Good idea! Ok i will go that direction 👍

I love your decision to go light. I came across this photo for inspiration as you make other changes toward your modern southwest aesthetic.

Here’s one stair railing idea.

Carolyn, if you go with the light oak, paint the stair railing. I don't like the maple tone with the floor and you might not like the two together, either.

I know the rug is coming up, but do you like how the color of the rug works in the space? If not, think again, because the LVP is just about the same color as the rug. I also see a green undertone in the grain.

Consider that the house is on a more formal design with high ceilings...suggesting all needs some grounding with just a bit of warmer, darker tones.

https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/products/best-vinyl-plank-flooring

I thought you might enjoy these Studio McGee before and after photos.

Im in love!!! Absolutely beautiful 🤩 thank you!!!

I like that you have started mood boards and color palettes. Do you have existing furniture woods and upholstery to work with? Favorites/ keepers that is. Because that would affect floor colors.

Be sure to really evaluate flooring in your home & lighting. A lot of folks advise laying out a whole box to get a realistic assessment.

So I understand that you’re first focusing on light vs dark. For light floors I’d try to avoid floors that are grayish or taupey, in view of your SW aim and sample pics, because of combining with terra cottas and warm woods. It’s not impossible with grays, because “ oranges” can make a good combo in some schemes and be a good counter- color, but trying to avoid being pushed to cool grays, blues or other cool colors if that’s not your goal.

That makes complete sense! I will look for more the natural wood tones. I don’t have much to move. We may just get stuff when we go. I don’t want the floors to look gray for sure. I will keep this all in mind! Thank you!

Looking at several planks of any floor color you’re considering IN THE HOUSE is critical. I agree that light floors give you lots of options - and there are so many nice light colors. I also agree that some have hints of green, so be on the lookout for that. Gray tones also will force your hand in other design decisions.

If you fall in love with a specific color and the handrail doesn’t look great with it, you can stain or paint the handrail darker. It’s expensive to change it to something lighter, but it can be stripped and sanded to as light as that wood will go.

Floors are a HUGE design decision so you want to really be in love with them.

We think lighter floors will definitely work better for what you are trying to achieve.

Since you're leaning towards the southwest vibe, we think doing lighter floors might work really well. Notice our designs below with the lighter flooring and earthy tones.