From Munich to Manchester, Atkinson & Kirby smoked oak flooring is helping boutique hoteliers create timeless, cohesive interiors that balance beauty, durability, and a true sense of place…
For independent hotels, design choices are vital. Unlike chain properties, which often rely on standardised layouts and branding, independent hotels thrive on character and individual aesthetics, in which flooring plays a critical role. Beyond being a practical surface that withstands high guest turnover, it contributes to the overall aesthetic of a space. Its acoustic properties soften sound, creating a sense of calm and privacy, while visually, a high-quality floor ensures bedrooms feel fresh and inviting year after year.
Where flooring truly makes its mark, however, is in design impact. It connects colour palettes, textures and furnishings, giving a room cohesion and purpose. A well-chosen floor allows the bed to remain the focal point, while tying together the room’s elements for a cohesive look.
Image credit: Atkinson & Kirby
Why independent hotels favour smoked oak
In recent years, smoked oak flooring like Atkinson & Kirby’s Ness Smoked Oak, have become a go-to choice for independent hoteliers seeking to strike a balance between timelessness and trend. Its subtle colour variations and rustic grain mean it is versatile enough to support different aesthetics, whether pared-back minimalism or heritage-led interiors, while remaining durable enough for high-traffic hospitality spaces.
At WunderLocke in Munich, designers installed Atkinson & Kirby’s light, ash-toned smoked oak flooring throughout its apartments. Paired with minimalist bedrooms and simple oak furnishings, the flooring creates a calm, cohesive backdrop that reflects both the area’s industrial history and its creative present.
Meanwhile, the Eden Locke in Edinburgh took a different approach. During its transformation from an office block into a vibrant aparthotel, over 1,600m² of smoked oak flooring was installed. Here, the flooring lent a sense of sophistication to its trend-conscious interiors, ensuring that the bedrooms felt fresh but also built to last. Similarly, Whitworth Locke in Manchester, paid homage to the city’s industrial past with a rustic smoked oak laid in a laddered parquet pattern. The textured flooring complemented the earthy tones and heritage detailing, giving its bedrooms an inviting warmth that celebrated the building’s history whilst supporting modern guest comfort.
Across these projects, one theme is clear: flooring doesn’t upstage the bed as the focal point of the room. Instead, it amplifies it by grounding designs and tying it together with all the surrounding elements, helping independent hotels deliver spaces that are as memorable as they are functional.
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Main image credit: Atkinson & Kirby
