We have an old house with original oak floors. When we refer our kitchen, we replaced the ancient linoleum with matching oak. I love it and it doesn't show dirt or scream "2010!"

Seems like you are comfortable with not getting dark hardwoods (I don't love them either!). I'd recommend getting some samples to bring home and look at the tones with existing furniture you want to keep/lighting, etc. it's a personal choice but I run into very few hardwood floors that I don't like. I went for hardwoods in my last kitchen and all was good until I dropped a heavy plate and gauged the floor...that experience led me to do tile in my next home. Good luck-it's exciting!

We are looking to update our flooring and are considering putting hardwoods throughout the main floor. Trying to decide if I really want hardwoods in the kitchen. Is it any more maintenance than tile? Any regrets from those who have hardwood kitchens? I also need recommendations for hardwood colors. I know dark is popular now but I want it to be timeless/classic and not trendy. I have young kids and pets so dark isn't practical any way. We don't get a lot of direct sunlight so I think dark would just make it darker. Thoughts?