THE DECORATING STAPLE
THAT JUST WON'T GO AWAY...
SISAL!!
THAT JUST WON'T GO AWAY...
SISAL!!
(Source: Phoebe Howard)
In 1985 I went to work for Washington, DC's preeminent interior designer, the late Antony Childs. I was totally overwhelmed by his (and still remain so today) extraordinary innate design talent.
Until then I'd never been exposed to multi-million-dollar decorating budgets or seventeenth-century, gilded Louis Quatorze fauteuils covered in silk leopard velvet at $1,800 per yard...
But one resonating talent he had was mixing the precious with the not-so-precious and have it take your breath away. One element he used often which I'd never seen before then was Chinese Seagrass (aka: Sisal) carpet which has become amazingly ubiquitous and yet it remains the perfect floor covering in almost any space without looking "tired" or "done-to-death."
In fact, sisal's been so popular the wool and nylon carpet manufacturers - recognizing a loss in market-share - came up with "sisal-look" carpets, which bombed because they look like cheap commercial carpet.... the whole point is ... it's natural, DUH!
The benefits of Sisal-type carpets are endless.
What type of sisal is best for your application?
HESSIAN
Europeans use this word generically for all the materials below
_________________________________________
But one resonating talent he had was mixing the precious with the not-so-precious and have it take your breath away. One element he used often which I'd never seen before then was Chinese Seagrass (aka: Sisal) carpet which has become amazingly ubiquitous and yet it remains the perfect floor covering in almost any space without looking "tired" or "done-to-death."
In fact, sisal's been so popular the wool and nylon carpet manufacturers - recognizing a loss in market-share - came up with "sisal-look" carpets, which bombed because they look like cheap commercial carpet.... the whole point is ... it's natural, DUH!
The benefits of Sisal-type carpets are endless.
What type of sisal is best for your application?
HESSIAN
Europeans use this word generically for all the materials below
_________________________________________
SEAGRASS
A grass that grows in shallow underwater beds in saltwater. Smooth fibers that are not porous so it resists most stains; an absolutely amazing material, but not many patterns to choose from; wears like iron and is perfect for homes with pets who need Depends!
____________________________________________
COIR:
Pronounced: Koy-er
A fiber made from coconut husks. Rough texture, stains moderately, hides dirt, wears well; is woven into interesting super flat-weave boucle patterns.
A fiber made from coconut husks. Rough texture, stains moderately, hides dirt, wears well; is woven into interesting super flat-weave boucle patterns.
______________________________________________
COIR & WOOL WEAVE:
Coir fibers woven with goat-hair or wool to offer a softer, more tactile carpet; stains badly and it's impossible to get the dirt and traffic stains out of the wool fibers. Looks nice, but has few color choices, don't think a good overall choice.
________________________________________________
SISAL:
Pronounced: Sy-sul
A fiber from agave plants; has medium texture, is woven into wonderful patterns and designs; available in endless color choices.
A fiber from agave plants; has medium texture, is woven into wonderful patterns and designs; available in endless color choices.
_______________________________________________
HEMP:
HEMP:
Literally from "cannabis" plants; a by-product of the low-THC plant. Is woven into usually simple weaves and is great for chunky, more causal looks; can stain, and needs underlayment as it isn't rigid and moves around.
______________________________________________
APPLE MATTING:
Freshwater bull-rushes harvested along English canals; A beautiful, albeit expensive natural carpet. It's super chic and thick, but it isn't very flexible.
Let's Do This....
(Carpet sample photos below the room photos are only to show you the texture and material used, not color.)
LIVING ROOMS
(Source: Elle Decor)
The Chinese seagrass area rug makes this grand room feel less-imposing while holding the grouping together
The Chinese seagrass area rug makes this grand room feel less-imposing while holding the grouping together
(Source: Matthew Patrick Smythe)
Chinese Seagrass makes this "updated traditional" home look chic and doesn't interfere with the simplicity.
Chinese Seagrass makes this "updated traditional" home look chic and doesn't interfere with the simplicity.
(Source: Suzanne Kasler)
Diamond pattern sisal gives this monochromatic room a subtle pattern. Perfect for rooms with access to the outdoors as stupid people will invariably walk in with chunks of dirt on their shoes -- but it wont bother this carpet at all!
Diamond pattern sisal gives this monochromatic room a subtle pattern. Perfect for rooms with access to the outdoors as stupid people will invariably walk in with chunks of dirt on their shoes -- but it wont bother this carpet at all!
(Source: Frank Greenwald)
Apple matting in a contemporary space offers the perfect natural texture and feel - usurping the slick/frigid feeling.
Apple matting in a contemporary space offers the perfect natural texture and feel - usurping the slick/frigid feeling.
(Source: Elle decor )
Apple matting in this traditional apartment adds texture and 'layers' to a sophisticated feel.
Apple matting in this traditional apartment adds texture and 'layers' to a sophisticated feel.
(Source: Ann Getty)
Whaaaat? How many reds are in there??
She definitely needed a Chinese seagrass to balance this super swanky room fitted with elegant antiques and bright colors.
It takes the pretentious edge off... sorta
Whaaaat? How many reds are in there??
She definitely needed a Chinese seagrass to balance this super swanky room fitted with elegant antiques and bright colors.
It takes the pretentious edge off... sorta
(Source: Jeffrey Bilhuber)
Freekin' LOVE this room! Apple matting makes this super cheerful living room work because another colored pattern on the floor would look totally sucky; the matting doesn't compete for attention.
Freekin' LOVE this room! Apple matting makes this super cheerful living room work because another colored pattern on the floor would look totally sucky; the matting doesn't compete for attention.
DINING ROOMS
(Source: Gil Shaffer)
Mr. Traditional combines lovely English antiques with a diamond pattern sisal; wall-to-wall presumably to add visual space, but it's also good if you have crappy old floors
just cover that shit right on up.
(Source: Hampton's Showhouse)
A large-weave sisal adds warmth and masculinity to a sexy slightly feminine room with a cool palette.
(Source: Elle Decor)
Hemp installed wall-to-wall makes this space look much larger and adds a "lower-the-tone" element to an otherwise schmancy space.
It hides all kinds of dog hair, dustballs, cheeze-curl crumbs, etc.!
(Source: Thomas Pheasant)
Pheasant did this handsome room about 14 years ago, and it still looks chic as shit! The carpet is a large, chunky-weave sisal.
FAMILY ROOMS & OFFICES
(Source: Pinterest)
Wall-to-wall seagrass in an office is brilliant!
It hides EVERY-freekin'-THING!
(You'll need a roller-mat under your desk chair tho)
(Source: Vogue)
Miss To-ray Burch has patterned sisal in her sunroom in the Hampton's which creates a simple background for a successful mish-mosh of other patterns, textures and colors.
(Source: Elle Decor)
Remeber that old-fashioned, cheap-shit apple-rush matting?
Its da bomb now baby! Perfect thing in this high-tone sunroom. It offers the charm of a humble 'days-gone-by' carpet whilst adding texture and pattern to a casual, eclectic space.
STAIRWAYS & FOYERS
(Source: Pinterest)
I'm sure it surprises you to see such an elegant foyer with sisal runners up the steps, but it's perfect! It keeps it simple, hides the dirt of everyday traffic and brings the formality down.
I'm sure it surprises you to see such an elegant foyer with sisal runners up the steps, but it's perfect! It keeps it simple, hides the dirt of everyday traffic and brings the formality down.
(Source Lauren Liess Interiors)
My guess is ... this mid-century split-level had heinous floors so they painted the steps white and just covered the foyer floor completely. The woven sisal is bordered on the steps and installed wall-to-wall in the foyer which goes very well with the neutral palette. Cheap and chic, wham!
(Source: Photobucket)
This 18th century home looks updated and smart as the sisal runner adds a casual note to the space without disturbing the classic feel.
BEDROOMS
(Source: Jeffrey Bilhuber)
This bedroom feels much larger thanks to the wall-to-wall carpeting, but the Chinese seagrass also makes it look very "now" as a wool needlepoint or fancy Oriental would look tres 90's and way granny-ish.
(Source: Vincente Wolf)
Apple matting adds texture and a natural element to this seriously clean-lined, well-edited bedroom. Apple is smooth and soft on the feet too.
(Source: Joe Ruggerio)
This large bedroom has lots of "areas" and design elements to consider; the Chinese seagrass installed wall-to-wall makes the space flow visually and isn't a "design element" in the room.
(Source: Pinterest)
A modern apartment opted for something smart and sophisticated so they chose black sisal, NICE!
HARD WORKING - HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS
(Source: Pinterest)
This narrow entrance hallway in this vacation home eliminates screaming about sandy feet, wet beach towels and wet dogs whilst creating a quieter hallway when your free-loading guests are resting.
(Source: Decorpad)
I have a custom sized Chinese seagrass in my own kitchen (not shown) and I can honestly say I think I'll always have seagrass because the floor always looks clean - even when it's filthy!!! I simply brush the crumbs off the counter onto the seagrass and boom, no more crumbs! You can spill oils, water, grease, anything and it always looks perfect!
It's also great acoustically, so when you throw a temper-tantrum when your souffle flops - people won't wanna duck-n-cover...
(Source: Washington Post)
A hand-painted sisal wall-to-wall works perfectly in this laundry room, no more dusty tile, no worries if the soap-powder or a dirty diaper fall on it. It absorbs noise so you can actually be in there doing something else while the machines rumble and gush.
This fun bathroom has a jute runner down the middle. It can't be hurt by water or toiletries that may drop on it.
Plus, it has a "spa-ish" feeling underfoot, ooooh baby!
(Source: Photobucket)
Sisal mats by the back door are perfect for homes with kids or animals. Easy to maintain, vacuum or shakeout out occasionally and you're good to go! If it does get ruined - order a new one from Pottery Barn.
HOW TO CHOOSE A BORDER
There are lots of ways to border a sisal carpet, but it needs a border as the natural fibers will unravel. The key is to make the border simple, not overshadow the simple material.
These below are simple cotton tape borders on sisal weaves and tapes chosen to blend in with the sisal.
For custom rugs, the corners should be mitred like below, not overlapped like above, it's just a better, more tailored look
This edge treatment below is called "surged" which is sewn with a high-power machine looped around the edge.
Its pretty low-budge lookin' I think...jus sayin'
Oh hell no! Aint nobody got time for that!
NO PATTERNED TAPE BORDERS, it just looks cheap.
CUSTOMIZING A SISAL CARPET BY PAINTING IT
Want to dress up your carpet a bit?
Select a pattern or border and stencil it on, easy as pie!
CLICK HERE AND LET MARTHA STEWART SHOW YOU HOW!
SISAL CARPET RESOURCES
Sisalrugs.com
Sisalcarpet.com
Overstock.com
PotteryBarn.com
Fibreworks.com
You Can Do It, I'm Here To Help
jpdsodpb@aol.com
This 18th century home looks updated and smart as the sisal runner adds a casual note to the space without disturbing the classic feel.
BEDROOMS
(Source: Jeffrey Bilhuber)
This bedroom feels much larger thanks to the wall-to-wall carpeting, but the Chinese seagrass also makes it look very "now" as a wool needlepoint or fancy Oriental would look tres 90's and way granny-ish.
(Source: Vincente Wolf)
Apple matting adds texture and a natural element to this seriously clean-lined, well-edited bedroom. Apple is smooth and soft on the feet too.
(Source: Joe Ruggerio)
This large bedroom has lots of "areas" and design elements to consider; the Chinese seagrass installed wall-to-wall makes the space flow visually and isn't a "design element" in the room.
(Source: Pinterest)
A modern apartment opted for something smart and sophisticated so they chose black sisal, NICE!
HARD WORKING - HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS
(Source: Pinterest)
This narrow entrance hallway in this vacation home eliminates screaming about sandy feet, wet beach towels and wet dogs whilst creating a quieter hallway when your free-loading guests are resting.
(Source: Decorpad)
I have a custom sized Chinese seagrass in my own kitchen (not shown) and I can honestly say I think I'll always have seagrass because the floor always looks clean - even when it's filthy!!! I simply brush the crumbs off the counter onto the seagrass and boom, no more crumbs! You can spill oils, water, grease, anything and it always looks perfect!
It's also great acoustically, so when you throw a temper-tantrum when your souffle flops - people won't wanna duck-n-cover...
(Source: Washington Post)
A hand-painted sisal wall-to-wall works perfectly in this laundry room, no more dusty tile, no worries if the soap-powder or a dirty diaper fall on it. It absorbs noise so you can actually be in there doing something else while the machines rumble and gush.
(Source: Houzz)
Plus, it has a "spa-ish" feeling underfoot, ooooh baby!
(Source: Photobucket)
Sisal mats by the back door are perfect for homes with kids or animals. Easy to maintain, vacuum or shakeout out occasionally and you're good to go! If it does get ruined - order a new one from Pottery Barn.
HOW TO CHOOSE A BORDER
There are lots of ways to border a sisal carpet, but it needs a border as the natural fibers will unravel. The key is to make the border simple, not overshadow the simple material.
These below are simple cotton tape borders on sisal weaves and tapes chosen to blend in with the sisal.
For custom rugs, the corners should be mitred like below, not overlapped like above, it's just a better, more tailored look
This edge treatment below is called "surged" which is sewn with a high-power machine looped around the edge.
Its pretty low-budge lookin' I think...jus sayin'
Oh hell no! Aint nobody got time for that!
NO PATTERNED TAPE BORDERS, it just looks cheap.
CUSTOMIZING A SISAL CARPET BY PAINTING IT
Want to dress up your carpet a bit?
Select a pattern or border and stencil it on, easy as pie!
CLICK HERE AND LET MARTHA STEWART SHOW YOU HOW!
SISAL CARPET RESOURCES
Sisalrugs.com
Sisalcarpet.com
Overstock.com
PotteryBarn.com
Fibreworks.com
You Can Do It, I'm Here To Help
jpdsodpb@aol.com
