IMO you have enogh wood so a nice tile look floor would be my choice maybe one that looks like slate.

That’s what I was thinking. Light/dark???
Any specific one you like?

The walls are dark, with some dark. The natural way to go is to replace like with like. You have light carpet (off white = as light as a floor can get) so you want to stay as light as possible - if you worry about how much light the space gets.

Question: is that real wood (individual slats) or is it 60's-70's paneling? How long do you want to keep it this colour? Even if it is paneling, are you aware you can paint it?

Do not pick a floor until you have decided the fate of the wall colour (for the next 15 years). If you have ANY plans to update/lighten the walls, you should hold off on the flooring until you make that decision. You don't want to paint yourself into a design corner by laying a floor that matches a wall that won't be there in 3 years.

😫. I know!!!! The room would be so much brighter if it were painted. It seems like a huge project and expensive to hire a painter.
But....if I did paint it (what color???) and then would I do a Coretec floor that looks like wood? ...... in keeping with the natural/rustic lake feel

How many times have we seen cabins updated by painting the walls white. It happens all the time. Of course the BEST option, if this is low-grade paneling, is to remove it and use drywall + paint.

You are about to pay $4-$8/sf for CoreTec. You probably have a little more than 1000sf. That's $4-$8K JUST for the materials. That does NOT include the subfloor prep (always needs to be done...and carpet hides some SERIOUS horror so expect the $2-$4/sf for subfloor prep). Then the labour costs = $3/sf for the install.

If you pay everything 'at market value' you could be looking at costs of $9 - $15 for the Coretec.

Let's look at that over 1000sf of cabin. That's $9,000 - $15,000 for flooring.

I can guarantee you it will be HALF that cost for pro painters to cover your walls. You don't have to do it this year....but think about HOW LONG you will put up with the walls.

Then make your decision. And realize, men PREFER THE LOOK of wood. Don't think you'll get any help there.

Thank you. Such great, detailed input.
The upstairs walls are a lesser quality than the main level which I believe is hemlock.
We’ve owned the home for 11 years and over the past three years are finally making it ours with a room addition(drywall...ahhh), kitchen renovation and just completed tear up of carpet on stairs, and tile throughout first level. It’s a labor of love. $$$$
The second level is a bit of an afterthought.
After listening to your thoughts I think we will next winter plan to paint the upstairs paneling (it is stable and solid). The carpet has to go (needs major stretching and cleaning). I will pick a wood-look Coretec that I love. Here are some photos of work done so far:

Yes...it's obvious the main level is of different quality than the upper. You are making some stunning changes. Yes the carpets have had it. I don't blame you for getting them out.

The stone you are showing on the lower level is what most people would suggest if you were KEEPING the paneling as it is. I would simply invert the colour scheme.

I would find a wood that is close in colour to the upstairs paneling (maybe a snick lighter...'cause I like lighter floors...but that's just me) and then paint the paneling whatever colour suits you fancy (when the time comes).

By inverting the wall/floor colours you can maintain the wood tones (medium depth brown with orange and gold tones) without worrying about 'continuity'. You will have achieved the continuity by maintaining the same colour on the floor instead of on the walls.

Just a thought.

SJ- Again, your thoughts are so detailed and helpful! I’ve slept on it and will do as you suggested, over the course of next few months. I have a contractor ready to go as soon as I choose the floor. The paint will wait til winter. I love the “flip” concept.
I also agree to go a smidge lighter.
Do you have any recommendations for a wall color? In that room I have the white LLBean futon and a white Murphy bed wall unit. The rest will go and be replaced with some painted pieces of furniture and a new area rug.

Look to the stone on the main floor for inspiration. What's the white on the risers? It looks a little softer than white.

Benjamin Moore Grant Beige
Looks lighter in the photo than it really is.

Go with it! It works. Continuity is the name of the game!

Walls Grant Beige and trim white?
You’ve been a wealth of knowledge. Thanks so much for your guidance!