Valerie, Thanks, we had the hardwoods installed about five years ago, and I do not remember the name of them. They were prefinished floors, though. I have maids that come weekly, they vacuum and then use the spray hardwood floor cleaner on them that my flooring guy recommended. I don't usually have to clean in between, but I am not a clean freak. I don't have pets inside, but lots of teens in and out!

We used a Puritan Pine and Provincial mix on Red Oak. Floors downstairs are golden toned, but the floors upstairs appear darker...lighting? I love them! Like the downstairs, too. Hides dirt, scratches from dog, etc..

It's not just that the color is different with Red Oak, but the grain is busier too. With such a narrow plank, the effect with a very light Red Oak floor might appear choppy. I think the sample to the left of the island column is very even and complements the island finish well. Don't get hung up on trying to create a White Oak look from Red Oak. Look at what works best with the rest of your finishes, even if it is not what you had envisioned from the start. The two samples on the right look very pink and lavender to me. The one on the left looks busy.

That's a really nice floor--I'd leave it unstained with a clearcoat. If you let it get dusty, it'll look like your inspiration. :) (Seriously, it's too pretty to get experimental on!)