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2021 has been another challenging year, but from a business perspective, there have been some significant steps taken forward and some good times along the way. While most people are understandably happy to see the back of 2021, we encourage reviewing all positives, however small, because they hold added weight considering the context of adversity in which they were achieved. By doing so it’s possible to create and carry forward a little optimism for the new year ahead. In this spirit, we’ll look at some of our business highlights for the year. 

New Investment: Automated Storage and Laser Cutting System

With more emphasis being placed on the home environment in the last couple of years, we have seen a huge increase in demand for these aspects of the business. We were very pleased to announce this year that due to this surge in demand we could make a significant investment in our infrastructure with the installation of a state-of-the-art automated storage and laser cutting system.  

This expands our ability to prototype and manufacture designs with even greater complexity. With a storage capacity of up to 87 tonnes of both processed and unprocessed sheet material, it increases our cutting capacity by over 100%. Automation of such a high volume allows for 24/7 cutting and enables rapid part turnaround. Read more… 

Crossrail Elizabeth Line

The Elizabeth line railway, built by Crossrail for Transport for London, is now spanning more than 100km across the capital. The railway serves 41 stations including 10 major new London stations from Paddington to Abbey Wood. A.J Wells & Sons designed, developed, manufactured, and installed a range of signage and cladding solutions across the network including Tottenham Court Road, Paddington, Whitechapel and Canary Warf. Read more…  

TfL Northern Line Extension

London saw the first major tube expansion this century open to the public on Monday 20th September 2021. A.J Wells & Sons are proud to have surveyed, designed, manufactured, and installed the signage throughout the 1 billion pound Transport for London Northern Line Extension (NLE) project. 

The NLE extension will serve two new stations; Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station. The whole area is undergoing a massive redevelopment, with homes being built and many jobs created. Read more… 

The Charnwood Wellbeing Study 2021

This year we conducted a pioneering survey of stove users to better understand the significant and unique benefits that wood-burning stoves provide for their owners and family’s wellbeing. The response was phenomenal, with 1227 users providing deep insight into the wider benefits of owning and using a stove. 

This survey is the first of its kind (that we know of at least) and brings real weight to the argument in favour of wood-burning stoves beyond their already strong heating and environmental credentials. Read more… 

The Charnwood Cranmore

This year we were proud to release the Charnwood Cranmore, revealed at the virtual dealer event in June. It is traditional in style while using the very latest in clean burn technology. The stove’s pleasing proportions make it well suited to a traditional fireplace and with its large picture window and mesmerising flame pattern it is an ideal replacement for an open fire.  

The Cranmore uses our clean-burn BLU technology and is exceptionally efficient, with a level 5 clearSkies rating, while exceeding all minimum criteria for Eco Design Ready status. Victorian, Georgian, and Regency period properties all provide a perfect backdrop for the traditional aesthetic of the Cranmore. The elegant and timeless design blended with the latest technology makes the Charnwood Cranmore nothing short of a modern classic. Read more… 

Charnwood.US 

We launched Charnwood.us to help us reach our customers and grow our market across the pond. As part of this launch, we were proud to reveal another new stove – the revolutionary Charnwood Skye E700. It has a new intelligent microprocessor that is set to revolutionize the way we burn wood. Load the fire, close the door, set your room temperature using the Charnwood app on your phone and let the stove do the rest. Simply blissful! 

The Skye E700 is coming soon to the U.S.A & Canada and then to other markets. Read more… 

Charnwood Dealer Event 2021

Whilst we missed seeing you all in person, the team really made this year’s Charnwood dealer event (albeit virtual) a special one. With the numbered gift boxes and the big reveal of a new Charnwood stove, it was certainly one to remember. However, there’s no doubt we are crossing all fingers and toes so that we can meet in the flesh next year to celebrate our 50th anniversary in style! 

50th anniversary next year

It is fitting that our 50th anniversary coincides with significant industry-wide changes due to Ecodesign regulations coming into force next year. In the 1970s the founders’ innovations shaped the stove industry, helping people heat their homes more efficiently amongst great uncertainty caused by the Dutch Elm Disease and Oil crises. Now, in 2022, with even greater global challenges to face, Charnwood will hold on tightly to its core tenets and continue to innovate and lead the way towards another highly significant 50-year milestone, in Net Zero 2050.  

Everyone connected to A.J Wells and Charnwood would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

The four weeks of Advent are traditionally used to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas. This period of reflection is a chance to focus on what is truly important in one’s life, which is typically the coming together of family and friends in a spirit of love and celebration.

Much like opening the next window on the Advent calendar, lighting a fire is a ritual that can also provide a daily treat. Feeling the unique heat from a wood-burning stove is the perfect way to mark another cold winters day. The warmth and cosiness created in the home will help carry you and your family all the way through to spring.

Add the wood-burning process to your advent/winter traditions

Whether you’re a new stove owner or just need a recap, here is the best method for lighting your wood-burning stove.

Here is the top-down method:
1) Leave some ash – the most efficient way to light a wood burning stove is to leave a little bit of ash from previous fires. However, you should still ensure the majority of the ash is cleaned out to avoid blocking air circulation.
2) Place 2-3 smaller logs on the stove bed
3) On top of this build a stack of 6-8 softwood kindling sticks
4) Then place a natural fire lighter inside
5) Fully open the air control as this will maximise the supply of oxygen in the wood burner needed to get the fire going.
6) Light the fire lighter and close the door but leave it slightly a jar
7) This helps to heat the chimney flue and burn hot and clean
8) Once the fire is burning well close the door and reduce the air intake
9) Re-fuel little and often
10) Every time a log is added open the air control again until the fire is burning well and then return the control to normal

A highly recommended accompanying read: Elf & Safety – 8 Tips For Wood-Stove Users Over The Holiday Season

Here’s what our customers have to say

These Charnwood customer quotes give great insight into owning a stove and why they are such an important part of their lifestyle – particularly in winter!

“I find the process of building and lighting the fire therapeutic and sitting watching the flames is very relaxing.”
“Something the whole family enjoy doing together and it makes us all feel incredibly relaxed and happy.”
“It’s a ritual on Christmas morning to rekindle the stove, and to unwrap the presents without a fire is unthinkable. There’s something magical about children in their pyjamas sitting on the rug in the cosy space in front of a blazing stove.”
“My young nephew visited at Christmas & we built the fire together. It was the first time he had ever lit a real fire. We celebrated with toasting marshmallows! It wasn’t just building a fire – it was building a memory.”
“After a day of sledging and building snowmen and having snowball fights with the family it was very relaxing and comforting for us all to warm up in front of the fire.”
“My grandchildren ask for the fire to be on when they are having a hot chocolate on a frosty day.”
“The stove is the catalyst for family bonding, which helps with relaxation & mood improvement. It helps to unwind after a days exertions at work.”
“Christmas spent with all the family and grandchildren gathered around our stove brings happy memories all year round.”
“My young nephew visited at Christmas & we built the fire together. It was the first time he had ever lit a real fire. We celebrated with toasting marshmallows! It wasn’t just building a fire – it was building a memory.”

(Source: Charnwood Well-being Survey)

If you’ve been dreading the months ahead, adding a new tradition of regular wood-burning could change your perspective on winter. The ‘top down’ process outlined above quickly becomes second nature and will enable you to, almost magically, transition from anything the day has thrown at you towards a positive state of being. The atmosphere created allows you to let go of the unimportant stuff and to come together as a family and focus on what Christmas is really all about.

Finally, to celebrate the festive season we are inviting you to share your best #CharnwoodFestivePhoto! With a chance to win a beautifully handcrafted mini companion set worth £150! It’s easy and free to enter. To qualify send photo entries to Photos@charnwood.com or just use #CharnwoodFestivePhoto with your post on Instagram.

Be as creative as you want, all we ask is that your Charnwood stove features in the photo. Whether it’s a photo putting up the decorations from this year or the family gathered unwrapping presents from years ago – old or new we’d love to see them!

(Please note that submitting photos constitutes permission for us to use them across our various channels)

Winter is the season all wood-burning stove owners look forward to. With night’s drawing in and temperatures dropping it’s time for the wonderful ritual of wood-burning. Lighting a fire on a cold evening provides the perfect antidote to the elements and can dramatically boost your wellbeing. To enjoy the season to the max it’s important for stove users, particularly new users, to be aware of the following tips so that you and your family can enjoy your stove over the holiday season safely.

1/ Sweep your chimney 1-2 times a year

It’s important to keep your flue clear of blockages and soot and we highly recommend you have your chimney swept at least once a year – preferably twice. A Charnwood stove is fitted with a drop-down throat plate allowing you to sweep through the appliance with minimal mess.

2/ Inspect door seals

Take the opportunity to regularly check the rope seals on the doors and around the flue to ensure your fire box is airtight and the doors close firmly. A well-sealed stove will burn much more efficiently and effectively and significantly reduce any build up in your chimney.

3/ Don’t stack wood against your wood-burning stove

As well as being a dangerous fire hazard it can bring in unwanted outdoor critters. It’s best to store outside, sheltered from the elements and with enough airflow to allow the wood to continue to dry until it is ready to use.

4/ Keep decorations a safe distance away from the fire

This is easily overlooked, particularly as the focus is on merriment and preparing the home for festivity. However, it’s imperative to make sure that Christmas stockings, tinsel, candles and trees etc are kept a safe distance away from a fire and your safe clearances are maintained.

5/ Only burn wood with less than 20% moisture

Look out for the Woodsure Ready to Burn label which guarantees a moisture content of 20% or less. For everything you need to know about firewood click here!

6/ Don’t put candles on top of log burners

Not only can it cause a huge mess and ruin a perfectly nice candle, but it will damage your stove and is a fire hazard as well.

7/ Test your carbon monoxide meter regularly

Many household appliances present a carbon monoxide risk. A properly installed stove shouldn’t cause any problems and in fact, should help with circulation and airflow. However, it is prudent to have a fully functioning carbon monoxide meter in the home whether you have a stove or not.

8/ Double check your fireplace’s safety clearances

For all the info needed read: Setting Clearances & Installing Heat Shields for your fireplace.

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There’s no doubt that a wood-burning stove makes winter not only bearable but also a joyous time to be shared with family and friends. We hope these tips help you enjoy a wonderfully warm holiday season that leaves you feeling refreshed in the new year.

With the clocks going back and Halloween pumpkins now looking the worse for wear, it can mean only one thing – next up Guy Fawkes night and fireworks! If you’re headed out to your local Bonfire Night, you’ll be keen to get a good view of the action. When it comes to a wood burner at home, although on a more intimate scale, a good view of the action is equally desirable. With this in mind, we’ll compare 6 Charnwood Stoves with large viewing windows that maximise flame pictures, giving everyone the best seat in the house.

The Cranmore

This is our latest stove collection which takes inspiration from the Regency era with a single framed glass door and archetypal detailing. The pleasing proportions of the Cranmore make it well suited to a traditional fireplace and with a large picture window, it is an ideal replacement for an open fire. The stove can also work equally well in a freestanding situation.

Available in 2 sizes the Cranmore uses Charnwood clean burn Blu technology and is exceptionally efficient with a clearSkies level 5 rating.

The Charnwood Cranmore 5

Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 377 x 346mm
Output: 2-5kW
Energy Efficiency: 84% (over 75% is required for Ecodesign status)
Particles (mg/m3): 27 (below 40 is required for Ecodesign status)
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt

The Charnwood Cranmore 7

Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 438 x 348mm
Output: 7kW
Energy Efficiency: 82%
Particles (mg/m3): 22
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt

The Charnwood Aire

 

A range of simply styled wood burning stoves delivering one of the most impressive flame pictures. Designed with a very large view of the fire we have also incorporated new and improved burn technology that not only meets but goes beyond the new 2022 Ecodesign standards and Defra exemption requirements.
The Aire is available in 3 sizes with low or store stand models to choose from in a choice of eight colours.

The Aire 5

Output: 2-5kW
Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 377 x 346mm
Output: 2-5kW
Energy Efficiency: 84%
Particles (mg/m3): 27
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt

The Aire 7

Output: 7kW
Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 438 x 348mm
Energy Efficiency: 82%
Particles (mg/m3): 22
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt

The Aire 3
 

An exciting addition to our Charnwood Aire collection. With a 3.6kW output delivering an impressive efficiency of 84% the Aire 3 has been designed for smaller spaces. Not just for conventional houses – but cabins, houseboats, yurts and other types of tiny homes. We also offer a standalone hearth and chamber enclosure for this model; the Charnwood Stove Pod.

Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 280 x 275mm
Output: 3.6kW
Energy Efficiency: 86%
Particles (mg/m3): 25
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt

The Country 4

A traditional, time-honoured stove, that is a sturdy, yet graceful little fire. With a rated output of 5kW, the Country 4 can be installed, in certain situations, without the need for external air. The single door gives a complete, crystal clear view of the fire – it has one of the largest view windows for a stove of its size. It takes a decent sized log length of 332mm (13”) making it a very popular choice in the small stove market. The stove is available in a choice of eight Charnwood colours and is finished with touches of solid brass and a turned wooden door handle. The Country 4 Blu is Defra exempt; allowing wood to be burnt in smoke control areas.

Glass Picture Window Dimensions: 280 x 275mm
Output: 5kW
Energy Efficiency: 84%
Particles (mg/m3): 20
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Eco Design Ready and Defra Exempt

The festivities come thick and fast at this time of year and all occasions are enhanced by the wonderfully warming and captivating flames provided by a wood-burning stove. All the stove options presented offer a sizable viewing window while all meet and exceed the efficiency ratings required for Ecodesign classification. You can’t go far wrong with any of these stoves, and it comes down to your style and room size to guide your decision on which is best suited to your space.

Speak to our team or a local supplier to discuss your requirements.

Now that the dark, winter nights are slowly creeping in and the temperature is falling, many of us are already using wood burners to keep warm.

Wood burners are incredibly popular, and many people use them as an effective way of heating their homes. Combining cost effective heating and an aesthetic appeal which makes wood burners highly attractive, it is estimated that around 1.5 million households in the UK use this form of heating.

Many people choose a wood burning stove to lower their environmental impact by utilising a sustainable resource to heat their properties, rather than purchasing energy.

Are wood burning stoves bad for the environment?

A number of reports circulating in the news over recent years suggest that stoves are responsible for far more emissions than they actually contribute.  Many of these studies quote air pollution statistics that are inaccurate and group today’s modern, clean wood burning stoves together with other domestic fuels, open fires, and older wood burners.

Wood burners do give off fumes which contain microscopic specks of soot, which can cause air pollution. However, using approved fuels significantly reduces any potential harm.

If the wood you are using is burnt correctly, it can actually become part of a carbon neutral process. This means that the carbon released from the burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree. It is also worthwhile remembering that burning wood can also be part of a sustainable energy process, providing trees are replanted and wood land is properly managed.

Are wood burning stoves bad for the environment? The myths and facts

There are many myths circulating about wood burning stoves and it can be hard to know the real facts. Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths:

Myth: Wood burning stoves are the biggest contributor in the UK of small particle matter

Fact: This is based on incorrect data.

This myth is based on a statement from Defra’s Clean Air Strategy, which claimed that domestic combustion accounts for 38% of fine particle matter. However, this figure was based on a government survey from 2015, which was found to wrongly overestimate the amount of wood being burnt on stoves and fireplaces.

In fact, a study carried out by the SIA in 2019 showed that the true figure was actually less than a third of what the Government quoted. This made the percentage of PM2.5 attributed to domestic combustion around 13% not 38% as their study concluded.

Later figures published by Defra supported SIA’s findings, reinforcing that, if accurate wood fuel volume figures were combined with the correct emission factors, the real percentage of PM2.5 attributed to domestic wood burning would be less than 10%.

Myth: All wood burning stoves create high emissions

Fact: Modern, eco-design compliant wood burning stoves create lower emissions

Defra’s 38% figure was based on emissions from older stoves and open fires. But it has since been proven that modern, Ecodesign compliant wood burning stoves produce 66% less emissions than older, outdated appliances.

Myth: Wood burning stoves create the same emissions as 18 diesel cars

Fact: This is misleading.

This myth is based on test results interpreted by the Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG). However, the SIA has pointed out that the comparison is extremely misleading.

Firstly, the test looks at the appliances running at significantly different efficiency levels – car comparing exhaust emissions at an efficient run rate of 21mph to all the emissions of a full run rate for a stove. This doesn’t consider the small particle emissions generated by the car’s brakes and tyres, which are often greater than those produced by the exhaust pipe.

In addition to this, the different dispersal points of particulate matter from wood burning stoves and cars, is completely ignored. A car outputs emissions at face level for a child, meaning there is very little dispersal before it is breathed in, whereas a woodburning stove sends emissions out of the top of a chimney, meaning there is considerable dispersal of the emissions before they even reach human height.

Myth: Wood burning stoves and fireplaces are harmful

Fact: Another misconception.

This view fails to consider the huge advances that have been made by the woodburning stove industry in recent years. Members of SIA, including Charnwood, were among the first manufacturers to develop ultra clean burn technology to achieve the forthcoming 2022 Ecodesign Regulations. More recently, SIA has supported and initiated the launch of clearSkies – an independent emissions and energy performance certification scheme for solid fuel stoves and fireplaces. Appliances that are certified under clearSkies will not only meet the performance levels set out under Ecodesign, but many will also go a significant way beyond. The majority of Charnwood stoves achieve level 5 clearSkies certification.

Find out more about our Ecodesign ready stoves here.

What are the regulations around wood burning stoves?

On May 1 2021, new regulations came into force, restricting the types of fuel that you can burn at home. This means that coal and wet wood are no longer allowed to be used.

At Charnwood, we welcome the announcement that, going forward, only fuels that reduce air pollution can be burnt in stoves and open fires in domestic settings. For many years, we have been producing exceptionally high-performance stoves designed to run on approved wood-burning stove fuel. Look out for the Ready to Burn label on bags of wood which ensures the moisture content is less than 20%.

How much are wood burning stoves?

There are lots of different wood burning stoves available and they all come in different sizes. The price you can expect to pay for a wood burning stove in the UK varies and is dependent on its size, specification, and design. However, the vast majority of stoves are priced between £800 and £1500.

Explore our range of stoves here.

At Charnwood all of the appliances we make now meet the Ecodesign ready requirements and virtually all are Defra exempt, so you can burn wood safely and cleanly, even in smoke control areas. If you have any questions about wood burners and the environment, please get in touch.

As a British based company that is passionate about the environment and sustainability, we were delighted when the government made the UK the first major economy to pass a law committing to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. These targets obligate the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero through a combination of reduction and carbon offset. In this blog, we will discuss our own commitments and strategy to achieve Net Zero 2050 as a business.

Charnwood is a privately-owned, family-run business on the Isle of Wight. Founded in 1972, by Alfred J Wells and his two sons, sustainability and environmental considerations were at the forefront of their principles from the start. Amid an oil crisis and with Dutch Elm Disease prevalent, the 3 founders saw an opportunity to produce a small wood burning stove as an alternative way to help people heat their homes and directly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Our product’s environmental credentials

Charnwood Stoves

Our stoves are among the most environmentally friendly appliances available on the market, using the very latest combustion technology. The majority of our range now meets the new EcoDesign regulations coming into force in 2022.
Eco benefits:
• 90% more efficient than open fires
• They can produce heat 24/7 allowing them to work in conjunction with wind and solar energy.
• Carbon neutral fuel
• Ability to source fuel locally and without fracking and deep-sea oil drilling
• A good quality stove can last many decades and comes with the right to repair
• The materials used to fabricate a Charnwood stove and its packaging are fully recyclable
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The Truth About Wood Burning Stoves and Air Quality Click here to read more
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A company-wide approach

The idea of being ‘green’ extends beyond the products and to every aspect of the company; from choosing raw materials, recycling packaging and even how we transport our materials and products. It is our view that it is environmentally unsustainable to transport heavy materials around the world, on the grounds of small savings, when the world’s finest materials are available here in the UK. With this in mind, Charnwood strives to buy British whenever possible. We are ISO 14001 accredited, Fors Bronze (A fleet Operator recognition Scheme), and working towards ISO 45001.

Green Investments
 

We have invested in our plant and equipment over many years to reduce our carbon footprint and be more sustainable. Across our site, there is currently 135kW of solar PV systems that have generated nearly 1000MWh to date. The vast majority of this energy is used on-site which equates to a reduction in CO2 of 368 tonnes. The rest of our electricity is sourced from a supplier providing renewable energy; however, we are planning to apply for further solar panels in due course.

By monitoring our half-hour data, we identified usage outside of working hours. By ensuring machines and compressors are turned off during these times we have achieved many thousands of annual savings.

When investing in machinery we always consider energy consumption. As a result of this objective, we have invested in 4 variable speed drive compressors, each reducing energy consumption by up to 50% when compared to fixed drive compressors.
Our investment in the latest fibre laser technology has resulted in a reduction in energy consumption of our metal cutting facility of over 500kWh per day due to advancements in technology.

Our sustainable network

Our suppliers

Our supply chains get evaluated on their environmental credentials. A recent example is our steel supply. We have placed a large forward order for 750 tonnes of hot rolled steel with our supplier who produce the material in South Wales. We have chosen to buy our steel with them here in the UK, as we feel they play a big part in making the steel industry more sustainable. We have agreed to pay a £10 per tonne carbon surcharge, which will be used to reduce their carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and help them be carbon-neutral by 2050.

Our employees

Since 2008 we have run a scheme, marketed internally as the “Green dog”, encouraging our employees to be environmentally friendly. This ranges from reducing energy consumption by switching off lights and keeping air-con between certain temperatures, to using the compost bin and offering them locally sourced fruit and milk.

We are part of the cycle-to-work scheme which has proven popular and provide showers to facilitate this. We avidly discourage printing in the office and have invested in a digital solution that delivers order information to the factory floor, thus cutting out the paper trail. We are looking to extend that solution throughout the company.

We also have a policy of investing in electric company vehicles and have multiple charging points at the factory available to all staff and visitors.

Our customers
 

At the customer level we are taking our commitment to greener packaging to a higher level by sourcing innovative, alternative solutions to pallet wrapping and reviewing every aspect of the packaging, right down to the tape, labels and documents enclosed. We have used recycled stationery throughout our offices since 2012 we are now looking to swap to even more eco-friendly, more visibly recycled versions so that our efforts do not go unnoticed by our customers.

Our commitments

Whilst the Net Zero 2050 initiative is currently the only formal sustainability initiative we are part of, many of the projects we are involved in, especially for Transport for London require us to commit to reducing our environmental impact. In recognition of this and other achievements, we were awarded the Green Business of the Year Award by our local chamber of commerce.

We believe Net Zero 2050 is an inevitable step for all companies and we are committed to leading the way in a domain that we are passionate about. We will continue to analyse our approach and actively seek ways to improve the business’s environmental credentials. Factoring in our interventions to date with our plans for the future, we are well placed to reach ‘carbon-neutral’ status before 2050.

On the 5^th August 2021 a number of our employees took part in the Cycle to Work Day. As part of our company’s commitment to Net Zero 2050 we agreed to partner up with The Woodland Trust and plant a tree for every 10 miles cycled. True to British tradition the summer weather didn’t disappoint and we experienced some very heavy rain on the day but this band of brave souls managed to clock up 214 miles between them – equating to 21 trees!

We hope to repeat this event again very soon to encourage our employees to use their cars less. The weather will hopefully be kinder next time so we can persuade more people to participate  and in turn plant more trees!

Did you know?

The average person in the UK is responsible for at least 5.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year. So when it comes to climate change native woods and trees are one of the best ways to tackle the climate crisis. Check out this short film from The Woodland Trust

Charnwood’s Commitment to Net Zero 2050

We have always put sustainability at the forefront of our principles and the idea of being ‘green’ extends past the manufacturing process to every aspect of the company; from choosing raw materials, recycling packaging and even how we transport our materials and products. We are ISO 14001 accredited, Fors Bronze (A fleet Operator recognition Scheme), and working towards ISO 45001. We are looking to become Net Zero 2050 as we feel this is an inevitable step for all companies and we would like to lead the way in a domain that we are passionate about.

A visit to the Isle of Wight is special in its own right; the scenic coastline, rambling hills and stunning countryside make it a great place for a staycation holiday especially during these uncertain times. Finding the perfect accommodation is a must and we would look no further than the unique and welcoming experience that the Garlic Farm yurts have to offer. Each yurt has been carefully constructed right here on the Isle of Wight and filled with all the essential amenities to make you truly feel at home. The newly installed Charnwood stoves create a centrepiece for your evening activities, bringing together family and friends who can enjoy the warmth and comfort they provide after a busy day exploring the beautiful island.

Designed and manufactured by AJ Wells, a family run business here on the Isle of Wight, their Charnwood stoves have been made to the highest standards, sourcing materials locally within the UK. The Garlic Farm have clearly invested in a quality product with the Charnwood Aire 3 model, taking pride of place in all of the available yurts. This particular model uses the latest clean burn technology, meeting the criteria for ‘Eco Design 2022’ with a clearSkies rating of 5 stars, making it environmentally friendly whilst still maintaining the impeccable design expected from Charnwood.

These small but mighty stoves are neatly enclosed in their own pod with a Vlaze enamel hearth surround that not only looks stylish but creates a safe designated zone for heating and cooking. The Isle of Wight has an abundance of local places to eat and drink but you can’t beat a bit of home cooking and what could be better than serving up a tasty treat direct from the cooking top supplied with each one of these stoves. With the Garlic Farm shop only a stone’s throw away from the accommodation, you won’t find yourself in short supply of amazing locally grown produce to add a flavoursome punch to your cooking. There are some fantastic recipes on the website, incorporating some of their most popular products, which you must try out during your stay. If home cooking isn’t for you then keep things simple using the toasting forks provided. Nothing tastes better than a toasted muffin slathered in the Garlic Farms very own garlic butter with a slice of Briddlesford farm cheddar.

However you wish to make the most out of your stay, the Garlic Farm Yurts and the Charnwood ‘Aire 3’ are sure to make an impact giving you an exciting new way to enjoy the adventurous outdoors, whilst wrapped up in the comfort of indoors, providing you with the ultimate glamping experience.

With more time being spent at home in 2020 due to the global pandemic, many of us have put our focus into rethinking our home design to create living spaces that are a pleasure to spend time in.
With this in mind, today we’re going to be shining the light on the living room, looking at ways you can conjure up the beauty of much-loved rustic interiors with a modern twist – ensuring your home is the perfect blend of classic and contemporary.

What is rustic interior design?

Rustic interior design can manifest itself in an array of different guises, from traditional country cottages and farmhouses to wooden ski lodges, French chateaus and Tuscan villas. However, at its core is the presence of raw, natural and organic materials and features that instantly conjure up that rural vibe. Put emphasis on these elements in your living room makeover and cleverly tie them in with modern features and you’ll have a new take on rustic interiors.

Lay the foundations with flooring

With any decor theme, your floors act as the foundation that sets the tone of the entire room, so getting this aspect pitch perfect is key to tying together classic and contemporary rustic style. Your first thought may well be hardwood floors that give your living room a homely and snug feel. However, in the name of modernity, this isn’t your only option. Instead, why not consider a more practical and durable material like wood-look luxury vinyl flooring?

Easy to clean, hardwearing and mimicking the look of wooden floorboards, you can have all the aesthetic appeal of wood with an innovative material that’s designed to last and requires minimal upkeep. You can even invest in underfloor heating mats that will bring your wood-look floors well and truly into the 21st century.

Add texture and layers to walls

The next step is to give your walls the attention they need to project that quintessentially country feel. For those with older properties that have original features, this is your time to let them take centre stage. From wooden beams and exposed stone to elegant open fireplaces, you can emphasise these traditional accents by giving them a more up-to-date look.

This could be painting wooden beams in white or a pale grey or applying a glossy lacquer to exposed stone and brick work. Similarly with original fireplaces, swerve quaint and kitsch Victorian tiles in favour of a more contemporary design for the surround and hearth that will give it a more edgy feel.

Of course, not all homes are blessed with period features. You can still get authentic-looking rustic decor in modern homes, however, using materials that portray the textures you get with the real deal.

This is where the modern concept of feature walls comes into play. Using rugged materials like split-face wall tiles or untreated wooden panels on one wall in your living room will instantly inject that essential texture and layering.

Finished with flourishes of classic and contemporary decorative accents like brass hooks, gold gilded ornaments and metal-framed mirrors, you’ll have an eclectic mix of old and new that contrast and complement each other in one fell swoop.

Create warmth with heating

 As a place to relax and unwind after a long day, your living room needs to be the epitome of comfort. Rustic-inspired decor is perfect for creating a homely, warm and lived in space. This is where choosing the right heating for your room can make a difference. Yes, you can make your rustic living room feel snug with just radiators, but there’s something special about a real fire that transports you from your average home to a rural farmhouse scene.

The addition of a traditional-style wood burning stove could be all you need to encapsulate that country aesthetic with the benefit of modern heat efficiency to keep you warm on those chilly nights. Take a look at log burners such as the Charnwood Bembridge (a collaborative stove created exclusively for the trail blazers of the modern rustic movement, Country Living)

Finished with a neat stack of wood or a wicker basket for kindling and some brass fire utensils, these stoves will effortlessly integrate into new and old homes, delivering a striking and practical feature for your rustic-style living room.

Embellish with finishing touches

When it comes to successfully combining country-style decor with contemporary design, the finishing touches you choose really count.

The key is to unify old and new furniture, soft furnishings and other decorative elements for a cohesive look that pays homage to both eras. An effective way to do this is to select a few genuine rustic pieces like a driftwood side table or a worn leather sofa and offset it with more modern materials like glass and metal. The smooth, shiny surfaces of newer materials will play well with the rough, lived in look of the older pieces to allow them to sit together harmoniously.

You can apply this contrasting principle to all your finishing touches, like setting a modern-style sofa with straight lines next to a hand-carved bookshelf or coffee table. Or adorn the room with funky light fixtures and raw wooden mirrors and picture frames. Take your time to experiment with different items and textures to get the combination just right and you’ll be left with a country chic living room that gives you all the charm of old with modern comforts.

Regardless of where you live, we hope you’ll find plenty of ideas on how to inject that countryside character into your living room, leaving you with a space that’s primed for relaxation every day of the week.

Author bio:

Alex Jones is a content creator for Trendy Floors, the home of discount flooring products with all the hallmarks of luxury – from affordable luxury vinyl tile to engineered parquet.