These are our options so far. Two flooring options against our benchtop

I'd go for the mid tone to darker on the floor if you want to keep the existing furniture as the light ones will just go wishy washy against the pine. Also, you could go dark and paint the furniture in neutral tones to brighten up and look airier in general. Looking at the two areas, it seems a shame that after installing the log burner, that your sofa area isn't based there. How about moving the sideboard and dining table / chairs to the other end of the room. If you change the radiator at the sofa end for one with a really good BTU, then you should not need another at the other end, as you also have the log burner. This will then let you remove the radiator opposite the log burner and have your sofa against that wall opposite the fire. Add a corner unit to the alcove by the window and have the T.V there. This will also enable you to look out on the garden in the summer instead of distancing you from it at the other end.

Hi Danielle It's surely a dilemma, although judging by the stuff you already decided on, it's going to be lovely either way. Personally I'm leaning towards a dark floor, even though we decided on a lighter maple floor for ourselves. Really liking Minnie's suggestion too though. Have you thought about engineered wood? Seeing you have chosen some lovely natural materials like marble I think real wood will actually show its worth and with some shopping around you can find a decent quality (the thicker the veneer the better) for similar prices to (quality) laminate. We chose engineered wood for our floors some years ago and it still looks and feels great. Perhaps for kitchen areas it will need sealing after installing however. Hope that helps... Keep us posted!

I have a very dark laminate, almost black with matt white cabinets. I have a dog and have no issues with it at all, in fact it hides his paw prints (not that I don't mop my floor!) It doesn't suck any light out of my room, I love the warmth it brings. I did um and ah between this flooring and a very light white oiled parquet (quite the contrast) BUT as I couldn't afford real parquet and this flat didn't suit it I opted for this instead.