Neutral carpets or elegant floorboards tend to grace the floors of most of Melbourne’s homes. But these are not the only two options. Attention is slowly being given to more natural floor coverings—sisal, seagrass, hemp and other plant fibres.
Sometimes scorned because their texture is rougher than wool or nylon carpets, natural floor coverings are not new, but have gotten a little softer over the years, thanks to different manufacturing processes and flatter weaves. And they’re known for their durability; the rugs are less likely to look tired and worn as quickly as carpeting. If you rotate them regularly, they last even longer. The quality and design options have also come a long way in the past few years.
Part of the charm of natural fibre is that it gives you texture and design interest without becoming too busy. Instead of a heavily patterned rug with a heavily patterned sofa or window treatment, the introduction of a natural fibre floor covering solves the problem.
Sisal and other natural-fibre rugs also give rooms instant warmth as well as design options that allow for either casual or formal looks. In past years, sisal and coir rugs might have designs painted on top. Now, the trend is more with colored weaves (wines, mochas, sapphires and other hues) and different borders—cotton, tapestry, even leather.
Carpets, rugs and mats are produced from sustainable plants such as seagrass, Agave (cactus) fibres and even Hyacinth plants.
Natural fibre flooring do’s and don’ts:
Do put them in high-traffic areas, like hallways or family rooms. They’re durable and can stand a lot of punishment.
Don’t use them in kitchens, bathrooms or porches—any place they might get wet. Sisal and similar fibres are highly absorbent, and water will stain them irreparably.
Do ask to have a protective coating (similar to Scotchguard) put on your natural-fiber rug. The key with stain removal is getting to it quickly. Do take advantage of custom options. A creative border or unique shape can make an impressive design impact.
Don’t be afraid of the rough surface. If you order online, ask for swatches first if you’re concerned; you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.