Not a PRO, but think if you're going RH modern, then a smooth finish would be the choice. The hand scraped signify what was done generations ago, and are thus a little more "rustic". Just my opinion.

In terms of style, get what you like. Lighter woods are on style now, but that will change. Dark does show debris a little easier, so get a Roomba!

Thank you very much Margaret!

Thank you Milo. This is really helpful. I appreciate your response!

For a modern or MCM home smooth White Oak in a Select Grade with a natural or light whitewash finish would be appropriate. No hand scraping. That look is already dated please dont do it. :-) We work on a LOT of modern projects. Let me know if you have any questions. joel@oakandbroad.com

My last house had very dark floors - looked great but never again. Our new house is getting oak with a light neutral finish. Classic and works with all furniture.

For anyone who wants a dark floor, I always recommend looking at the MEDIUM tones. Why? Because a medium toned floor will give you ALL the drama you are looking for (which is what a dark floor offers = DRAMATIC BACK DROP!) without the hassle of living with dark floors.

Remember: the darker the floor the darker it makes a room. And the darker the room appears the darker the floors will appear. If you think about it, it makes sense.

Lets say you put in an espresso coloured floor. It will drop the level of light in the room by several steps. That means your floor will APPEAR as if it was painted black. No kidding.

Now if you take a nutmeg coloured floor (medium brown) and do the same thing, it will reduce the light in the room by 3 steps. That nutmeg coloured floor will now appear ESPRESSO coloured! Tahda! Dark floor.

The natural light will show the lovely deep colouring of the wood (which is ever so beautiful) and add life to your home during the day. Once the sun goes down, you will be back to the drama of a dark floor.

For me this is a win-win situation. Don't discount the medium tones. They will get the job done without causing the 'dust hell' of a truly dark floor.

Great advice! How do you feel about the natural wood floors I see all over Houzz?

I LOVE natural (aka raw-look) wood floors. I'm a HUGE fan of Scandinavian Modern! I love pale wood floors (Swedish blonde isn't just a hair colour), white walls, chrome, glass and HUGE amounts of colour! I really want to live in bright surroundings with strong colours. That's my happy place!

If you think 'Playful Ikea' that's my preferred direction. I have no problem with red area rugs (like 10x12 solid red rugs) and blue sofas with large colourful impressionist paintings/prints. I love colour and I love bright surroundings. A beautiful red or a stunning blue have the same effect on me as a dining at a 5 star restaurant has on a foodie.

But that's just me. Finding YOUR happy place is what is important. And if you like the drama that is dark wood, then go for it! Just remember to put everything in place before pulling the trigger on a dark wood floor. A medium floor can do the same thing without being super difficult to live with.

Thanks Milo.

Don't forget your sister in law was involved. It only took a tad over a year to get it going due to the post flood and construction delays in Texas. Patient I am. I work with some customers going on two and three years.

"Restoration Hardware MODERN"

First I've heard of that, but I live off the beaten trail. Looking at pics on Bing. Whitish, silvery?

Here's one. Light to medium grey, twinges of beige. Has pewter colors in it too. Cerused with white undertones.

http://www.uptownfloors.com/products-hardwood/imagination/scottsdale.htm