Pictures would make it easier to comment.

What is the subfloor?

Hi ajfire, yes, photos would be very helpful.

subfloor is plywood. We have a full baement below.

Cork Flooring is extremely durable and looks great with wood. Works well with pets even! The cork would add an acoustical sound proofing between floors, as well as added insulation qualities. It is warm and not cold to touch, like ceramic tile. I like Design Materials Inc and APC Cork brands the best. Cork flooring comes in either 12" x 36" size planks that float or cork tiles (different sizes available) that can be glued down. Here are some photos examples; two kitchen projects that we used cork plank flooring and also a couple of samples of APC Cork styles options.

If you're worried about the home looking too much like a cabin with wood flooring, you could always break it up by buying some larger floor rugs that go with the furniture and decor of the space. Bamboo flooring is pretty popular nowadays (see pic below), and of course you have the option of tile.

If you have significant amounts of window, I don't think having the rest of the space be wood is a problem. It can be a little tricky to bring in another type of wood, however, in a way that allows both species and finishes to look good together. Area rugs, as suggested above, or sisal, or cork, are all great options.

The dark caramelized Stranded bamboo would look good with cedar wood also. Stranded Bamboo is the one of the hardest wood available and is rated between 3,000 to 3,800 on the Janka Hardness Scale. Great for heavy traffic areas and pets! Red Oak flooring is rated only 1290.

Thanks for the comments! We like the idea of cork, but we do have 2 large dogs. Is any particular type or brand that will hold up better?Is floating better than glued down? We will be doing a full kitchen remodel & opening up this side wall to bar height. We want to use the same flooring thoughout.

I have had cork flooring in my own home for years (over 10 years), as well as many of my clients home have cork flooring. In terms of pets, I also have a big dog and two cats. The dog and one of my cat loves chasing and tearing around the house after on another. I have never seen any scratches or claw marks yet.

Cork is very resilient and can heal itself. So if some drops a knife and it sticks, pull it out and you have a hard time finding where it happened. Or if you have a rock or nail in your shoe and it dents the floor, go back and take a look at it 20 minutes later and you will have a hard time finding the dent. It either will expand back to the original state or it blends in with the characteristic of the floor.

Cork flooring can be used throughout the home; in kitchens, dining and living room, bedrooms, dens and family rooms. Many cork flooring brands can be installed in bathrooms (check with manufacturer's recommendations) but I prefer not to go in bathrooms.

Here are a few more photos.

I have had cork flooring in my own home for years (over 10 years), as well as many of my clients home have cork flooring. In terms of pets, I also have a big dog and two cats. The dog and one of my cat loves chasing and tearing around the house after one another. I have never seen any scratches or claw marks yet.

Cork is very resilient and can heal itself. So if some one drops a knife and it sticks, pull it out and you have a hard time finding where it happened. Or if you have a rock or nail in your shoe and it dents the floor, go back and take a look at it 20 minutes later and you will have a hard time finding the dent. It either will expand back to the original state or it blends in with the characteristic of the floor.

Cork flooring can be used throughout the home; in kitchens, dining and living room, bedrooms, dens and family rooms. Many cork flooring brands can be installed in bathrooms (check with manufacturer's recommendations) but I prefer not to go in bathrooms.

Here are a few more photos.