In my 100 year old attic I've painted the floor in one room a light caramel colour and it looks very good. In the other room it's neon green, which meets my needs in there but is not everyone's taste. I used glossy paint in both cases. It feels nicer underfoot than flat floor paint, and shows off the contour of the floorboards. I filled between the boards too. KarinL

I've seen #1 in person and quite liked it. I would never purchase flooring without first being able to see it in person and also in the space. I don't live in the same state as the home so I am doing everything remotely until I get there. I have also been in touch with a local flooring company. This isn't a rush decision, I'm just starting and putting together ideas. I appreciate everyone's advice.

I don't really understand what you're proposing, but I don't think that vinyl flooring or porcelain tile are going to be appropriate materials for the exterior of your home, and neither would be amenable to paint, so you'd be getting the look of fake wood-grain all over, which feels more Colorado than Florida. Maybe you need to post a few examples of homes whose look you like so that we can help you capture some of that feeling here. I honestly think that the current finishes work pretty well, but I'm sure there are alternatives too.

There have been some great suggestions, but I feel like we’re working in a vacuum here. What is your vision for your home? Although this has focused on the knotty pine, whether to paint it, and what flooring to pick, so much of the process is about the style you want, the furniture you have (or will buy), the colors you like, and the budget. I could go with light oak flooring, old Oriental rugs, nautical touches, red and navy and off-white, but I could also pick a dark green marmoleum floor, Morris chairs, black painted bookcases, a more rustic vibe, and plaids. How do you see it all coming together?