Just to throw another option into the mix – look up Marmoleum for your kitchen floor – it's a modern version of linoleum (not vinyl!). It comes in the most amazing range of colours and looks (about 300 to choose from – from very bright primary colours through all the secondary and tertiary colours, marbled or stripey or plain), has all the green credentials (97% natural components like linseed oil, wood flour, jute etc; nearly 50% recyclable content and 100% biodegradable – it even smells great when it is first laid), extremely hard-wearing, easy to clean and maintain, comes in either sheets, tiles or planks and it is quiet to walk on. It is used in hospitals and schools because of it hygienic characteristics and doesn't give off volatile gases like vinyls. We have put it down in our new kitchen about six months ago and I love it. One of the things I love most is how quiet it is – no clicking, clanking noises as people walk on it. It sweeps clean easily, wipes clean (for spots), mops beautifully every now and then and looks wonderful. Highly recommend it!

Thanks Ladies! There are four down lights on either side of those light already (LED bright white - so at night it is fine I am more after helping to lighten up the whole place during the day). We chose those lights so that the natural light from outside is not obstructed. We had a big round light before that and it blocked it out. We have solar tubes in our kitchen already and love them - this is but just one area of the house where we have these coloured doors there are 7 others in the open space leading to different parts of the house - I chose this angle as it shows the two types of doors I have to deal with. Can't change the table - it is really expensive and hubby did not like any of the lighter ones when we were looking. Our old table blended in to the floor so table had to be lighter or darker. The rug under the table and chairs help to break it all up. Am considering more small solar tubes for that particular area too.

i was once told that "any wood matches any other wood" and that's helped me live happily with mismatched timbers for many years..of course it's probably possible to sand and stain the floor (ask a laminate timber floor supplier) but it'll be a tedious waste of sweat and tears for an uncertain result..what about make sure the walls, ceiling, architraves and skirting boards all look great and don't worry about under the hearth if it's not being moved, maybe add a matching trim around the hearth and plan a new floor for "later"

Hi there, thanks for your comment I do like the light timber fans but my husband thinks there is too much timber already so I feel a little confused as I want a look that’s says contemporary. We will paint the walls white As I want a beachy feel. I love the retro ligh tooo but, sadly it will be replaced and will be more centred over the staircase. decisions, decisions