When we first looked at the 'Little House' we carefully pulled back the carpet (where it was already rolling up!) and I saw the amazing hardwood under that disgusting carpet and I knew how amazing they could be with a little TLC. There was potential. The floors were beautiful, but I had no idea how beautiful they would actually be until after Juan had finished with them.
We went with a little darker color because the previous owners had animals and there was some staining that had occurred to the hardwood even through the carpet. Unless you know where the stains are you can't see them. And even when you know where they are you have to put your readers on to see them!
Maybe I love the floors so much because it's a parallel to life. When life has used and abused you and you feel dinged and stained beyond repair, with a little (or alot) of love and work there is true beauty just waiting to shine back up at you.
