Bruce is now owned by Armstrong as is Robbins and Hartco. Between all of the offerings there's a wide range of products and looks with quality ranging from low to medium high. The comment about limited selection is the opposite of reality. They have a bunch of products. When I peruse their price list it's sometimes hard to figure out the difference between multiple items that sound the same on paper. The challenge is finding somewhere that might show the full product line. Big box stores generally have a limited selection. Many multi-surface flooring stores have Shaw or Mohawk since the sell carpet and tile.

You'll get design opinions in the flooring forum but questions generally slants toward technical issues. Perhaps your cross-posts will work or you could inquire in Design Dilemma. First you need to set a direction, then you can set about executing a plan.

Elizabeth Rasmussen , White Oak is by far the most popular domestic species for wood flooring. Beyond just the plank widths make sure the lengths are acceptable as well. Lots of the big brands like you mentioned will have plank lengths that start at only 10" long... with a 5.5" wide plank it can look unappealing. I know I just got technical on you but its important :-) Light whitewashes or natural are both very nice looks over White Oak.

I am considering bruce floors (with a similar color spectrum) and would also like to know what you ended up with and what you decided!

I have Bruce Gunstock, and it is too orange for me, but I've been living with it for 15 years! Medium brown is the easiest to live with long term.