Indoor concrete staining?

Question:Had the carpet cleaned today, I'm fed up with it! We were going to install laminate throughout the house, but it's simply too expensive. I'm now thinking about staining the floor in the living room and hall. I can't find any photos of "normal" living rooms with stained floors, only fancy ones with marble looking stuff. Suggestions? Ideas? Recommendations? Has anyone had this done by a contractor? What did it run you per foot?

Answers:
I am a painting contractor..about 4.00 per square foot is what I charge, that is furnishing materials myself...However if you decide to take this on yourself..beware of the etching process when doing it..usually done with muriatic acid, which is very corrosive and will immediately burn the skin, and possible to blind you if splashed in your eyes..When concrete is freshly poured, it is usually designated already to be stained or not..so the finishes are quite differnet...The "planned" concrete will be a much smoother finish than a slab planned to be floored or carpeted..also very important...when etching concrete the material used, muriatic acid, has a very harsh respiratory effect..your lungs will hurt immensely, especially in an interior,enclosed place, and the fumes will take over the whole house..do not run any a/c while doing this, it as well can aid to the harm...turn all pilot lights off..and be prepared to stay away from the house a couple days..this is very harmful stuff..and can stop your breathing pretty quick...use a resperator by all means..and make family members temporary relocate a couple days...here is a link on a how to below