Semi-gloss is an excellent option for people looking for a bit more glow. It looks 'clean' to many people (a lot of people believe shiny = CLEAN). When the floors are missing this glow, people feel upset. They fell their floors are lifeless and dull. And this leads to 'over-cleaning' (people try to achieve the shiny-clean look as often as possible). All of this reduces the life of a floor. And yes, someone's enjoyment of their floor is part of the 'life span'. If you hate your floor you are more likely to refinish it SOONER than is technically necessary. So glad you love your floor. I've always said a medium-dark floor can offer the DRAMA of a dark floor without looking like a black hole. Your floor has visual impact without disturbing your cleaning schedule. That's a win-win to me!

We went with natural red oak - we love the lighter flooring throughout our home - and a contrasting stained white oak cabinet (I think it’s with special walnut). Contrast is more restrained in person and cabs are darker than we envisioned - originally we were thinking less contrast - but we’re very happy with how it turned out! We also have a good amount of white in the kitchen.

Karen, I love it. You have helped me decide on the stain for our red oak. We have white oak upstairs and red oak downstairs. After seeing your floors and Chris Loves Julia’s white oak in Duraseal’s “weathered gray”, I’m sold. Like you, I thought I wanted the on trend natural white oak look but, in reality, it lacks the warmth that I want in my home. Yours is both light and warm!

IMO refinishing wood floors is not usually DIY and with a dog even less so. One dog hair will make you crazy when it is stuck in the finish. My advice first find out what wood that is .Then get some real help as to what finish to choose .What is the flooring in the kitchen it does not look the same and also why layed in a different direction?How are you going to handle the patch needed whare it looks like white whatever. Patches need to be woven in to look best . My advice get a pro to do this job since you have left the baseboard on to sand IMO you are not ready to DIY this . The basborads all need to be removed before sanding and refinishing .