Several decades ago, I grew up in a house with cork tiles in kitchen and sunroom - and I was a convert from then. Cork is warm to look at and to walk on, and is very forgiving when you drop things on it. Since then Ive had houses with tiles in both bathroom and kitchen (not my choice), and more than half an hour standing doing kitchen/meal prep, used to give me aching legs. I could never figure out why tiles were so desirable by all and sundry, until I found their advantages in a hot climate in summer - cool underfoot. But when I bought my recent house I was intent on putting cork down, but found I had vinyl wood-look planking in the kitchen - I have learned to love it, as it is : comfortable to walk/stand on (must have a good underlay?), things don't smash when I drop them, and so easy to clean - I really love it now, and with a couple of polyprop non-slip mats from Briscoes for extra underfoot comfort, I'm sold... Hope you solve your dilemma soon... :-D

Not sure how it comes up in vinyl planks but i chose spotted gum ( Quickstep Readyflor) and am thrilled with the look. The large range of colours through the floors means it suits a range of timbers and furnishing colours. Good luck with your choosing

I'm also considering the Korlock by Karndean for our extension (open plan kitchen/living and dining). The open plan area is north facing with plenty of sun exposure and I am also concerned about the discolouration over time. We also have a pet and young children is on the outlook, so would be interested on any feedback around durability and whether it's as 'waterproof' as all the sales people say. If it helps, I'm located in a suburb of Melbourne.

progress report... we went with the border as 1 day we would like to continue the flooring into the lounge.. attached some pix, now just need to decide on some wall decor (maybe a chalk board) and a rug, and a little kid size table and chairs.. ideas welcome!