirt into it as well. Go back inside and run the blender jar through the dishwasher. Keep the concrete damp for a few days, but otherwise, ignore it. That's it. In no time at all, you will have lovely mossy aged concrete that looks like it's been there for a generation. Since you want to keep the aged look, less maintenance is better. Just don't let the moss get so developed that it is slippery when wet.

if it's any consolation, that wood isn't 'rare'. not like Koa. It's a nice wood, but it's a very distinct look. The other issue is that wood patinas over time and the color changes. same w/Tigerwood. Chances of matching are slim to none. could your blend in a tile w/the current wood? I can't really tell if that's an option w/your layout. Do you like it? I mean, really like it? if you're getting white oak cabinets, then I'd change out the floors. it's just not going to look right w/the oak. It's dark and very red. If the insurance is footing the bill for this, then I'd jump on it. if they have to match the price of replacing the current flooring, then you should be getting a nice allowance. Here's a white oak cabinet w/your woodlands. now imagine that cherry floor w/these two!! Dark. it's a lot of red and brown. BTW, instead of the woodlands, have you seen Vanilla Noir? would look awesome w/the oak if you're worried about waste, try to save them and pry up the planks. maybe you can save it and recycle it. put it on the walls in another room. (if it's glue down, forget it!) I had a Santos Mahoghany in my room and struggled w/removing it. I was over the red tones. I went with a wider plank French Oak and love it. it's easier to keep clean and just brightens the whole room. Think of it this way. Your flooring has been there for 30 years. That's a lot longer than average. w/white,,looks better more modern. modern tile in the kitchen w/the cherry elsewhere similar cab stain to the cherry floors