I'm always surprised whenever I read discussion threads on the pros/cons of timber vs engineered or timber-look products is that I seem to be the only one who cares about the sound, not just the aesthetics. I grew up in very old houses and for me, that sound as you walk along a real timber floor is majestic and cannot be replicated by other products that to, seem to all sound like fingernails on a black board in comparison (okay not really, but it evokes the same reaction in me as does walking on lino). So, for that awesome sound of "real" timber and for longevity's sake, authenticity's sake, and all the reasons above I say option 2. Of course, budget is also important and I totally understand the width argument too.

I'm a big fan of black as both a statement and accents (e.g. high gloss kitchen bench tops and splash backs, matte black main vanity and floor tiles, lounge, Art Deco sideboard etc). It seems to collect and show dust on the floor more than most, and can suck a lot of light depending on its location and application. Why not 'test drive' your black flooring idea (cheaply) with some wide black gardening plastic from a hardware store for a few weeks before committing to an expensive and potentially irreversible step. The plastic can always be used as a drop sheet later! You may find that having your black in furniture (such as Japanned table or sideboard) and accessories, together with the odd touch of jarrah, may be the look and colour balance you seek.

In both pictures , the upper cabinets look a cream and the below bench ones look white ? Might be a flash or similar , because that doesn't make sense to me . I hate grey at the best of times , and this kitchen has gone for the blandest shade of grey for the walls too , and I'm not sure if there is a grey tinge to the tiles , but it looks like there may be . Like dreamer , I'd go a reasonably colourful rug , and 2 or 3 brighter coloured benchtop appliances , because I suspect most potential buyers will want to change 1 or more aspect anyway . The other thing is that you said the tiles are right through the house -- tiles are sort of expected in a kitchen , not in a lounge or bedroom . So if you do a nice floor in the kitchen that really suits the space , not only will a potential buyer be thinking they want to completely redo the kitchen , but it also highlight the tiles elsewhere too .

HU-90490831 does appear to have been overseeing the design elements by discussing the skirting boards prior to installation with the builder which resulted in these boards being changed to compliment the Square Set Ceilings. Thus demonstrating how important the Skirting profile was During this conversation the builder had the opportunity to inform them that there would be an additional strip of timber added to the new skirts in the form of a Filler/Quad which would change the Profile/appearance of the skirts, It would appear that the builder didn't include/avoided this very important detail in the conversation which was wrong. If this was a Hamptons style house Fillers/Quads would work with the more detailed fittings and not stand out, as they do with more contemporary /Modern simple pared back lines. Building a new home can be a challenge as others on this Forum have posted, it's very sad and stressful when things don't go to plan. I feel for all of you especially at this time of year, but I would always suggest that you don't accept something that you feel is wrong and giving up as this is what is expected of you.