Thanks Bath! I wear slippers year round too, even with carpet (do you all think I'm a nana now??? LOL). I do get what you're saying about doing what works with little kids and then changing it later, but the reality is that if we spend a few thousand plus (?????just a ballpark figure) now, it will need to last us for probably 10 years. Unless we suddenly get rich LOL! So while I want what's practical, I'm trying to think medium term, and what will look really good. This will be a big feature, right from the minute you look in our front door, and I'm determined that it not look second rate. I really want it to improve the overall look of our (30 year old) house.

It is very hard making decisions like this!