We decided on IPE. We ordered the product online from a company called AdvantageLumber.com. Our contractor knew how to install the product (clip method) and it came out beautiful. You can allow the wood to turn to natural gray or oil it. We choose to oil the IPE. After the porch was completed we went ahead and ordered additional product and had a landing and staircase built. Expensive but have no regrets. It is very important to be knowledgeable about the product and critical to find someone who knows how to install. Its been about 8 months since its been installed.

I don't mean to be a stickler but It is actually the base molding, sometimes called baseboard. The shoe molding is the little curved piece at the bottom of the baseboard that is removed if you have carpet. It is typically painted or stained wood. Sometimes folks use half round instead of a proper but that isn't as nice of a proportion. Here is everything you wanted to know and then some: http://bonesteelmillandmolding.com/pb/wp_31fb7418/wp_31fb7418.html

I think "render" is stucco in the US. Will the floors be visible? Here is one lots of glass: Here are some photos to refer to: and I think stucco and wood with the glass would really look good. One of the reasons I like the stucco option is because it seems the neighbors have it. So you house will not be a huge departure. Of all of the above photos I like the Elsie Street one, were there is wood between the floors. This wood is probably stained and should not present a major up-keep issue, since a good stain on a cedar should last 10 to 15 years, before it need to be redone.

Nice room. Like all that natural light. If you need the storage space in the cabinets beside the fireplace, consider covering/enclosing those spaces with bi-fold closet doors. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Kimberly-Bay-30-in-x-80-in-30-in-Clear-6-Panel-Solid-Core-Unfinished-Wood-Interior-Closet-Bi-Fold-Door-DPBT6PC30/204721622?mtc=Shopping-BA-F_Test-G-Multi-Multi-NA-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-MROMI2_ATL&cm_mmc=Shopping-BA-F_Test-G-Multi-Multi-NA-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-MROMI2_ATL-71700000057568093-58700005328952852-92700047416935692&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIss39kdaL5QIVhp6fCh1nlgPxEAkYCSABEgIeevD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Alternately, paint all of that cabinetry and shelving the same color as the walls. You might also consider changing the base cabinet doors https://www.cabinetnow.com/cabinet-doors/squared-flat-panel/Shaker-Cabinet-Door?species=pggmapleframe&width=12&height=12&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7OWcpNeL5QIVDVYMCh1eBQXFEAkYBCABEgLJzfD_BwE and/or changing the drawer pulls to something that looks less like a kitchen cabinet. https://www.cabinetnow.com/brands/bp19009bbz-bar-pulls-collection-knob-by-amerock