This is the light maple luxury flooring that we chose. Sorry it is a small image. Double click to enlarge.

Since the floor is vinyl, is there something in a non-wood look available, like a discreet looking stone pattern? Real wood and faux wood do not play all that well sometimes.

For the ceiling, light natural finish would be my choice.

Look at Amtico, through Mannington, for a decent selection of vinyl stone looks. The main picture is an elaborate mix, but don't be put off by that, you can get all one stone. It also has the advantage of being able to select sizes and layout patterns if you want it to look like a tradtional stone layout.

https://www.manningtoncommercial.com/products/hard-surface/amtico-signature/amtico-stone/

The problem with knotty pine in any interior setting is...wait for it...there's a gazillion knots and color variations. It is B-U-S-Y! If it was my house I would stain the ceiling a solid color white and tame the color variations as much as possible.

My thought is if you are going to do white don't bother with wood.

Here’s a couple of photos for inspiration. The first is a wood floor, and the second stone. However, they both appear to be real - not vinyl. Can you post a photo of the flooring you’ve selected?

Or any dog in the space...especially a Spinoni!

If stained white, the ceiling will still read as wood decking due to the joints. Not a problem.

It is a pre-finished knotty pine ceiling. The pictures in the picture I attached are the only ones I can choose from. When you have a home build budget in this economy you have to somewhat go with what is offered. Unless you want to up the budget and we do not. This is a second home for us.

The natural finish might be okay but the knots in the pine may show up more and I think that is why the builder usually suggests the almond color. I will of course have to make a decision by end of this week and will somehow do that. :)

What about the clear one at the bottom?

The clear is what we decided on today. It will be easier to work with with an open concept. Thank you for all the replies.

Yay. Very nice.