Interior design in 2026 is embracing a quieter, more considered approach. The focus has shifted away from bold statements and excess, towards calm, minimalist interiors, layered textures, and natural materials. Homes are increasingly designed to feel lighter, more relaxed, and easier to live in. The Climate Collection from Atkinson & Kirby reflects this evolution. Featuring eight engineered oak floors in limed, whitewashed, bleached, and weathered finishes, the collection brings a soft, natural aesthetic to modern homes. Designed with both style and practicality in mind, it offers a simplified choice for homeowners and designers looking for versatile wooden flooring without compromise. A Natural Foundation for Contemporary Interiors The Climate Collection is crafted to act as a neutral flooring base, allowing interiors to breathe. Rather than dominating a space, each design subtly enhances it—perfect for those seeking a timeless, understated look. Neutral tones support flexible interior styling Engineered oak construction ensures long-term durability Finishes are designed to complement, not compete This makes the collection ideal for modern homes, open-plan living, and multi-functional spaces. Modern Coastal Style: Light, Airy and Effortless One of the defining interior trends for 2026 is Modern Coastal design—a relaxed aesthetic built around simplicity and light. This look features: Soft colour palettes: whites, sand tones, warm neutrals, muted blues Natural textures: linen, wool, rattan, and light woods Clean, contemporary furniture with low profiles Flooring plays a key role in achieving this style. Manoa Oak and Tanami Oak from the Climate Collection are ideal choices, with their light oak tones helping to reflect natural light and enhance a bright, open space. New Scandi Interiors: Warm Minimalism The Scandinavian aesthetic continues to evolve into “New Scandi”, a softer, warmer take on traditional minimalism. Key elements include: Pale woods paired with earthy neutrals and muted tones Increased use of texture for depth and comfort Subtle contrast with darker accents The Climate Collection’s mid-toned options—such as Rasselas Oak, Mojave Oak, and Seba Oak—offer the perfect balance. These engineered oak floors add depth without disrupting the calm, cohesive feel of Scandinavian interiors. Layering with soft textiles, ambient lighting, and greenery completes the look, creating comfortable, liveable spaces. Designed for Everyday Living Both Modern Coastal and New Scandi interiors share a common goal: creating spaces that are functional, calming, and easy to maintain. The Climate Collection supports this with: Engineered construction for stability and durability Versatile finishes suited to multiple design styles A growing range, with four new designs launching soon This makes it a practical choice for homeowners looking for high-quality wood flooring that adapts over time. Explore the Climate Collection If you’re looking to create a calm, contemporary interior with natural wood flooring, the Climate Collection offers the perfect foundation. 👉 Explore the full Climate Collection from Atkinson & Kirby 👉 Download the Climate Collection brochure

Flooring is one of the most important decisions in any home. It influences how a space looks, how it performs day to day and how long it holds its quality over time. While lower-cost flooring options may reduce upfront spend, real wood flooring continues to deliver stronger long-term value through durability, repairability and lasting performance.  Choosing real wood is not just a design decision. It is a practical investment in a surface that is built to handle everyday living while maintaining its structure and appearance over many years.  Lower Replacement Costs Over Time  One of the key differences between real wood flooring and many synthetic alternatives is lifespan. Laminate and vinyl floors can show visible wear in high-traffic areas, particularly where there is heavy footfall, furniture movement or regular cleaning. Once the surface layer is damaged, full replacement is often required.  Real wood flooring takes a different approach. Engineered and solid wood floors are designed for long-term use and, in many cases, can be sanded and refinished rather than replaced. This process restores the surface and extends the life of the floor significantly, reducing long-term maintenance and replacement costs.  Unlike short-life alternatives, real wood can remain part of the home through multiple interior updates, adapting as décor and furnishings change over time.  Adds Consistent Quality Across the Home  Flooring has a direct impact on how a property is perceived. Real wood creates a consistent and well-finished base that works across both modern and traditional interiors.  Oak remains one of the most widely used flooring choices because of its natural tone and versatility. Lighter finishes like our Cairnwell Oak can help improve brightness in smaller rooms, while deeper tones such as the Hackfall Oak add contrast and definition in larger, open spaces.   Designed for Everyday Use  Real wood flooring is designed to perform in busy households. It is suitable for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, living rooms and open-plan spaces, making it a practical choice for family homes and long-term renovations.  Maintenance is straightforward. The smooth surface allows for easy cleaning and regular care helps maintain the natural appearance of the timber. Compared with some soft floor coverings, wood flooring can help to reduce dust build-up, supporting a cleaner indoor environment as well as, help reduce sound transfer within a room, improving everyday comfort.  Long-Term Value Over Initial Cost  While real wood flooring can require a higher upfront investment than some alternatives, its lifespan and ability to be restored often deliver better long-term value.  Instead of replacing flooring multiple times over the years, homeowners can invest in a material designed to last, with the option to refresh its surface when needed. This reduces the need for repeated renovation work and helps maintain the property’s finish over time.  Explore the full Atkinson & Kirby wood flooring collection here

In hospitality interiors, flooring is one of the most influential design decisions. It is the surface guests interact with most consistently, shaping first impressions, guiding movement through a space and supporting the overall atmosphere long after check-in. For hotels, serviced apartments and distinctive holiday stays, flooring must strike a careful balance between natural beauty, durability and long-term performance. At Atkinson & Kirby, this balance defines the Climate Collection – an engineered wood flooring range designed to perform in demanding environments while remaining visually connected to nature. Rooted in timber authenticity and inspired by natural conditions, the collection is increasingly specified in hospitality spaces across the UK, from coastal retreats to urban developments. Designed for Hospitality: Why Flooring Matters Hospitality flooring is required to do far more than look good. High footfall, frequent cleaning, shifting temperatures and guest turnover all place pressure on materials, particularly in hotels and short-stay accommodation. The Climate Collection has been developed with these realities in mind. Its engineered construction offers enhanced dimensional stability, making it better suited to environments where humidity and temperature fluctuate. At the same time, its timber surfaces maintain the warmth, texture and authenticity that designers and guests associate with premium interiors. For hospitality operators, this means fewer compromises: natural floors that feel comfortable underfoot, perform reliably over time and support a cohesive interior scheme. Grounded by Nature: A Subtle Marine Influence While firmly rooted in natural timber character, the Climate Collection carries a subtle Marine influence. Rather than overt coastal styling, this influence is expressed through softened tones, weathered textures and a calm response to light – drawing inspiration from shoreline landscapes, driftwood hues and coastal brightness. This approach allows the collection to feel equally at home in coastal hotels, rural escapes and city-centre developments, adapting to its surroundings rather than dominating them. Case Study: Polzeath Beach Cottages, Cornwall Located just moments from the Atlantic coast, Polzeath Beach Cottages required a flooring solution that could withstand a coastal environment while reinforcing the calm, natural feel of the interiors. Manoa Oak from the Climate Collection was specified throughout the cottages. Its pale, natural tones mirror shifting coastal light and echo the muted palette of sand and driftwood. In open-plan living spaces, the flooring provides visual continuity, allowing sea views and natural materials to take centre stage. Importantly for a high-turnover holiday setting, Manoa Oak delivers the durability and stability required without compromising the relaxed, grounded atmosphere expected of a premium coastal retreat. From Coast to Countryside: Liberton Barns, Edinburgh The adaptability of the Climate Collection is further demonstrated inland at Liberton Barns in Edinburgh. Here, Manoa Oak unifies a series of converted agricultural buildings, bridging old and new architecture. Against exposed stone and traditional timber structures, the lighter tones of the flooring soften the interiors and introduce a contemporary feel. While far removed from the coast, the same Marine-inspired sensibility remains – a calm, natural base that responds sensitively to its environment. Urban Hospitality: 95 Peckham Road, London In a denser urban context, 95 Peckham Road highlights how the Climate Collection performs within tighter architectural constraints. Once again specified in Manoa Oak, the flooring plays a critical role in enhancing daylight and extending sightlines throughout compact apartment interiors. Continuous runs of timber help create a sense of space and flow, offering visual lightness that offsets the structural weight of city living. For hospitality and build-to-rent developments in urban areas, this ability to open up interiors while maintaining durability is a key advantage. A Consistent Foundation Across Hospitality Spaces Across coastal, rural and urban projects, the Climate Collection demonstrates its strength through consistency and adaptability. Rather than dictating design, it provides a refined material foundation that allows architecture, furnishings and location to define the final outcome. For independent hotels, serviced apartments and holiday accommodation, this translates into flooring that: Supports cohesive interior design Performs under high footfall conditions Enhances light and spatial flow Feels grounded, natural and resolved Guests may not consciously focus on the floor beneath them, but they experience its impact throughout their stay – in the way spaces connect, transition and ultimately feel comfortable and welcoming. Flooring That Performs, Wherever You Are The Marine influence within the Climate Collection is not about creating a coastal aesthetic. Instead, it reflects natural conditions – light, movement, resilience and balance – translated into a flooring solution suitable for hospitality environments across the UK. Whether specifying for a seaside hotel, a countryside conversion or an urban development, the Climate Collection offers engineered wood flooring that feels grounded by nature and designed for modern hospitality living. Explore the Climate Collection Discover flooring solutions designed to perform beautifully in hospitality spaces here.

Why material choice matters more than ever Rising oil prices are making headlines across global markets, but their impact extends far beyond the petrol pump. For the flooring industry, oil price volatility is beginning to influence manufacturing costs, material availability and long-term product value. From synthetic flooring materials to transport and logistics, oil plays a far more significant role in flooring than many homeowners and specifiers realise. Understanding how oil prices affect different flooring types can help future‑proof your investment — particularly when weighing short‑term cost against long‑term performance. Why the price of flooring is linked to the price of oil Although real wood flooring is a natural, renewable choice, its journey from forest to living room is still shaped by global energy markets. Oil isn’t just used for fuel — it forms the backbone of many industrial processes that sit behind flooring production. Petroleum is a core ingredient in chemicals, resins and plastics, all of which play a role in modern flooring manufacturing. Even for wood floors, oil-derived products are present in finishes, adhesives and protective coatings. As oil prices rise, the cost of these essential components increase, feeding through the wider supply chain. Why flooring costs are shifting Several key cost drivers are behind current price movement across the flooring sector: Synthetic reliance Many popular flooring types such as LVT and laminate rely heavily on petroleum-based materials. PVC layers, plastic backings and stabilising resins are directly linked to oil prices, making these floors particularly sensitive to market volatility. Finishes and adhesives Even solid and engineered wood flooring requires oils, lacquers and bonding systems. These are chemically produced products, meaning increases in oil prices can lead to higher finishing and installation costs across all flooring categories. Energy costs Timber preparation is energy-intensive. Processes such as kiln drying, which stabilises wood for interior use, rely on significant energy input. When oil prices rise, the cost of responsibly preparing timber rises alongside it. How different floor types are affected by oil price volatility Flooring Type Sensitivity to Oil Prices Why it Matters Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) High Heavily petrochemical-based; prone to cost volatility as oil prices change Laminate Flooring High Resin- and plastic-intensive layers are directly tied to oil markets Engineered Wood Flooring Medium Some reliance on adhesives and finishes, but core material is natural timber Solid Hardwood Flooring Low–Medium Minimal synthetic content; costs driven more by timber and energy prep While engineered wood flooring is not completely immune, it remains a stable long-term investment compared with highly synthetic floors. Timber is a physical, renewable resource — not a by-product of oil refining — making it less exposed to sudden price swings over its lifetime. How flooring prices are affected beyond the factory Oil prices don’t just impact manufacturing — they influence transport and logistics too. Rising fuel surcharges affect container shipping, road haulage and last‑mile delivery, particularly for imported flooring. Choosing quality flooring products in a volatile market In periods of economic uncertainty, quality becomes a cost control strategy. High-quality engineered wood flooring offers durability, repairability and long service life — often lasting decades rather than years. Synthetic floors may appear cost-effective initially, but frequent replacement cycles expose homeowners and specifiers to repeated price volatility. Investing once in a premium engineered wood floor reduces long-term spend, waste and disruption. When choosing flooring, consider room-specific performance to maximise value: Living rooms & hallways: Engineered hardwood offers stability, longevity and timeless appeal Kitchens & dining spaces: High-quality finished wood provides durability without synthetic overload Bedrooms: Natural timber improves comfort, acoustics and long-term wellbeing Explore our room-by-room guidance to find the right engineered wood flooring solution for your space. In summary Oil price rises are reshaping flooring costs — but not all materials are affected equally. While synthetic floors are highly exposed to oil market volatility, engineered wood flooring remains one of the most resilient, stable and future‑proof choices available. By choosing quality, natural materials backed by UK expertise, you protect both your home and your investment.

At Archwood Group, sustainability continues to be central to how we operate as a business. As a North Wales-based timber manufacturer with over 150 years of heritage behind our Richard Burbidge and Atkinson & Kirby brands, we recognise the responsibility we have to reduce our environmental impact while supporting a more sustainable future for our industry. We are proud to announce that we have achieved Planet Mark certification for the fifth consecutive year, following independent verification of our carbon footprint and continued year-on-year improvement. This milestone reflects the significant progress we have made since joining the UN’s Race to Zero campaign in 2021, during which time we have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 73% against our baseline year. This forms part of our long-term commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050. Driving real progress across our operations Our continued reduction in emissions has been achieved through sustained investment and action across energy generation, electrification, responsible sourcing and waste reduction. Key achievements include: A 73% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions versus our baseline year since joining the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2021. Installation of 2,600 solar panels at our North Wales facility, now generating 40–50% of our electricity needs and saving over 2,260 tonnes of CO₂ – equivalent to planting 1,250 trees and exporting more than 800,000 kWh of renewable energy to the national grid. A long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) ensuring all remaining electricity is sourced from 100% verified renewable UK energy. 98% of all timber sourced is FSC or PEFC certified, supporting responsible forest management and sustainable supply chains. 90% of forklifts now operating as zero-emission vehicles, with plans in place to fully decarbonise our HGV fleet by 2030. 100% of wood waste recycled into animal bedding, cat litter, panel boards and site heating, alongside a 40% reduction in total waste over the past three years. Ongoing investment in our local communities, including school engagement, work placements, mock interviews and charitable fundraising initiatives. Looking ahead While we are proud of the progress made to date, our long-term sustainability strategy remains ambitious and focused: 2028: Self-generate 100% of our renewable energy needs 2029: Fully decarbonise our HGV fleet 2030: Achieve a 50% reduction in total emissions 2050: Reach Net Zero We continue to work closely with suppliers, partners and our wider value chain to support meaningful emissions reductions beyond our own operations. At Archwood Group, we remain committed to leading by example within our industry - continuing to invest, innovate and act responsibly to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

In modern hotel design, Atkinson & Kirby wood flooring helps shape first impressions, blending aesthetics, durability and comfort to enhance experience… In hotel design, surfaces are storytellers. They are the elements guests see, touch and experience first-hand, shaping perception long before a room key is collected. Among these surfaces, flooring plays a uniquely influential role. It establishes the tone of a space, supports acoustics and quietly communicates quality and comfort. For hotels striving to balance distinctive aesthetic impact with durable commercial performance, wood flooring continues to be a leading choice, valued for both its longevity and enduring natural beauty. Wood possesses an innate ability to humanise interiors. Its natural grain, texture and tonal variation introduce a sense of authenticity that many hard surfaces struggle to replicate. In hospitality environments, where creating a feeling of warmth, welcome and wellbeing is essential, this natural connection becomes particularly valuable. As hotels evolve to work harder than ever — serving simultaneously as destinations, workspaces and retreats — the surfaces beneath our feet must deliver more than visual appeal. It is this growing demand for performance and versatility that has positioned engineered hardwood flooring as a vital specification in contemporary hotel design. By combining a genuine wood surface with a multi-layered engineered construction, engineered hardwood offers enhanced structural stability and durability. This makes it especially suited to high-footfall hotel environments, delivering the timeless beauty of solid wood while meeting the practical requirements of modern hospitality spaces. Atkinson & Kirby have long championed this balance between craftsmanship and performance, supplying commercial-grade engineered hardwood flooring solutions through their hospitality-focused collections. Their approach recognises that hotel flooring must be both expressive and resilient, capable of withstanding daily operational demands while maintaining its visual integrity over time. A standout example is Verdant Smoked Oak Parquet, a design that aligns closely with current interior trends. Its rich smoked finish enhances the natural grain of the oak throughout the board, allowing the colour to remain consistent even after replenishment. The result is a floor that introduces heritage and sophistication without feeling heavy or outdated. Particularly suited to boutique hotels, lounges and destination restaurants, it functions as a statement surface, anchoring a space while elevating the overall design narrative. Beyond aesthetics and durability, timber flooring also supports the functional needs of hospitality environments. Compared to stone or tile, timber provides a warmer, more tactile underfoot experience, enhancing guest comfort. It also contributes to acoustic performance by softening sound in busy public areas. When paired with advanced protective finishes, engineered hardwood flooring can be easy to maintain and highly resistant to wear — key considerations for both specifiers and hotel operators. Ultimately, surfaces within hotels play a defining role in shaping atmosphere and guest experience. Flooring, though often understated, forms the foundation of how a space looks, feels and performs. By selecting engineered hardwood flooring solutions such as Verdant Smoked Oak Parquet, designers can create interiors that deliver long-term durability while supporting distinctive and memorable design identities. Image Credit: Richard Kiely Product featured: Rogen Oak at Nine Elms