Hi Cassie, I would agree there would be too much wood. My client was also worried about painting her boards but was really pleased with the end result as the grain, flaws and character still showed through. An engineered floor will give you a different look of course but like you rightly say, would be less drafty. Look for wide boards with a bevelled edge so you get distinct boards rather than a uniform, flat finish. Do think about adding a rug regardless of the finish you go for as it's a great way to add interest, colour and texture. Wishing you all the best.

I got prices from a local supplier based on carpet/vinyl/laminate being around the £10-12 psqm price and they were all similar prices ie £280-300 inc fitting. However if I get laminate then of course my OH will expect me to fit it to save money, lol. I’m not sure I can face the extra job and vinyl is a no no now due to the floor not being quite level without boarding over it again (more cost) So if I do go for a carpet - being a downstairs room and probably having sports equipment in it as well (so likely to get walked on with shoes etc) .. should I go for the cheaper textured style they put in rentals?? I like the idea of texture and slight pattern and not fluffy carpet due to me having bad dust allergies... Any recommendations on what looks good and isn’t too pricey? Would have loved herringbone pattern but all so expensive

Hi Jamie, Yes i think that you are right, and would suggest you explore a 'scandi' style of timber floor with these colours, and perhaps look at a washed oak type of finish to stop it ending up looking too cold. Here is one as an example of colour from Kronospan. Good luck :)

I am not a fan of the dog leg designs - I am unsure about the pinch point but also I am not a fan of the much more awkwardly sized and shaped sitting room. I am sitting somewhere around.. 3-5-4. It may help you to see them drawn up properly - so may be worth consulting a concept planner / interior design layout package to be able to see it.. this will show you what you can fit. With my layout package, we also have 3D images and a 3D video included so you can see what it looks like from different angles - i.e how much of the back can you see, what does the step in the dog leg look like, what can you fit into the utility at different points. Layout packages are cheaper than getting an architect or redoing plans once you have them, so it is a good first step to ensure you get it the right the first time. I think 4 is a great contender! ... I like that it keeps the back nice and open, and I like the access and size of the sitting room. I like that the utility is at the front in the darker area but still with good access (this would depend on the kitchen position). I like the size of the open plan and the impact it will have on entering from the hallway. It is also great that you keep some of the garages for storage as that is actually invaluable in most homes (to have that bit of storage - Christmas tree, tools etc). It is hard to give too much input because we usually do an in-depth brief to really understand how you want the space to work and what is required within it - but 4 is where I would be looking and tweeking things (3 maybe a little more cramped having a longer, less squared space). I hope that helps and wish you the best of luck with your project. Do keep us all updated. Gina