I agree with continuing the current hardwood floor if it's possible and within budget. Your current floor looks like a red oak and probably wouldn't be hard to match.

However, you could do vinyl next to the wood and the color you've chosen would work, but I would do tile rather than planks. Maybe something like this only with a grout that matches the tile:

Richmond - CLEO Flooring · More Info

I think your selection looks great. I would run the planks perpendicular to the wood if possible.

As I'm searching for hardwood that will work beside the existing hardwood, what rules should I keep in mind? Is it ideal to use the same 3" plank size, the same color tone of wood, the same sort of grain? Or is the ideal to use wood but do something very different re:plank size and color?

I vote for same as you’ve described. Your floor isn’t what you want people to be looking at (or is it? If so go for contrast), you want it to disappear so the focus is on your counters, backsplash, etc... But again, if floors are your passion, completely disregard this advice.

Yes use the same plank size and same color..same everything!:)

You would have to match the wood exactly to the existing wood. It would take a bit of work, but it would look very nice. I also like the vinyl tile that you selected. It looks good with your wood.

What's your counter top? As much as I love the look of blue slate up against a wood floor, it would look weird if it is the ONLY punch of blue/gray in the entire kitchen. If in doubt, look to your counter tops to help pick your floor. It is a very simple (yet elegant) form of DIY Design which helps homeowners complete the look without having all the stress of picking 'another colour' for the floors.

Thanks SO much for the help, everyone. I took your advice and was able to find wood planks that match the existing planks. I’m thrilled! Thanks again.

Excellent, kdwb. If possible, have your floor installer weave the new planks into the old so you get a seamless floor. It will look awesome!

Take away the transition strip & interweave the new floor with the old. How did you find a match so fast?

3-inch red oak? still pretty much everywhere.

@mark_rachel our floors are 12 years old. I brought a sample plank into my local floor dealer and they had a match. Our original floors were indeed red oak in a “gunstock” color. They have faded over time and so either “gunstock” or the lighter “honey” shade each will work.

kwbd.......that s great you found flooring that matching existing..it is going to look wonderful!