Live in Minneapolis also and have a similar aesthetic to our kitchen. We have a 100 year home near Isles. We have yellow birch floors and are going to refinish them (also with Bona product). Wondering if in your opinion, we could go with a darker stain and achieve the same look on Birch floors? We have Ebony, Jacobean and Antique Brown samples on our landing) I am just a little concerned about how the the birch will take the stain as far as not looking splotchy/uneven. Wondering if you have ever refinished birch with a similar finish? Thank you.