We are putting hardwoods down in a house we recently moved into that is in desperate need of updating. There is existing hardwood in the kitchen and hallway that is a traditional 2.25" plank that in our opinion looks dated. We also were looking to do a lighter wood downstairs and then go with a darker wood for the staircase and upstairs. We had a contractor come out and provide us the following opinions that I'm not sure I agree with. 1) The 2.25" plank is coming back into fashion and would be worth finishing the bottom to match the existing floor (which I absolutely believe can be done, and done well; but everything I've seen and heard, and is more aesthetically pleasing in our opinion is wider planks look better and open up the room). 2) You do not want to change tones between upstairs and down stairs, it will hurt your resale?

Any comments/advice from the professionals?

Thanks!