We've just moved into a new house that has nice dark hardwood floors throughout - but carpet in the bedrooms that's pretty shot. Other than wanting to have carpet for our golden retriever to be able to grip on for running and jumping (on the bed) - I've grown to hate carpet for how much dirt it collects - and wear - needing replacement every 6 years or so.

So I'm considering a hard floor alternative in the bedrooms (vinyl/fake wood). I wouldn't even try to match the hardwood - so thought maybe we could do something lighter like the sand tone in the existing carpet. I'm just not sure how it would look to go from real hardwood to a lighter vinyl. Would it become too austere going from a warm tone to something so clinical looking/devoid of warmth? This is a big concern. I know there are many shades/tones to choose from so that might be part of the answer as well.

Photoshop quick hack -