Splendor in the grass

This time of year, it's all I can do to keep my shoes on and resist the temptation to romp barefoot through every patch of grass I can find. Whether it's a clipped green lawn or the sight of tall waving beach reeds, grasses have a sensuous, summertime attitude that many find highly attractive. Fortunately, a growing trend to decorate with natural materials such as grasses, leaves and reeds means that nature's bounty is nearly as plentiful indoors as out.

Wallcoverings - Grasscloth

Once you understand the intricate procedures required to produce grasscloth, a woven wall covering, you may be unable to pass an application without giving it a closer look. According to Peter Gallen, Style-Trends Director of International Wallcoverings, a Canadian wallcovering manufacturer and distributor, "Grasses, like any harvested material, are subject to all sorts of primitive uncertainties such as bad weather and poor harvesting - conditions that only serve to enhance the product's allure." Most designers agree that the inherent variations in colour and texture, due in part to natural growing processes, are an essential part of the material's charm. Though woven grasses have been used as a wall covering for generations, the production remains largely a cottage industry in China and Korea.

How it's made

The skills to weave grasscloth are acquired by patient experience. Gathering the arrowroots, from which grass cloth is made; a farmer cuts the vines and prepares them in coils. From there, it is primarily village women who, while standing in thigh-deep rapid running streams, wash and "comb" the reeds using the current of the swift water. After drying and bleaching on racks, the fibres are combed again and prepared for weaving. Once the weaving process is complete, the cloth is adhered to a paper backing. Modern industrial dyes may be sprayed over the grass to obtain fade-proof quality.

"Historically grasscloth was available only in natural colours," says Gallen, "but today the ground (paper on which the grass is adhered) can be coloured in order to widen the decorative appeal of the material and reflect current trends in decorating."

Designer's Tip: Use grasscloth for interiors where a restful, contemplative atmosphere is desired.

Flooring - Natural Matting

Some of the most versatile, interesting flooring on the market today is woven from natural fibres. No doubt production techniques have improved since the ancient Egyptians created mats from weaving bulrushes. "Seagrass, sisal, coir, jute, and rush are currently much in demand," according to Laura Fowler, sales associate at Perfection Rug Co. Ltd. of Toronto. Natural fibre weaves are a serious alternative to carpeting. However, materials vary widely in performance so it's important to understand merits and limitations before making a purchase."

Sisal

The most versatile and popular of the natural fibre matting comes from the agave sisalana, a dark green bush grown in the subtropics, commonly referred to as sisal. The advantages of sisal are many including characteristic honey colour, which contrasts beautifully with wood floors and an aptitude for weaving into a variety of patterns. Sisal's ability to readily accept dyes also accounts for its largest disadvantage; a susceptibility to staining. Sisal can be treated with a fibre seal to slow absorbency rate.

Many find the texture and feel of sisal to be scratchy underfoot and I've found either clients love it or hate it. Sisal is equally at home in a Rosedale manor or a downtown loft. It is not, however, a good choice in rooms where children play on the floor.

Designer's Tip: Overlap tapes or borders of leather, jute, or linen serve to define sisal area rugs and create a dynamic finish.

Seagrass

Unlike sisal, seagrass is smooth and almost slippery underfoot. The crop is grown like rice in paddies and flooded with seawater during growing season, producing a waxy leaf that ultimately repels water and staining to some degree. The waxy leaf however will not accept dyes so the colour is limited to its natural brown and greenish hues. Seagrass can be woven with contrasting threads of jute or sisal to add interest. I use seagrass frequently at front and back doors over hardwood, stone, or ceramic floors, but I caution clients it will likely need replacing in three years. The latex backing, which lends stability, also catches dirt allowing for a thorough cleaning using a standard vacuum.

Designer's Tip: If you wish to use seagrass on stairs, make sure grain is parallel to the tread; otherwise it's too slippery.

Prices and other details

Like other types of wool or synthetic carpeting, sisal and seagrass are typically sold from a roll in 13-foot-2-inch widths. Though prices vary widely depending on pattern and composition sisal, seagrass, coir, and jute, can be purchased for as little as $30 per square yard up to $150 per square yard. Coarser weaves such as Kesav, a type of banana leaf, can also be woven into area carpets and have the look of a thicker "horse's braid." Coir is most commonly used in welcome mats due to its rough and scratchy texture.

Window coverings - Bamboo or Matchstick blinds

Bamboo or matchstick blinds are an ideal window covering in tight places where draperies would take up too much wall space. Not only are these blinds economical, they are also resistant to humidity and moisture, and come in either natural or stained finishes, making them highly serviceable. Natural finishes are typically variegated in colouring ranging from deep brown to pale maple.

Bamboo blinds can be mounted inside or outside the window casing. Inside mounted window coverings leave room for a valance or draperies. Outside mounting makes windows appear larger. To determine the width for an inside mount, measure in three places; record the narrowest width. For height, measure in three places, and use the longest length. To determine the width for an outside mount, measure from the left outside edge of the frame to the right outside edge. For the height, measure from the top outside edge to the bottom outside edge. Many blinds come in stock lengths, so choose the standard length closest to your measurement.

Designer's Tip: Paired with linen or patterned draperies, matchstick or bamboo blinds are perennially pleasing and quite affordable.

Sources

Wallcoverings:

• Asian Influence, a collection of grasscloth and other natural, textured papers is available from Provincial-Decorlux Wallcoverings. Call 1-800-361-6720 for a retailer near you.
• International Wallcoverings: 1-800-361-6720

Flooring:

• For more detailed information on natural matting and floors in general, pick up a copy of Floors, A Design Source Book, by Elizabeth Wilhide, published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang.
• Perfection Rug Co. Ltd.: 160 Pears Ave., Suite 410, Toronto, ON, 416-920-5900

Matchstick blinds:

• Many import retailers carry matchstick and bamboo blinds. My favourite is W H Kilby & Co. Ltd.: 416-656-1065