Help! So many decisions

[Daphnesmate]

Hi, We have a new extension being built shortly. I don't have many people in r.l. to bounce ideas off for one reason and another and need opinions please. I am also going to post this in the decorating forum for more responses.

Floor - have decided on engineered wood but what type, I think we need lacquered because it is partially for the kitchen and we want it to be uniformed throughout but there seems to be so much choice. DH said not brushed, help can anyone give any insights into this please and what you went for in the end.
And speaking of floors - underfloor heating or not, modern design with lots of glazing and should be well insulated. It seems to cost a small fortune to install and we're not sure it really justifies the cost (thinking of installing a couple upright type radiators).

Minimalist design of kitchen planned matt white units and graphite grey worktops with wooden flooring and walls to start off will be white, with large family photos on one wall. Any ideas for softening it up a bit - it is a fairly large space and will contain dining table and corner settee, we have to be semi-sensible because we have young kids and I detest clutter - maybe just stay minimal - colour of new settee, it might be daring to go bold but then again, young kids to consider at the moment. Anyone got a minimalist kitchen but injected colour via furniture or furnishings?

I can't help with flooring, but I think you should go for a bold patterned wallpaper behind the sofa to make it less dull. You're a young family, don't act middle-aged!

Do not put engineered wood in a kitchen. It will be destroyed in any high traffic area, especially a kitchen. Get a high quality laminate.

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Agree, high quality laminate much better idea.... 12mm thick

Thanks for all your suggestions so far. The white wall thing is about starting off with a blank canvas and seeing what works. Are white walls a middle aged thing...I thought maybe beige, cream etc but didn't realise white was included in that?

We have engineered wood floor and bought the one listed as suitable for kitchen areas and it’s lovely. So much warmer and natural compared to laminate.

I also have white walls but only because I can’t decide what colour to paint them.

I have taupe kitchen units so might colour match some paint and paint the walls to match.

I just think it's all so neutral, you need some colour! Then pick out one of the wallpaper colours for soft furnishings. So much white, grey and wood seems a bit sterile.

Hi beboeuf, do you mind me asking where you purchased your flooring from - was it a national company? Good point about it being sterile Sirrah, I think the dcs clutter adds so much colour and chaos around the place, I crave a bit of minimalism!

Haha, I understand! Do you not think the clutter stands out more against neutral colours though, and would almost be camouflaged if you had more colour? I know as an artist, I like having grey or white next to a strong yellow or pink to accentuate it.

I think choosing a couple of bold colours for sofa, pictures and accessories such as rugs and cushions etc would add enough colour. And plants! Scandinavian y white minimal kitchens can be veryhomely and inviting/relaxing.
I wouldn’t add wallpaper unless you’ve a real yen for it. A friend who’s an interior designer used engineered oak in her kitchen diner- I’m planning on doing the same.

Thanks Sirrah, I had a mustard colour in mind. The kitchen won't be particularly child friendly so I want to keep most of the toys elsewhere in the house and have this area as more of an adult zone (believe me the dcs stuff is scattered everywhere, throughout the house and no other room is particularly tidy). The dcs have plenty of areas to play throughout and if toys do creep it they will be thrown out again at the end of the day. I want a grown up space so that in the evening, if anyone popped in, we could have a quiet and calm place to sit, rather than being surround by plastic tat!

Thanks Cyber, not brave enough to use wallpaper. Do you know what company/shade your friend opted for in relation to the flooring, there are loads of companies out there and I am looking for some inspiration?!? I think the wood will soften it a bit as well, so long as I choose the right shade!

Mustard will be lovely! It all sounds perfect.