We just purchased our first home and are trying to make a few upgrades on a tight budget before we move in. The biggest project is putting down hardwood floors in the large family room. Unfortunately, we can't afford to refinish all of our hardwoods, so we're going to stain to match the existing. Our contractor recommended laying the floors perpendicular to the existing floors to complement the length of the room, but I was leaning toward continuing them parallel to the existing boards to maintain flow. I can't decide! Thoughts?? (photos included show the existing floor leading into the room to be re-floored)