At Archwood Group, the wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re delighted to announce that we’ve been awarded the prestigious ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ Gold accreditation by Investors in People for the third consecutive year, recognising our ongoing commitment to employee health, wellbeing and personal development across all our sites. The ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ accreditation celebrates organisations that create a culture of wellbeing excellence. Achieving Gold status reflects the proactive steps we take to foster a supportive, inclusive and empowering workplace. Our wellbeing strategy ensures every team member has equal opportunities, dedicated spaces to work and socialise and access to initiatives that promote mental health and overall welfare. With an average employee tenure of 15 years, Archwood Group places significant emphasis on staff development, retention and wellbeing, ensuring long-term stability and success. As a family-run business with a 150-year heritage, our commitment spans our headquarters in Chirk, North Wales, operations in Scotland and our nationwide team. As a local, family-owned business, we are committed to leading, supporting and enhancing wellbeing across the organisation. This Gold accreditation is a reflection of that ongoing commitment and a milestone we’re incredibly proud to share.

In 2025, interiors are embracing mindful living, simplicity, and natural materials. Japandi, a fusion of Japanese comfort and Scandinavian minimalism, is at the forefront of this trend, focusing on muted tones and natural textures to create spaces that promote wellness and a sense of balance. Choosing the Right Flooring for Japandi Interiors The foundation of any Japandi space is natural materials and neutral colour palettes. Smoked oak flooring fits seamlessly into this aesthetic, offering subtle character through natural knots and colour variations. Our Congaree Smoked Oak pairs beautifully with soft neutrals and natural linens to create a grounded feeling space. Layering Texture for Comfort and Style Texture is a key element in Japandi interiors, helping to create a sense of calm and comfort. Wool rugs, woven baskets and linen curtains pair effortlessly with the subtle variations in our Noma Smoked Oak Parquet, adding visual interest while adding interest to a room without overwhelming the space. Creating a Cohesive Space Japandi is about incorporating intentional design choices that create a welcoming and calming space. Adding smoked oak flooring provides a versatile canvas for neutral palettes, soft lighting and natural furnishings. By combining rich, dark wood tones like our Sloane Smoked Oak you can introduce character to a space whilst creating a space that’s feels balanced and cohesive. Discover our full range of flooring options here.

One of the defining interior trends of 2025 is texture.  Designers and homeowners alike are gravitating towards materials that bring depth, warmth, and individuality to a space.  From decorative plaster finishes to textured wallpapers, texture is taking centre stage. When it comes to flooring, this trend really comes into its own.  Textured wood flooring in particular is proving to be an understated yet transformative feature, adding subtle detail, character, and comfort underfoot. Real wood, real character When it comes to flooring, the grain, knots, and occasional split or saw marks add character to a space. Rustic options like our Wyndham Oak embrace these natural qualities.  With visible knots, authentic saw marks, and surface variation, it brings a sense of warmth and grounding to a room, ideal for interiors that lean into a more natural aesthetic. For spaces where a slightly more refined look is preferred, our Sandur Oak offers a rich alternative.  Its smokey tones and subtle texture allow the natural grain to come through, adding warmth and depth without overwhelming the space. A neutral base for bold ideas As interiors continue to embrace bolder colours, playful accessories and eclectic layering, the role of flooring becomes even more important.  The need to ground a space without taking away from its personality is where textured but neutral-toned flooring comes into its own. A soft, natural wood with a gentle grain pattern, like Grasmere Oak, is a good example.  Its versatility means it works effortlessly across a range of interior styles, from bold and eclectic to more minimal, Scandi-inspired designs.  The subtle texture brings just enough character to add interest without competing for attention, allowing other design elements in the room to shine. Why it matters The move towards texture is about more than just aesthetics; it reflects a broader desire to create spaces that feel warm, personal, and truly connected to the way we live.  Textured flooring, with its visible knots, tonal variation, and natural grain, becomes part of a home's atmosphere.  It helps shape how a space feels as much as how it looks, adding a sense of depth and character that increases over time. Explore our full collection of wood flooring here

Hardwood flooring remains one of the most popular and practical choices for UK homeowners. At Atkinson & Kirby, we believe wood floors offer more than style - they deliver comfort, durability and lasting value. Here’s why they’re a smart investment: Built to Last Our premium engineered and solid wood floors – including bestsellers like  Sandur Oak and Burton Oak  - are built for everyday life. With proper care, they’ll last for decades and can be refinished to refresh their look and enhance their patina over time. A More Sustainable ChoiceAll our wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. Choosing wood reduces dependence on synthetic materials with higher Environmental costs.  Healthier LivingNaturally hypoallergenic and non-toxic, wood flooring helps improve indoor air quality by reducing allergens and dust - ideal for allergy sufferers or anyone seeking a healthier home. Adds Value to Your HomeWood floors don’t just look good - they’re a real asset. They enhance your property’s appeal to buyers, boost resale value, and offer long-term return. Timeless Style, Endless VersatilityWood flooring brings natural warmth and character to any space. From the clean lines of Japandi to the charm of cottagecore, its unique grain and subtle variation suit every interior. Explore the full collection and find the perfect floor for your home  Download our brochure

Minimalism is evolving. In 2025, we’re seeing a fresh take on this timeless trend, moving away from stark white spaces and embracing a warmer, more grounded aesthetic; think soft, earthy tones, tactile textures and natural materials that bring comfort as well as clarity. Warmer Palettes for Calmer Space The all-white interiors of past minimalist trends are being replaced with hues inspired by nature. Tones such as stone, oatmeal, beige and warm browns are taking centre stage, offering a softer, more welcoming alternative to crisp whites, creating a calming atmosphere while still keeping the defined feel that characterises minimalist design. The Role of Wood Flooring in Modern Minimalism Flooring plays a foundational role in any space and even more so in minimal interiors, where every design choice matters. Choosing the right wood flooring can set the tone for a space, bringing character to a space without overpowering the simplicity of the design. Our Lewis Oak, with its natural grain and matte lacquered finish, offers the perfect balance of softness and structure. It brings a subtle warmth to minimalist interiors, keeping things fresh and modern while adding that all-important organic touch. For spaces that need a bit more character without compromising on clean lines, our Nanzen Oak is a natural choice. Its rich tones and textured surface introduce depth and visual interest, proving that minimal doesn’t have to mean plain. Embracing Natural Texture In this new wave of minimalism, texture takes the spotlight. Smooth, high-shine surfaces are making way for more tactile finishes. Think linen over lacquer, matte over gloss and wood over synthetic materials. Real, rustic wood flooring not only feels better underfoot, but it also brings authenticity and warmth to your space. By layering textured elements like wool rugs, woven blinds or handcrafted coffee tables, you can add dimension and interest without straying from the minimalist ethos. Minimalism with Personality Minimalism in 2025 is about more than just what you remove; it’s about what you choose to keep. A curated space with earthy tones, organic materials and thoughtful textures creates an atmosphere that’s both serene and soulful. Warm wood flooring, soft lighting and a restrained colour palette can help turn a minimalist interior into a space that feels lived-in, not lifeless. Discover our full range of flooring here

At Atkinson & Kirby, we're always looking for ways to elevate classic wood flooring and our brand new 20mm Heritage Parquet Collection does just that.  Created for homeowners and designers alike, this range combines traditional craftsmanship with 1st to the UK market cutting-edge technology, to deliver a statement floor full of warmth, style, and character, and allowing residents carefree enjoyment for longer. Crafted for Excellence Our 20mm herringbone engineered wood collection is precision-crafted and hand-selected in 10 unique colours, giving you the option to suit any design scheme.  Designs include much-loved favourites like Mayfair Oak, which showcases hints of burgundy in its richer darker tones, Somersby Oak with its subtle liming, and Honeystreet Oak with its beautiful golden grain, complemented by a scattering of knots and intricate detail. For added design flexibility, four of the collection are also available (made to order) in a matching 45-degree Chevron format - ideal for creative layouts in everything from contemporary new builds to period properties. A Revolutionary Fusion Hybrid® Finish What sets this collection apart is our new Fusion Hybrid® finish, the first of its kind in the UK.  This unique technology combines the durability of lacquer with the natural, matte look and feel of oil-wax, giving you the best of both worlds and setting a new standard for longevity and style. Super-matt finish that enhances the wood's natural beauty Fourteen times more wear resistance (compared to regular oil-wax), so your floor stands up to everyday life Six times more coating for exceptional protection Solvent-free and eco-friendly, safe for families, pets, and allergy sufferers Why Wood Flooring Still Wins Our 20mm Heritage Parquet Collection delivers modern innovation, whilst also holding on to the reasons people fall in love with authentic real wood floors: Timless Aesthetics: Each plank is unique original, with natural variations that develop character over time.  Wood floors complement any interior style, from sleek Japandi designs to cosy cottage core charm. Built to Last a Lifetime: With a 6mm wear layer and tongue-and-groove profile, these floors are engineered to last and can be refinished multiple times as your home evolves Versatile & Made to Match: The additional Chevron options allow for creative layouts and bespoke designs, ensuring your floor feels truly personal. Easy Care: Thanks to the Fusion Hybrid® finish, maintenance is simple.  Our new WOCA care products, including cleaners and master care kits, are eco-friendly and designed to keep your wood floors looking pristine for years.  Full Care & Maintenance Advice Download the Brochure or Request a Sample