Shoparound: Natural fibre floor coverings, once only for fans of the muted neutral look, have embraced contemporary style and are now available in bright modern colours, unusual mixes and new weaves.
An alternative to traditional carpets, natural fibre floor coverings offer homeowners warm tones and interesting textures.
Because they are made from plant fibres, most come in natural colours like cream, light yellow and beige. However, thanks to some innovations in dyeing techniques, they are available in a range of colours: The Natural Interior in Dublin 8, which specialises in natural fibre floor coverings, is now stocking a good range in reds, blues and even blacks.
Fibres on offer at The Natural Interior include coir, sisal, seagrass and wool. Innovation in manufacturing techniques for natural fibre floor coverings have heralded new weaving techniques and more colourful dyeing options, according to John Keegan from The Natural Interior.
Floor coverings are now available in interesting mixes such as a wool and jute mix or a wool and sisal combination offering different strength or texture options.
New techniques can now also mimic the original natural floor covering weave, bouclé, but offer a softer and more attractive product.
Some customers are drawn to natural fibre flooring, which only uses plant-based material in the manufacturing process, because of concerns about allergies.
The majority, however, are fans because of the warm and unusual textures, according to Keegan. "You can literally put natural fibre floor covering anywhere in a grand period home or a modern apartment scheme."
Most sisals are priced at €38 a sq m (€3.50 per sq ft), coir bouclé costs €23 per sq m (€2.13 per sq ft) and heavier wools and wool mixes cost €60 per sq m (€5.57 per sq ft).
The Natural Interior also offers a custom-made rug service for all floor coverings on sale. Natural fibre floor coverings look great with timber floors. Expect to pay around €500 for a 2x3 metre rug with a cotton or leather border.
• The Natural Interior, The Mill, Mill Street, Dublin 8, Tel 01 4737444
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