help! i'm making random, uninformed, expensive decisions

Not only are we sorting, purging, organzing and getting ready to move this house, but we are attempting to do a few updating projects in the new house.  We are attempting this from what feels like two worlds away.  I'm about 50% sure I might regret this and my house will never look like the room below (mainly because my furniture - which will not be replaced - doesn't come close to looking good in a room like this) . . . but yet, I continue. 

From Iowa we somehow need to pick out flooring, paint and countertops for a house in Texas that we've seen in person for a total of maybe 40 minutes.  Super!  (I typed that in my most sarcastic typing tone . . . could you tell?)

Now, you might say (like any sane, logical person would) to wait until we are actually in the house to make these major decisions so we can see how the lighting works with our furniture, existing cabinets, kitchen tile, etc. . . . I would say why would I do something like that when I can make ridiculously random, uninformed and expensive decisions from a distance.  (I should mention that "expensive" is a relative term . . . our budget is minimal compared to some, but anything over $250 seems expensive to me . . . yep, I'm that cheap frugal.) 

Besides my desire to make random, uninformed and expensive decisions from a distance, I also want to be able to move our stuff in and unpack right away rather than trying to have all of these things done while we are also trying to settle our kids into their new home. 

So I need some help . . . from anyone . . . at all . . . more experienced than I am.

Here are some random questions:

1. We will be replacing the very worn carpet with hardwood . . . not the full-fledged nail it down 3/4 inch type though . . . we are trying to choose between click-lock hardwood or engineered hardwood that can be glued down.  Have you had any experience with either of those?
2. We are looking into Bamboo, but I'm wondering if it's too soft and will scratch and dent with every dropped toy . . . any advice?
3. Would you just paint all the common areas the same color?
4. We are wanting a neutralish (that's a word, isn't it?) color of paint for the main common areas, but not boring . . . any suggestions?
5. I don't want to use a laminate counter top.  There isn't any wrong with a laminate counter top, but been there done that and ready to move on . . . so do any of you have any experience with quartz, granite or any other solid surfaces?
6. What else should I be thinking about?

I so wish I had an interior decorator in my family.  (I'm adding that to my list of professions I hope my children go into so I can save some money . . . so far, I plan on my girls becoming doctors, lawyers, stylists, plumbers, electricians and interior decorators.  They are going to be very well-rounded adults.)  Like I said . . . I'm pretty clueless, and I would really like to be able to show off pics of my new lovely floors, painted walls and counter tops.  You can help that happen.

Craft on!

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