If both choices are actually real wood, they will both look ”natural”. The choice between the two depends on the style of your home.

If you are talking about LVP or Laminate that is mimicking a natural wood, then I would go with the less busy option.

The reason is because the “knots“ can look unnatural since they are repeated every so many boards. You will notice the repeated pattern of knots in a large space. Hope that makes sense!

Wide planks and the less open grain of the current European Oak is allowing flat cut material to become usable to show wood structure in Rustic grade. Prime grade is more like a quartersawn or rift cut look. Rustic can have a wider variation in the range of tone darkness. That's why it's recommended to get a full box to lay out in your space before ordering the complete amount and getting the job going. Rustic might seem more 'casual'. You get to decide how you want the feel of your space to develop with choices for cabinet doors and drawers and furniture in your living areas. The width of the plank of 7 inches up to 11 inches and the amount of edge bevel, if any, will contribute to the look. Same with the matte or semi finish for the wood and wall paint. Monarch Plank has examples.

Depends on the style of your decor. If, you are doing farmer/mountain go with knotty/rustic grade flooring, everything else use clear/select.

I love knotty wood flooring. It has such a rich, textured look. What type of flooring is this?

" Knotty Wood and Clear Wood "

Real wood or LVP wood look? Examples of what your looking at? Your house style and interior finishes?

It all depends on what's going on in your house. If you're going for a rustic look, then go knotty. Otherwise, go clear. If it's hardwood, it also depends on the species of wood you choose and the grade -- the lower the grade, the less uniformity there is to the boards (Select is the highest grade, has the most uniformity), and different woods have different characteristics.

Different species have different appearances. It's not just "clear vs rustic". Clear oak will be visually busier than clear maple, etc. You have to choose the overall home design, and how the flooring fits into that design. Is there enough big wide open space with little furniture to have a floor be the focal point of a home? That's a very modern aesthetic.

Can't go wrong with clear- choose this and hit the easy button! I have never thought wood floors look cold?? (I don't count fake LVP gray "wood look" which should never have been invented.) Knotty can be fine in certain casual-vibe homes, esp with a farmhouse or rustic architectural style and if it's not too heavy, but I'd skip in in LVP as the streaks and spots repeat quite often (look fake). Plus, clear is still great in these homes.

If you have pets, a "rustic" wood floor will hide nail scratches much better than a more smooth/even looking wood floor. A wood floor with "character" will camouflage a lot of wear and tear from pets and kids.