I abhor flip flops as well. I work in a large law firm and am listening to a Project Attorney "slappity slappity" by me as I type. Why would you think any shoe that makes a "slappity slappity" noise is appropriate? When I first started working here (in the IT dept) I shied away from open toe/sling backs as too casual!!!
Aunt Jess, I feel the same way. What's wrong with a wall or two to hang pictures on and a place to put a chest of drawers for storage (and a focal point)? I personally don't want guests entering to see directly into a kitchen where I'm cooking.