Thanks for the feedback all... Here are some samples and it just shows how important to see them in the actual environment. Looks a little too dark even with a lot of light the longer plank is embelton brand and the other two are colonial quickstep. The two darker boards are already showing the hand prints. The embelton board (Belmont dark) was slightly cheaper albeit they had a special on that coloured board, so it should come in around $32 Sqm for the different colours. I'm almost sold on embelton as the look and feel is more advanced to the colonial. I'd love to go with real timber but this isn't my dream house, plus I have concerns that it would be truly appreciated based on the area I live. I'm aiming for a hybrid coastal look and just finished the walls in antique hamptons, so re painting in the short term isn't desired. In the pics the Belfort dark looks fantastic c but maybe I aim for La Mancha or maple in the embelton range

Hi Kelly, I think you're definitely on the right track. I have used Royal Oak engineered hardwood and it's great. Durable, easy to keep clean etc. Are you planning to run it through the whole house? (Main living areas that connect, and the room with the fireplace?) This will keep the flow through the house, making space appear bigger. Because you are changing out the kitchen to white, there is no need to worry about clashing of timbers which is great, and to keep consistency with your new pallet of the more grey tones, opt for a bench top that has a grey vein through it. This will help produce the pallet for your fireplace too.... keep the consistency through the house, so it's cohesive and intensional. Change the fireplace tiles to compliment the new vibe too. I don't think there will be too much of a clash to the outdoors and if there is, down the track you can always paint the outdoor tiles. But don't let the terra-cotta dictate your internal pallet. Goodluck! p.s If you're Melb based, Fowels Auctions in Clayton, supply the Royal Oak at really good prices and have an extensive range of other floors to look at and compare.

Hi Nick, I have just seen you story. Yes we see this alot in our industry. If you need any further help or have any additional questions. Please feel free to reach out. Thanks Claire

The boards are pine which will be a lighter colour when sanded back to original. The problem is that most coatings will add a colour of some sort, with the older style adding that orange colour. How light do you want to go? It is more difficult to go lighter than darker.