I went out to the flooring stores today and came back more confused. First, I realized that I should only get a sample of the specific flooring I want (including thickness and company), not just the wood species. The same species looks a lot different from different manufacturers and even from different production methods (engineered vs solid, etc). When I got home I realized that I was probably going to fail at matching the natural cherry to something, because the cherry will darken with age! So even if I found something today that I liked, things will be different in a year. So I have decided to go back to the amendoim after all. It does have a reddish tone, without being dark and red like the Brazilian cherry. And I do not want all cherry anyway - I am going to use cherry cabinets (stained a dark color, but still cherry). So I expect it will all work out in the end. I have read posts where people have cherry furniture on amendoim flooring, and they love the combination. I always assumed they meant the "cherry" furniture that is really ash or birch stained the dark red color. But now I realize even a natural cherry will end up getting to the darker color over the years. Ah, how easy it is to drive myself crazy with all of the litte decisions (reminding myself that this is not life-or-death). Good luck, willienak.

The cabinets are supposed to be stain-free, however the packing materials indicated the finish is "wheat". The floor was put in over 10 years ago. We found a few boards in the attic and patched a couple of spots (moved door, removed peninsula). The finish has yellowed over time, but it's not too noticeable. Here is a link that might be useful: Cabinet finishes

Someone here has pictures of their natural red oak floors and their quartersawn white oak cabinets. It was a beautiful contrast!! Hopefully she will post to this thread because I can't remember who it was. I did the opposite...quartersawn white oak floors and stained red oak cabinets. Quartersawn oak is more expensive, but has a very different appearance and grain. It really doesn't even look like oak, except for the tone and color of the wood.

Pillog, you are right on. The other half of "we" is DH. He immediately got on board, no hesitation, when I told him I was thinking of woodgrain instead of white. You're also right that whatever makes a "happy wife" is good by him. ("Happy wife, happy life" -- something a husband on "Househunters" said.) I like your way of thinking on including him. Jenny, I'm so glad you mentioned no oil base on the floor because I was planning to have them use oil-based Duraseal this time, thinking it would look richer. Thanks again to all. I/"we" are still sorting this out and will let you know what we decide. Still have to learn to post pictures. I'm not comfortable with the fact that my photos apparently have to be available on the general internet, as in photobucket. Correct me if I'm wrong about this.