Precisely Sisal

Smart Design : Episode SDN-113 -- More Projects »
Abaca, sisal and sea grass are just a few of the materials that make natural fiber rugs. From a living room to the hallway, they blend into any space you live in.
  • Natural fiber rugs have a quiet way of warming up and defining a space. They're versatile, affordable and a lot less fragile than they look.
  • As more people look for open and inviting ways to live, natural fiber rugs offer comfort, individuality and a look that works year-round.
  • Abaca tops the list for cost, comfort and durability. Sea grass is the perennial grass of the saltwater marshes and comes in its natural color. It's great for large spaces and is the most stain-resistant of the fiber rugs. It is smooth to the touch, has a slight natural sheen and welcomes foot traffic.
  • For a natural rug with tropical flair consider coir, which is woven from the fibers of coconut husks. It's coarse, dries quickly and is great for protected outdoor areas and welcome mats.
PHOTO

Figure A
PHOTO

Figure B
  • Sisal is a catchall word for less costly natural fiber rugs. It also speaks to a casual style that people want today (figure A). Sisal rugs are no less beautiful than their more expensive cousins and they hold up in high-traffic areas. Pair sisal with an all-natural decor or place another rug on top of it to reinforce the theme of a room. If you prefer a natural rug with color, dyed sisal rugs are catching on .
  • Pattern weaving is another trend on the rise. It adds interest yet maintains a simple and elegant effect without fighting with your style.
  • Use acrylic paint and painter's tape to add a geometric design to a rug (figure B).
  • PHOTO

    A fabric border frames this natural rug and adds interest.

    Fabric Border Rug

    Materials:

    sisal rug
    decorative fabric
    hot glue gun
    scissors
    iron
    ruler

    Steps :

    1. Cut fabric strips in desired length and width (double this measurement to cover both front and back).

    2. Iron a hem along one edge and glue the fabric around the rug, folding corners neatly.

    3. When dry, flip rug and glue other edge of fabric to the back.

    Resources
    diamond patterned sisal rug
    Harriton House
    500 Harriton Road
    Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
    Phone: 610-525-0201
    Guests
    Linda Rosenburg
    Aga John Oriental Rugs
    Pacific Design Center
    8687 Melrose Avenue, Suite B130
    West Hollywood, CA 90069
    Phone: 310-657-0890
    Fax: 310-652-1481
    Email: agajohn@aol.com

    Ann Arader
    Interior Designer, Arader Design
    Newton, PA
    Phone: 610-325-2471
    E-mail: araderdesign@aol.com
    Also in this Episode