Apologies Connie for resurrecting an old thread, but I was wondering how you got on? We are facing a similar dilemma. We have discovered existing Kauri pine floorboards in great nick as part of our reno, and want to either match or use something sympathetic in the new extension. They are competely unfinished apart from sanding, with just some black japan around the edges of the rooms.

Definitely glass and stainless steel for the TV unit, some round glass and stainless side tables rather than a coffee table in the middle and then invest in some colourful non-stripey cushions! The floor will look fab as a feature in the room but in winter it may need the warm feel of a plain coloured shaggy rug in front of your lounge.

Go with pine, either some recycled Baltic preferably or the newer one. If it looks 'orange' it may be Cypress Pine. This, if refinished properly looks like a light honey colour. It looks superb if done correctly. Refinishing it all with an oil (we used some European manufactured oil) rather than polyurethane. Poly looks good initially but is difficult to touch up if needed where as the repair using oil can be hidden easier. The poly also essentially 'glues' the boards together rather than allowing some movement. Spotted Gum is very nice indeed, as is Iron Bark but the difference of red brown to the lighter pine will be too much. The two different Pines will be ok.

I'm with Trek, dark flooring just shows up too much mess - over a large area it will even show dust, especially if it gets sun. I really can't understand the need to put tiles on kitchen floors, they are so hard and unforgiving, especially on your body and can lead to tired and aching legs if you are standing for long periods and even backache. Have you considered a lino floor? These days it is not cheap, but there are some good patterns in it that look like tiles or you can just get something reasonably plain but it is so much kinder to your body. Cork tiles are also another option as they come in many colours now. Otherwise, maybe look for a laminated or vinyl flooring that matches your existing flooring and rethink the colour for the existing flooring to match the kitchen.