As we celebrate the coronation of our new king, the ceremony of the occasion turns our minds to what it is to be British, to our illustrious past, our rituals and traditions.
One of the central pillars of our nation’s history is the majestic oak tree. This native hardwood is a historically vital construction material, from building ships, wheels and wine barrels to housing and finely carved furniture.
The royal oak is renowned for sheltering both royalty and outlaws, for providing food and habitat for our wildlife and for bringing us peace and tranquillity as we rest under its verdant canopy. This iconic tree was sacred to the ancient Celts and remains central to much of our folklore and mythology. So much so that oak leaves feature on the reverse of our current £1 coin!
With the oak holding such an affectionate place in our hearts, it’s no surprise that our most popular designs have been inspired by this timelessly elegant timber. In fact, we offer over 100 unique oak designs in a wide range of cool, neutral and warm tones. So there’s almost endless choice when it comes to bringing this natural beauty into our homes, from fresh whitewashed effects to warm honey shades and dramatic chocolate browns.
Here are five of our favourite oak designs that we hope (well at least one or two) will be the crowning glory of your home.
1. Silver Farmhouse Oak
Inspired by a sample of traditional painted floorboards from Holland, Silver Farmhouse Oak offers a fresh contemporary interpretation of rustic flooring in cool grey and beige tones. The light tonal colour variation and distinctive worn patina finish make this is the ideal choice for an informal modern country style, even in the heart of the city.
Silver Farmhouse Oak from our new Van Gogh collection.
2. Savannah Oak
Our Savannah Oak features a subtle range of golden sandy hues and a delicate grain that forms an attractively intricate pattern. This design is sure to bring out the warmth in the latest earthy neutral colour palettes so you can enjoy a comfortable space to relax.
Available in both a full-sized plank and a smaller herringbone size, as well as a matching quadrant border, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to expressing yourself with imaginative laying patterns.
Featuring Savannah Oak from our Art Select collection.
3. Washed Character Oak
Our Washed Character Oak design started life as a sample reclaimed from an old wind-powered sawmill in Amsterdam. Smoked over time, the planks contained burnished knots, visible graining and subtle colour variation that has been replicated in this neutral toned floor. With its muted taupe tones and rustic feel, this floor would be a great pairing alongside warm shades of green and blue.
Washed Character Oak from our Knight Tile collection, also available in a full sized plank in gluedown or rigid core.
4. Glenmore Oak
Another of our recently introduced designs inspired by a historic setting, Glenmore Oak came about after our designers found some floorboards from an old railway station tucked away in the Scottish Highlands. The natural golden-brown coloration of this design will bring a sense of maturity to a pared back off-white colour palette while its natural wood grain emboss provides an authentic tactile finish.
Featuring Glenmore Oak from our Van Gogh collection.
5. Honey Limed Oak
Our selection could not be complete without a limed oak design, a perennial favourite that’s highly versatile. The warm golden tones and subtle limewash of Honey Limed Oak creates a beautifully cosy atmosphere to any room. Whether laid in straight lay planks or in a herringbone pattern, the flowery grain and colour variation of this design will add depth and personality.
Honey Limed Oak from our Knight Tile collection, also available as a full sized plank in gluedown or rigid core.
Do you have a favourite? If you’re still unsure, grab a free copy of brochure for more inspiration.
