Take a sample home. Live with it. See how it looks (and how you feel about it) throughout the day or during the time of the day you spend most at home; colors change their personality at different times of day, in different lights.
Hardwood is moving more toward distressed planks, planks in wider widths, and exotic woods. Its no longer just plain maple or oak. We're seeing more mahogany, cherry, teak, and walnut. Also, mixing woods is becoming increasingly popular.