Here is a link to the closest chair we have to this design as the one you sent was discontinued. Let us know if you have questions.
Thanks !
You do not have the personality to handle the "patina" of hardwood (patina is the nice way of saying "damage" or "age-related appearance"). I'm going to say "Good for you for knowing who you are and what you accept and won't accept in your flooring". I always say, "Homeowner Know thyself!". You do. Good. You are 10 steps ahead of people who want perfection but don't know they want it.
When it comes to someone who does not accept patina (aging) that leaves you with 4 options: concrete (polished, stained, epoxy, whatever makes you happy), ceramic tile, porcelain tile, stone or vinyl. That's it. We are done. No other options available for your personality type. None.
I would say concrete is out and so to the tile/stone options because your spouse is worried about being "too hard". Excellent. We are down to 1 option. Super easy to narrow down the choices when you know what you DON'T want.
Good. On to vinyl flooring. The "commercial" grade vinyls look commercial. The residential grade vinyls look cozy and "natural"...even though they mimic something else.
With your home and the dogs, I HIGHLY recommend working with the expensive stuff...the glue in place vinyl. Glue down vinyl planks (not all can be glued down...so choose wisely) are the toughest residential floors a professional flooring installer can put into a home. The planks are slightly cheaper than the click-together but the adhesive and the cost of install cause the price to SKYROCKET. This is the price of "perfection".
Many resilient flooring installers LOVE the performance of glue down vinyl planks. Especially the high-end brand names like Karndean. They have ZERO call backs for problems with install/performance.
Be aware that vinyl will, eventually, scratch. Oh...and concrete eventually scratches as well. So does porcelain. So does ceramic. So does stone. But these materials do it THE LEAST.
If you know you can't handle anything other than perfection (you don't like patina) then you will be spending more. That's OK. You will purchase a floor that will last a VERY long time. Quality will out perform low-end every time.
Or you could lean a striking piece of art against the wall. Maybe add sheers...
I agree with the rug idea. I think you need a little texture and softness.
Usually I install the cabinets first, then tile around them.
Some helpful tips to store candles here : http://www.selfstoragefinders.com/blog/2014/11/12/holiday-decoration-storage-101-candles/ & at http://candles.org/candle-care/
Grays & Whites !
Simplest way is to add the Peel & Stick privacy films that are available in variety of designs & price-points.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/products/query/privacy-window-film
Hi ! There are many sources for the sectional. Here's one from Houzz : White Leather Contemporary Sofa .