We have wood trim and floors. Most of the woods in the furniture are darker. The kitchen cabinets are medium, more the tone of the trim and floors.

Thanks for your suggestions and I agree that I want comfortable, easy floors. I'd considered painted fir but thought the sand would take off the paint in no time. But perhaps I could just touch up the paint? I could try honey color wood floors that are already dented (can't remember what this treatment is called), but dark wood or grey is "in" right now, makes me feel not with it. You can't tell from these photos that the living/dining room ceilings are also redwood and fairly low. I will be vaulting the living room ceiling so will get a lot of white or similar color and space from that. I am trying to be less cottage/beach style since this is now my permanent residence, no longer our second home. I will have good size rugs, but no more wall to wall carpet except in bedrooms. I tried the white slipcover over sofa but it is such a hassle to wash that big thing, my upholstered sand color sofa holds up a lot better than the white slipcover. The views are definitely the focal point and I'm thinking a lighter wood color could make the view stand out more, like you said trailrunner, undressed. I'm thinking everything should be clean lines and simple. Maybe a lot of sand or sand/grey colors. I think I'll just plaster over the fireplace, don't know what color, nothing to make it a focal point. There will be much less furniture in the living room. There is another view into the patio that is nice (mostly seen from kitchen and guest house). Although unplanted this year, it's quite nice and patio will be redone in stone, probably tan/grey/off white quartzite...steps too. Ideas appreciated!

Normally that transition gets removed and then a new floor is installed. If you *need a transition between the two floors or not will depend on the subfloor under the carpet and whether or not you can purchase the same hardwood as what is currently in the living room. Can you post photos? It is hard to say whether or not you will be able to continue a hardwood into another space just by some words on a page. Photos say it best.

did he use a wood threshold or transition piece? without photos, how can we know?