I'll agree with ProSource Memphis, you need to install an engineered wood floor because of the concrete. For our customers that are in your exact situation we offer engineered products, prefinished and unfinished (site sanded/finished), that have 3-5 mm wear layers. Some of these products can withstand 2-4 sandings, which equals way more lifespan than a cheap engineered floor. This equals less cost in the long run, but higher cost up front. Basically the thicker the wear layer, the better chance your engineered floor will last longer (80 years + estimated for 4-5mm), and the more expensive it will be. ProSource is correct, gluing a 3/4" solid floor down can be problematic and not worth the risk. Especially when there are high quality engineered floors that offer essentially the same thing. Engineered is going to be more stable with your fluctuating climate as well. You'll want a hygrometer in the home to monitor relative humidity. It should be somewhere around 30-60% RH for the floor to play nice. There are so many more variables involved in this discussion that entire books can probably be written. But that's my $.02

I say dark

I have only been reading into this recently but I came across a website that sells wall, floor and ceiling acoustic boards. It also has information about each application. I couldn’t lift my floorboards. I don’t want to risk damaging them and I doubt I would be allowed to because this house is listed. I am considering putting them on the ceiling between the ceiling joists. They have one type of board that you can fit without removing the ceiling and isn’t too thick so wouldn’t compromise the appearance of the joists. The website is http://www.noisestopsystems.co.uk/domestic-soundproofing-materials I understand British Gypsum also makes acoustic boards but I haven’t checked that out yet. Hope this is of some help.

I have got some samples in - one company I’ve found have two that could work. Definately not local bricks as they aren’t nice I have it as brick in the dining area on my picture but was planning on putting it in the kitchen as the dining area will be more glam than industrial. I just wasn’t sure if I should just have it in the kitchen (against the dark shaker hnits to soften them up) or in the dining area as well. Kitchen would be a priority as less tiling than the dining room - so cheaper