We had a Vic Ash floor laid recently in our living room. The floor polishing person we used was excellent in every way, including helping us choose which products to use, which was a great start. He said that polyurethane gives timber that tan colouring, but water based (non-toxic) finish doesn't develop any colour - so you get the natural colour of the timber, intensified just a tiny bit as if it is wet - our finished floor is beautiful. If you want the timber tinted, they have tints they can apply before sealing. The water based non-toxic finish is more expensive, but more durable than polyurethane, and not high gloss which I dislike, so I decided readily that it is worth it. We are in Melbourne and the business name of this gentleman, Sasha, is S&A Flooring Services. They were very clean and methodical, leaving no mess or unsatisfactory areas of work. They did a beautiful job, and the finish was as he described in the first place when we chose the products. Getting people in for various advice, repairs or restorations in the home can be difficult and disappointing, so trades people like this man Sasha, and the resultant finish we live with, are a pleasure.

i added a dining room extension 2 years ago and chose cyprus pine flooring to match the existing timber floor of my old cottage. Im near beaches so decided to lime wash the floor. 2 years down the track whilst i really love the look i can tell you the finish does not last. It is not even a high traffic area and you have to keep an eye on it to keep it clean of any little marks so they dont damage the surface of the wash. So my advice would be whilst a really beautiful look avoid because it does not go the distance.

I would go for the spotted gum option to create flow between indoor and outdoor, the social areas of the house. So when you have the doors open, there is a sense of continuity and the spaces feel generous. Monia

Do you have any furniture you are wanting to put in there ? Does any of it have any colour ? I like the light floor colour , the rest let's just say it is a good neutral base . I'd start with a new front door -- a darker varnished ( glossy ) wooden door , or possibly even a blue to reference your outside . Then add colour via furniture ( or at least cushions ) , rugs , and artwork . Again , maybe several different blues would tie in with the floor , but also the exterior . If there are only blue exterior highlights , you may want to go for warmer colour inside -- reds , yellows , oranges -- again , ties in with the floor . To this end , I can't understand why people go with 117 shades of grey and offwhite and wheat -- live a colourful life is my attitude , as long as it is themed haha !